How to Become a Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers record financial transactions, manage accounts, and prepare financial reports for organizations. Unlike other accounting positions, the bookkeeping profession focuses on recordkeeping rather than analysis.

The simpler duties make bookkeeping an accessible entry-level career. While you need organizational skills and attention to detail, you can enter the field with minimal education and learn accounting fundamentals on the job. Some start with just a few accounting courses, while others pursue bookkeeping certificates and accounting degrees.

Discover typical career pathways, credentials, and required experience to get started in bookkeeping.

Steps to a Bookkeeper Career

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED Certificate: Bookkeepers typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate for employment.
2. Take Accounting Courses: Bookkeeping courses or certificate programs provide training on bookkeeping fundamentals, such as payroll, taxation, and financial statements.
3. Consider an Accounting Degree: While not always required, an accounting associate or bachelor's degree can prepare you for more advanced roles and responsibilities.
4. Complete On-the-Job Training: Many bookkeeping duties are job specific, allowing you to learn by doing. You may learn new bookkeeping processes, tools, and software at your place of work.
5. Consider a Professional Certification: Bookkeepers do not usually need certifications, but some employers may require specific credentials.

Required Education for a Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping has no mandatory educational requirements, but many employers prefer to hire candidates with high school diplomas and some bookkeeping credits at the college level. Studying tax preparation, financial reporting, and accounting software could give you a competitive advantage over other job-seekers.

You can also complete these courses in a bookkeeping certificate program or an accounting associate degree. These programs could grant you access to more responsibilities, such as financial reporting and basic analysis. They can also lead to more advanced education and larger roles like accounting management.

Required Credentials for Bookkeepers

The bookkeeping field does not mandate any certifications or licenses, but there are some credentials that employers prefer to see. For example, certifications like the certified bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Public Bookkeepers (AIPB) and certified public bookkeeper (CPB) from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) can demonstrate your high level of understanding and experience to employers.

Optional Certifications and Degrees

Most bookkeeping certifications and degrees are optional but useful. Certifications, for example, can help you stand out in the job market by showcasing your experience and commitment to the profession. They may also lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries.

To earn the CB credential, you need to pass the four-part national certification exam and have at least 2,000 hours of bookkeeping experience. For the CPB credential, you must complete the four-course/exam program and have at least nine months of specialized experience. CPBs must renew their licenses annually and complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education courses.

Earning a more advanced degree, like a bachelor's in accounting, can also improve your career opportunities and earning potential. A more comprehensive education can prepare you to take on more responsibilities and could help you advance through the professional ranks more quickly. According to April 2025 Payscale data, bachelor's graduates earn an average base salary of $82,000, $25,000 more than associate degree graduates. Note, however, that both of these figures reflect data with fewer than 50 respondents.

Required Experience for a Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers don't usually need experience to enter the profession, but it's often required for those who want to advance and take on more senior roles and responsibilities. For entry-level positions, employers typically provide on-the-job training for new and inexperienced bookkeepers.

Sometimes, a bachelor's in accounting can substitute for experience. Bachelor's programs may offer internships and practicums that allow you to gain experience while completing your degree.

Should I Become a Bookkeeper?

The bookkeeping profession may not be the best long-term career choice, but it plays an important role in the overall accounting career trajectory.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeepers earned a median annual salary of $49,210 as of May 2024, slightly less than the median salary for all occupations. The BLS also projects a 5% decline in employment for the profession from 2023-2033.

Still, the high number of jobs and limited requirements make bookkeeping a strong entry point into the accounting field. While working as a bookkeeper, you can gain experience in tax preparation, auditing, and even financial analysis, which is useful when you decide to advance your career.

The Job Hunt

You can access many helpful job search resources while studying. Aim to network during your internship and with your classmates, faculty members, and program alumni. Most colleges and universities have job fairs and career services departments, as well.

Professional bookkeeping and accounting associations also offer effective job search help by providing networking opportunities, career tips and advice, and professional development workshops. Many even host internal job boards.

Here are some of the most popular bookkeeper job boards:

• Accounting Jobs Today: This site features accounting-related job posts from across the country, plus career coaching and industry resources.
• American Accounting Association Career Center: AAA's Career Center lists accounting and bookkeeping job posts, information on top employers, and career advice.
• iHireAccounting: Offering access to more than 65,000 job posts, resume assistance, and professional development resources, iHireAccounting offers ample support to accounting job-seekers.
• AIPB Job Board: As one of the only job boards specific to bookkeeping, AIPB's Job Board lets you search for openings or post your resume for employers.

Upward Mobility

A bookkeeping career allows you to develop a foundation in accounting and financial management. Your experience tracking transactions and managing accounts can help you move into more advanced accounting and auditor careers.

Accountant

Accountants analyze and prepare financial records and reports to ensure accuracy and compliance. While bookkeepers record transactions, accountants analyze them and help organizations make decisions based on their findings. The two professions work with many of the same data, accounts, and software, which makes bookkeeping an effective stepping stone into accounting.

Average Annual Salary (April 2025): $58,550

Auditor

Auditors review organizations' financial data for accuracy, compliance, and fraud purposes. They look for errors, proper preparation, and potential financial waste. Since auditors often look at the records tracked and prepared by bookkeepers, the bookkeeping profession can help prepare aspiring auditors to advance in their field.

Average Annual Salary (April 2025): $64,870

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