What does a bookkeeper do?
Bookkeepers help ensure organizations have accurate financial data when seeking credit, filing taxes, preparing budgets and completing other tasks. Some may work within a company’s in-house accounting department, overseeing financial transactions. These professionals may also process payroll, prepare customer invoices and submit vendor payments for services or materials.
Others may work for an accounting or bookkeeping firm that handles company ledgers for multiple clients. Professionals in these environments can likely benefit from strong time management and organizational skills.
Bookkeeper skills and qualifications
Strong candidates often demonstrate computer proficiency, time management and financial reporting skills, which may be important for success in this role. Basic cash flow analysis or attention to detail are also valuable competencies that set top candidates apart.
You might list these skills in your bookkeeper job description:
- Basic knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting methods, including double-entry bookkeeping, accrual accounting and cash accounting
- Strong math skills to calculate debits and credits to accounts and complete account reconciliations
- Experience entering transactions into accounting software programs, such as QuickBooks and Xero
- Ability to use spreadsheets and accounting software to produce key financial reports, such as income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, accounts payable (AP) statements and accounts receivable (AR) statements
- Understanding of basic tax liabilities, including payroll and sales tax
- Familiarity with laws and regulations related to the preparation of financial statements
- Analytical skills to identify errors or discrepancies
- Communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with accounting team members
Bookkeeper experience requirements
Candidates can develop bookkeeping skills by working in positions that involve recording transactions, performing financial calculations or reconciling accounts. For example, candidates may have worked as data entry clerks, AP specialists, AC specialists and tax preparers.
Candidates may also develop relevant skills through volunteer positions. For example, serving as a community or school group treasurer may involve bookkeeping duties.
Bookkeeper education and training requirements
Bookkeepers don’t typically need formal education. Quality candidates may have acquired skills through work history, on-the-job training with previous employers or post-secondary certificate and degree programs.
Voluntary certifications can also signal that a candidate possesses relevant skills for bookkeeper positions. These credentials typically involve meeting education and experience requirements and passing written examinations. Some common certifications for bookkeepers include Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).
Bookkeeper salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a bookkeeper is $47,427 per year. Compensation can vary based on location and a candidate’s experience, education, certification and skills.
Bookkeeper salary expectations
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Common salary:
23.36 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
8.85 -44.65 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
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Bookkeeper job description FAQs
What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Bookkeepers and accountants both support financial health and compliance for employers. Bookkeepers generally manage daily financial transactions, while accountants may develop tax mitigation strategies and conduct audits of ledgers maintained by bookkeepers.
What is the difference between a bookkeeper and a data entry clerk?
Bookkeepers and data entry clerks both manage information databases and enter detailed information into company records. However, bookkeepers prioritize financial information, while data entry clerks can work in any company department. Clerks may also digitize hard copies of paper records.
Who does a bookkeeper report to?
Depending on their business size, bookkeepers may report directly to business owners or an accounting department leader, such as the head accountant, accounting manager or data analyst.
Alternatively, a bookkeeper’s supervisor may be responsible for overseeing compliance, such as a controller or assistant controller. At larger organizations, bookkeepers may work in a team led by a senior bookkeeper or bookkeeping supervisor.
What makes a good bookkeeper job description?
To write an effective bookkeeper job description, you can list specific duties, including the types of transactions and financial reports the selected candidate will handle. Consider discussing your company’s accounting software and tools.
You might also mention the department’s structure, including the supervisor of the position. To help set your description apart, consider adding information about your company culture and the perks and benefits of joining your team.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.