Bookkeeper

What does a bookkeeper do?

Bookkeepers keep day-to-day financial records. They enter sales and expenses, pay bills, send invoices, reconcile bank accounts and prepare basic reports. Some handle payroll. Many small businesses use a part-time or freelance bookkeeper rather than a full-time employee, which can suit people who want flexible work.

Typical responsibilities

• Record income and expenses in accounting software
• Process accounts payable and accounts receivable
• Reconcile bank and credit card statements
• Prepare basic financial reports for owners or accountants
• Track receipts and keep organized records
• Assist with payroll in some roles

Skills and qualifications

Useful skills

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Comfort with numbers and spreadsheets
• Accounting software
• Organization
• Discretion with confidential information
• Clear communication with owners and accountants

Common qualifications

• A high school diploma is often enough; some employers prefer accounting coursework
• Experience with common small-business accounting software
• Voluntary bookkeeping certifications exist and can help freelancers show their skills
• On-the-job training is common

Working conditions

Where the work happens

Small businesses, accounting firms, nonprofits and medical offices. Freelance bookkeepers often work from home for several clients.

Physical demands

Mostly seated computer work.

Remote work

Sometimes available, depending on the employer. Remote bookkeeping jobs

Part-time work

Common. Many listings offer it. Part-time bookkeeping jobs

Pay

Pay varies by employer and location, and we don't estimate it. Current listings that state pay show it on each job. For national figures, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (opens in a new tab).

How to get started

1. Identify the financial tasks you have done before, such as budgets, invoices, expense reports or payroll.
2. Take an introductory course in bookkeeping basics and a widely used accounting software package; community colleges and online programs offer these.
3. Practice by setting up a sample company in the software and reconciling a few months of made-up transactions.
4. Start with part-time or temporary roles, or offer to help a small nonprofit, to build recent experience.
5. If you plan to freelance, learn the basics of contracts and invoicing, and check your state's rules for running a small business.

Experience that transfers

• Office management: Paying bills, handling invoices and tracking budgets are core bookkeeping tasks.
• Retail management: Cash handling, inventory and daily sales reports translate well.
• Banking: Reconciling accounts and accuracy with money are already familiar.
• Running a small business: You have likely kept your own books and know what owners need.

Frequently asked questions