Pay attention to the job description to identify which jobs are remote bookkeeping jobs and becoming a certified bookkeeper which are in-house. Learning how to become a bookkeeper is also a great career choice if you like the idea of working remotely.

becoming a certified bookkeeper

Research relevant certifications and certificates.

There are a lot of institutes that offer small business workshops, giving valuable insights on both bookkeeping and accounting. These workshops are also an opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, who may be able to give you accounting and bookkeeping tips and tricks from their own experience. This organisation offers a national certification, the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, to bookkeepers after passing an exam.

They cover financial statements, journal entries, ledger maintenance, payroll processing, and taxation. By enrolling in accredited colleges or vocational programs that offer specialized courses in accounting or bookkeeping, you can acquire the necessary skills and expertise required for the profession. While bookkeepers primarily focus on recording and organizing financial transactions, they also provide financial analysis support to the business. Bookkeepers assist in generating financial reports and statements that enable business owners and managers to analyze the company’s financial performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions. While CPB and CB credentials are recognized nationally in the United States, many other countries have bookkeeping certification programs. You can also use a bookkeeping certificate to get you started in other finance areas.

becoming a certified bookkeeper

What’s the difference between a bookkeeping certification and a certificate?

CPBs provide specialized accounting advice to their clients, often in partnership with a CPA, to present options and solutions to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed. The business world is constantly evolving, and so are the roles of financial and accounting professionals. The CPB designation is a national bookkeeping standard set and maintained by CPB Canada – the largest and fastest-growing association for professional bookkeepers in Canada. A professional bookkeeper must successfully pass an exam in advanced bookkeeping to become certified and achieve their CPB designation from CPB Canada. It’s also an excellent way to develop—or strengthen—important bookkeeping skills, such as invoicing, spreadsheets, accounts payable, and more. Legally, bookkeepers do not need to be certified or licensed to perform bookkeeping services.

What certifications are available for bookkeepers?

  • Many employers want proof that you have the knowledge necessary to keep their books in order.
  • Each article on AccountingProfessor.org is hand-edited for several dimensions by Benjamin Wann.
  • Internships can also provide ways for you to get your foot in the door with a specific organization.

The CB designation for bookkeeping is the same as what a CPA is for accounting. Every business needs a bookkeeper if they want to manage their books of accounts effectively, and to meet the requirements of filing tax returns and financial statements with their local revenue authorities. Consider joining study groups, online forums, or connecting with fellow exam takers to discuss concepts, ask questions, and share study tips. Engaging with a community of individuals pursuing the same certification can provide valuable insights, support, and motivation during your exam preparation journey.

Bookkeeping Certification Programs

Tackling the route to becoming a Certified Professional Bookkeeper might seem daunting, especially if you perceive a gap between your current experience and the qualifications required. CPB designation in Canada requires adherence to a professional code of conduct. This emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, confidentiality, and a commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity. Completing the educational and experiential prerequisites culminates in sitting for the CPB exam. For me personally, one of the most valuable experiences since joining the CPB was being part of the Black Swan program and having been mentored by Ron Baker in the methods of value pricing. As the demand for qualified bookkeepers continues to rise, so does the value of the CPB certification.

Digital badges are a great way to showcase your knowledge and achievements, by allowing one-click verification of your status. If you’re interested in working remotely as a bookkeeper, applying directly or joining the Intuit Tax and Bookkeeping Talent Community may be the right move. QuickBooks Live experts who have moved up to Team Lead or Manager positions are eligible for full-time employment. All QuickBooks employees can access benefits, such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off, and a 401(k). You can get a one-month free trial, and there are more units available at the end to dive into more advanced topics. As a consequence, businesses are now demanding the services of well-qualified Bookkeepers.

It allows you to choose a program that aligns with your background and ensures that you are prepared to meet the prerequisites for certification. To qualify for the CPB certification exam, you must complete NACPB courses in accounting, payroll, and Intuit QuickBooks fundamentals. You can bypass these requirements by submitting academic transcripts that show you have already completed comparable coursework at an accredited postsecondary institution. In that case, whether you’re a freelance bookkeeper with several clients or simply looking to handle the bookkeeping for your own business, FreshBooks can help. Our cloud-based bookkeeping software solution is quick, efficient, and capable of saving you countless hours of administrative work. These exams test your knowledge of analyzing business transactions, payroll taxes, financial statements, and more.

Certification enhances your credibility with clients, employers and tax accountants, establishing you as a trustworthy professional. Many new Canadian businesses rely heavily on bookkeepers as crucial members of their professional team. Beyond the invaluable experience gained over the years, this certification has been instrumental in elevating my practice. Bookkeeping certification enhances credibility, showcases expertise, and distinguishes your business from competitors, helping attract clients and instill confidence in potential customers.

  • You’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent at minimum to be a bookkeeper—though some employers might require a degree or diploma.
  • Both certifications demonstrate your expertise and commitment, but the CB emphasizes practical experience while the CPB focuses on formal education and training.
  • To maintain a CPB license, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year.

Learn what steps are required to certified bookkeeper, from what education you need to how to complete the certification process. Bookkeepers can also obtain additional certification showing their mastery of Intuit QuickBooks, the most popular accounting software for small businesses. Consider taking the QuickBooks certified user exam or pursuing the Intuit certified bookkeeping professional credential.

Furthermore, they meticulously organize and update the general ledger to reflect the business’s current financial state. This process allows for easy retrieval of financial data and enables the generation of accurate financial statements and reports. AIPB requires CB candidates to pass all six credentialing tests in no more than three years, so this is the maximum timeline for completing examination requirements.