Unlock Your Career Potential: Bookkeeping Course for Job Seekers

Bookkeepers play a huge role in keeping small and large businesses up-to-date with their finances. Bookkeeping ties into just about every aspect of finances, so you need a good set of foundational skills to jumpstart your career and stand out among the competition. 

A Bookkeeping program created by an industry leader in Tax and Bookkeeping can prove your knowledge and show prospective employers that you know how to accurately update their books, manage payroll, prepare financial statements, and more.

Read more below to learn how to get a bookkeeping certificate or badge and how it can help you upgrade your career in the bookkeeping industry.

What is a bookkeeping certificate or badge?

A bookkeeping certificate or a badge shows that you have gained the knowledge necessary to complete bookkeeping jobs. You can earn bookkeeping certificates through many different educational institutions and organizations specifically focused on accrediting bookkeepers. 

Simple bookkeeping certificates are offered for people who are just getting started with bookkeeping. In addition, more intensive bookkeeping certifications are available for those who want to level up in their careers. 

Two of the most popular bookkeeping accreditation organizations are the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). They provide the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) and the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) programs, respectively.

Another popular option is to earn a bookkeeping badge from Intuit Academy which can open doors to bookkeeping and accounting careers.

Do you need a certificate or badge to be a bookkeeper?

You don’t necessarily need a certificate to become a bookkeeper. However, many employers want applicants with credentials showing they have bookkeeping skills necessary to complete the job.

In today’s job market, having a bookkeeping certificate or a badge from Intuit Academy can increase your career opportunities. With the foundational skills learned through online courses and certificate programs, you can become a bookkeeping professional and stand out among the competition. You can also use a bookkeeping certificate to negotiate better job terms. For example, you may be able to get a better salary or more benefits. In the case of Intuit Academy, the Bookkeeping badge helps you stand out to Intuit recruiters.

How to get a bookkeeping certificate?

The first step to getting a bookkeeping certificate is to research the various bookkeeping training options. You can attend some colleges in your area or enroll in online bookkeeping classes via online accreditation organizations or other online bookkeeping courses. Some programs will include the course and exam, or you can take a variety of courses and then pass the exam with an accrediting organization separately.

Once you choose a program or class, you can enroll. You will have to complete some coursework or bookwork. Some classes are on a strict schedule, while others are self-paced. Some programs will also require that you complete on-the-job hours, so you may wish to take courses to earn an entry-level position that can be used to gain experience.

When you complete the course and on-the-job training, you will need to pass an exam to test your skills. Some organizations will also require that you complete continuing education to keep you up-to-date on new practices and skills. You may have to complete a certain number of hours per year. Look into the requirements to keep your certification in good standing.

Online bookkeeping courses

There are a number of free and affordable options if you choose to take a bookkeeping course online. One of the best free bookkeeping courses is from AccountingCoach, LLC. There are plenty of easy-to-use free materials with extras available with the paid version. 

LinkedIn Learning also has courses that explore the bookkeeping basics. You can get a one-month free trial, and there are more units available at the end to dive into more advanced topics.

The Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Program is a great option for beginners. It allows you to learn about the subjects while completing a project that helps you build your portfolio. You can earn your badge by taking the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping exam. If you’re confident with your bookkeeping or accounting knowledge, you can take the exam directly, or you can take the course as optional preparation material for the exam. 

How long does it take to get a bookkeeping certificate?

The length of your bookkeeping certification journey will vary widely based on your choice of education. If you want to earn a bookkeeping certificate through a college, you may end up spending one to two years to complete the program. 

However, online programs can be a lot quicker. For example, the bookkeeping program through Intuit Academy entails about 40 hours of content and 1 hour of exam to complete. That said, it is a self-paced course, so you can go as fast or slow as you’d like.

If you choose to become certified through an accreditation organization, you will need to continue your education past the end of your course to meet annual education requirements provided by the issuing associations, which is an ongoing commitment.

Intuit Academy Bookkeeping course

The Intuit Academy Bookkeeping program is specifically designed for people without prior experience in the bookkeeping field or who have not yet pursued other educational opportunities. You can enroll in the class without any bookkeeping knowledge. It is a self-paced course  that takes around three months to complete, assuming less than four hours of study per week.

Some topics explored include:

• The accounting cycle and financial statements
• Tracking assets and creating reports for businesses
• Liabilities and changes in equity
• How to analyze financial statements to help with business decisions

Throughout the course, you will complete a project that showcases your skills to start building a portfolio you can use during your job search. After completing the coursework, you should have all the knowledge necessary to pass the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping exam. 

Your Intuit Academy Bookkeeping badge can be used to show any employer or client that you have an understanding of bookkeeping and accounting. It also opens up the possibility of becoming a remote QuickBooks Live bookkeeper with Intuit.

What jobs can I get with a bookkeeping certificate or Intuit Academy Badge?

Overall, obtaining a bookkeeping certificate or badge can unlock new career paths in the accounting industry and provide valuable skills that employers seek in candidates. You can use a bookkeeping certificate to kickstart your career as a bookkeeper. If you’ve been a bookkeeper in the past, a certificate can help you find more lucrative jobs that might pay more. In addition, you have the opportunity to start your own business as a bookkeeper or take on freelance clients. Some bookkeepers also use their skills to get hired as consultants that work with companies to train their in-house departments.

Intuit remote bookkeeping opportunities

If you take the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Course, you may qualify for remote bookkeeping job opportunities with QuickBooks Live. These positions allow you to work from home and set your schedule as long as it’s within the regular hours of QuickBooks Live. 

You work directly with clients and small businesses to help manage their QuickBooks accounts and bookkeeping processes. For example, you might help them set up their books, complete monthly updates, or run reports. 

Requirements for becoming a QuickBooks Live bookkeeper include:

• At least three years of recent paid experience as a bookkeeper OR the completion of the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping exam 
• Have a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification
• At least 1 year of experience with the QuickBooks Online software (those with desktop don’t qualify)
• Proficiency in technology and computer skills
• Customer service skills and ability to video chat with clients
• Ability to work without supervision

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).

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. 

Currently, there are three types of positions available for QuickBooks Live bookkeepers:

Associate Bookkeeper (Remote/ Year Round)

• 1+ years domain experience
• a minimum of 1 year of experience working within QuickBooks Online
• QuickBooks Online Pro Certification Required 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Client-Facing Expert Bookkeeper (Remote/ Year Round)

• 3+ years of recent bookkeeping experience
• A minimum of 3+ years of recent experience working within QuickBooks Online
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required
• QuickBooks Online Pro Certification required
• Ability to interact with clients through video and audio tools in a way that is professional, friendly, and reassuring
• Proficient in QBO navigation and various workflows including A/R, A/P, payroll, sales tax, financial reporting, 3rd party apps integration, and banking functions to name a few.

Back Office Expert Bookkeeper (Remote/ Year Round)

• 3+ years recent bookkeeping experience
• A minimum of 3+ years of recent experience working within QuickBooks Online
• Credentials/Certifications: QB Pro Certification Required
• Proficient in QBO navigation and various workflows including A/R, A/P, payroll, sales tax, financial reporting, 3rd party apps integration, and banking functions to name a few.

Available tax jobs for people who are interested to transition to tax side

QuickBooks Live bookkeepers also have the flexibility to move between different domains within the Intuit expert team. Tax jobs are available for those who want to open up the possibilities within the finance world. As a tax expert, you would assist people using the TurboTax software.

Tax preparers can also work from home on a flexible schedule. You must have experience working as a tax professional for at least three tax seasons. Jobs are available for certified public accountants, tax attorneys, and other tax experts. Some tax jobs include Tax Associate, Tax Expert, Team Lead, and Manager.

Here are the positions that are currently available for you to apply. 

Tax Associate (Remote/Seasonal)

• Minimum 2 seasons of paid tax preparation experience, with a minimum of 30 tax returns per tax year required.
• If you have the Intuit Academy Tax Level 1 badge, then you only need 1 year of paid tax prep experience with 30 tax returns per season. 
• Prior tax preparation experience in a tax practice or retail setting 
• Ability/motivation to expand expertise and obtain a tax credential or certification — Intuit offers a program for obtaining your enrolled agent (EA) credential
• Knowledge of tax laws and tax concepts and familiarity with Form 1040 and schedules
• Preparer tax identification number (PTIN) required

Credentialed Tax Expert (Remote/Seasonal)

• Possess active unrestricted credential: EA, certified public accountant (CPA)
• Possess or be able to obtain any related state licenses, certificates, permits, or bonds
• Possess active PTIN
• Have 2 or more years of recent experience preparing federal and state individual 1040 tax returns for clients/customers, using commercial tax preparation software
• Bilingual a plus

Bilingual Spanish Tax Expert (Remote/ Seasonal)

• Possess active unrestricted credential: EA (Enrolled Agent), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or Practicing Attorney
• 2 or more years of recent experience preparing federal and state individual 1040 tax returns for clients/customers, using commercial tax preparation software
• Possess or be able to obtain any related State licenses, certificates, permits or bonds
• Possess active PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills (written & spoken) required

Verdict – Is a bookkeeping certificate worth it?

Getting a bookkeeping certificate is a great way to improve your skills and helps you stand out when searching for jobs. Many employers want proof that you have the knowledge necessary to keep their books in order. 

While you can get started with an entry-level bookkeeping job without any certification, certificates can help you get higher-paying jobs. The average salary for a certified bookkeeper is around $55,000 per year, and the average salary for a non-certified bookkeeper is around $45,000 per year.

If you currently work as an in-house bookkeeper, gaining a certification may help you get a raise or improve your benefits. As a freelance bookkeeper, a certificate can open up many possibilities for acquiring new clients or raising your rates.

You can also use a bookkeeping certificate to get you started in other finance areas. For example, you might use a bookkeeping course to learn about the fundamentals of accounting to become an accountant in the future. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been a bookkeeper for 20 years, a certificate can help you upgrade or refresh your knowledge to level up your career. Consider earning your Intuit Academy badge with the QuickBooks bookkeeping program to get started.