Dreaming of a flexible career you can build from anywhere? Or looking for a way to break into the finance industry without a four-year degree? Becoming a bookkeeper offers a clear path to a high-demand role with the freedom to work from home, for a firm, or for yourself.
Bookkeepers are an essential part of any business. They ensure that business financial records are up to date and accurate, helping companies make financial decisions and grow their businesses. There are often opportunities for in-house bookkeepers, remote bookkeepers, or freelance bookkeepers. Continue reading to learn about bookkeeping, typical responsibilities, how to become a bookkeeper, and remote bookkeeping opportunities with Intuit. You’ll also learn how to get started with QuickBooks Live in the US and kickstart your bookkeeping career with an Intuit Bookkeeping Certification.
Key points
- Bookkeeping is a great entry point into finance, with no degree required and opportunities across all industries.
- Core responsibilities include recording transactions, reconciling accounts, managing payroll, and preparing financial reports.
- Certifications from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), or Intuit Academy can boost credibility and expand your career options.
- Hands-on experience from internships, volunteering, or freelancing builds skills and client trust.
- Virtual bookkeeping offers flexibility, with opportunities to grow just like in traditional roles.
What is bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is a part of the accounting process that involves recording financial transactions. This could include how a business tracks client invoices, bills, receipts, or other purchases. Bookkeeping may also involve creating financial statements and processing payroll.
A business’s bookkeeping process may vary based on its type and size, accounting methods, and tech tools it uses. But consistent bookkeeping makes it easier to:
- Access detailed financial information quickly and easily
- Make educated financial decisions based on the business’s current financial situation
- Prepare for tax season and possible audits
Every business approaches bookkeeping differently. Smaller companies may use single-entry bookkeeping, where each transaction is recorded once. Larger companies typically use double-entry bookkeeping, where each transaction is recorded twice—once as a debit, once as a credit—to maintain balance.
Business owners support their bookkeepers by following clear processes to keep records accurate. Separating personal and business finances, for example, is key.
What does a bookkeeper do?
Bookkeepers are responsible for recording financial transactions related to the business. While most bookkeepers work with businesses, some Most bookkeepers work with businesses, though some individuals hire them to manage personal finances. A bookkeeper’s main responsibility is to accurately record income and expenses, but the role sometimes extends into compliance and day-to-day financial management.
Typical tasks include:
- Recording transactions: Bookkeepers track and categorize every sale, payment, and expense, whether from a receipt, invoice, or online bank feed. Some bookkeepers use third-party apps to keep things organized and automate this work.
- Reconciling accounts: Bookkeepers regularly double-check accounts to ensure everything matches, keeping records clean and the business audit-ready. This might involve comparing bank statements to the books and cleaning up discrepancies.
- Managing payroll: From cutting paychecks to handling withholdings and payroll taxes, bookkeepers make sure employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Preparing financial reports: Business owners need a clear view of their financial performance. Bookkeepers compile reports, such as cash flow statements and balance sheets, so leaders can make informed decisions.
The more you work with business finances, the more you build skills that open doors. Many bookkeepers grow into higher-paying roles, take on more complex clients, or branch out and run their own practice.
How to become a bookkeeper in 4 steps
You don’t need a degree to get started, but you do need the right skills, tools, and mindset. Whether you’re starting from scratch or switching careers, here’s how to break into bookkeeping one step at a time.
1. Get appropriate education and training
Bookkeepers are not required to have certifications or specific education unless required by a specific employer. So, a high school diploma or GED is typically enough to get started.
But many employers require additional education, such as a college degree. You may consider earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration. While this takes longer and costs more money, it may potentially open the door to higher-level jobs. Self-taught bookkeepers often turn to courses, seminars, books, and other online resources to learn about bookkeeping and accounting. You can also learn how to use accounting software, like QuickBooks, to learn the basics of bookkeeping and the technology many businesses use.
2. Attain bookkeeping certifications
Many organizations offer bookkeeping certification programs. Formal certifications include those offered by the NACPB and the AIPB.
To earn the NACPB’s Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) certification, you must complete the Accounting Fundamentals course and pass the Uniform Bookkeeping Certification exam. To advance to a licensed CPB, you must complete required courses, gain professional experience, and agree to the CPB Professional Code of Conduct.
The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) program from the AIPB requires you to be a working bookkeeper or have at least one year of accounting education. The program involves either self-teaching workbooks or an instructor-led online program to prepare you for the CB exam.
Many programs will provide certificates to show that you have completed the course. Some provide free and low-cost resources, while others may be more expensive but provide more knowledge.
Intuit Academy offers courses that teach bookkeeping basics, and successful test-takers may use their badge and certificates for education and career advancement. Your Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional badge demonstrates to employers or clients that you understand bookkeeping and accounting. It also opens the possibility of becoming a remote QuickBooks Live bookkeeper with Intuit.
| Certifying body | Cost | Time to complete | Renewal requirements |
| NACPB (Certified Public Bookkeeper Certification) | $399–$499 (exam + prep course) | Self-paced; ~1–3 months | No renewal requirement listed |
| NACPB (Certified Public Bookkeeper License) | $400–$500 for CPB program | ~12 months | Annual fee + 24 hours of continued professional education (CPE) |
| AIPB (Certified Bookkeeper) | Exam and material fees vary; course/study costs range from $254–$1,495 | ~99 hours (instructor-led) or self-paced studies | Recertification every 3 years |
| Intuit Academy (Bookkeeping Professional badge) | Free | ~30 hours total | No renewal requirement listed |
3. Develop essential skills
To succeed as a bookkeeper, you’ll need a mix of technical know-how and soft skills. Here’s what to focus on:
- Double-entry accounting: This is the foundation of bookkeeping. Every transaction affects at least two accounts, and keeping them in balance is key. Recording a sale, for example, increases both revenue and cash.
- Software proficiency: Get comfortable with tools like QuickBooks, Excel, and other accounting platforms. They’ll help you work faster and more accurately.
- Payroll basics: Know how to calculate wages, handle withholdings, and stay compliant with payroll tax laws.
- Attention to detail: Bookkeeping is all about precision. Catching small errors early can save time and prevent big issues later.
- Analytical skills: Go beyond data entry. Strong bookkeepers spot trends, flag inconsistencies, and help businesses make informed decisions.
4. Gain experience
You don’t need years in the field to get started. You just need the right opportunities to build your expertise.
Look for internships with small businesses or accounting firms where you can learn on the job. Volunteering to do the books for a local nonprofit or community group is another great way to sharpen your skills. You can also pick up freelance gigs to get hands-on experience with real clients and real numbers.
Remote bookkeeping is yet another way to gain experience. For example, QuickBooks Live offers virtual roles where you can support small businesses from home.
Virtual bookkeeping career path
As more people move to working from home, freelancing, or starting their own businesses, you may want to explore how to become a virtual bookkeeper. A virtual bookkeeper must meet the same educational requirements as an in-house or in-person bookkeeper, which means you can leverage the same educational opportunities mentioned above.
Here are a few essentials for a successful virtual bookkeeping career:
- A quality remote work setup: Most virtual bookkeepers work from home, so a reliable internet connection and a quiet, distraction-free workspace are key. Many companies, including Intuit, provide the gear you’ll need, such as a laptop, webcam, headset, and secure access tools.
- Bookkeeping platforms: Virtual bookkeeping runs on cloud-based tools. QuickBooks Online is an industry standard, but you may also use apps for time tracking, invoicing, payroll, and secure file sharing. QuickBooks certification can give you a big leg up.
- Communication skills: You’ll spend a lot of time talking with clients, answering questions, and explaining reports in plain language. Being responsive, clear, and professional—whether on video, chat, or email—builds trust and strengthens relationships.
If you want to be a freelance virtual bookkeeper, you can sign up for freelance marketplace websites to connect with potential clients. Freelance jobs can range from quick temporary projects to long-term employment. However, they may be less likely to offer training or educational opportunities. Intuit has many opportunities for bookkeepers to continue their career growth trajectory, including various remote roles with QuickBooks Live.
Career growth and outlook
Bookkeeping remains a valuable entry point into finance, but the career path is evolving. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to decline slightly (by 6% from 2024 to 2034) as software automates more routine tasks.
Many bookkeepers start out managing basic transactions and then move into roles with more responsibility, like financial reporting or tax preparation. With experience and additional certifications, you can branch into accounting or specialize in areas like small business finance or nonprofit bookkeeping.
The rise of virtual work has also expanded access to opportunities nationwide. You don’t need to live in a major city to build a successful career. What matters most is your ability to help clients understand their finances. If you’re organized, good with numbers, and ready to learn, bookkeeping offers a flexible path into a growing field—possibly without a degree.
Start learning and launch your bookkeeping career
Becoming a bookkeeper takes focus, but it doesn’t require years of schooling. With the right skills, training, and real-world experience, you can build a flexible career that fits your life. From internships and freelance projects to virtual opportunities, there are many ways to get started and grow.
If you’re considering a remote path, QuickBooks Live is one example of how virtual bookkeeping roles can look in practice. QuickBooks Live connects bookkeepers with small businesses needing help with their books. Bookkeepers in these roles help clients stay on track by setting up accounts, categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and more.
Set a schedule that works for you, then use Intuit’s client portal to meet with customers. Video and chat features make reviewing transactions and answering questions straightforward. Apply now and discover how bookkeeping jobs at Intuit can empower you to do the best work of your life.
FAQs about becoming a bookkeeper
Can you specialize in bookkeeping for a specific industry?
Absolutely. Many bookkeepers specialize in industries like health care, retail, or construction, allowing them to offer tailored financial insights and services. Specializing helps you deeply understand industry-specific regulations, accounting practices, and business challenges, which makes you more valuable and trusted by clients in that sector.
Are there ongoing requirements to keeping your bookkeeping credentials?
Yes, many bookkeeping credentials, like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB), require ongoing education to stay current. Typically, you must complete annual continuing professional education (CPE) credits or renew your certification periodically.
Do bookkeeping workloads change throughout the year (similar to tax preparers)?
Bookkeeping workloads often fluctuate based on business cycles and financial reporting deadlines. Periods like year-end closing, tax time, and quarterly reporting generally see increased activity. During quieter times, bookkeepers may focus more on routine tasks, catching up on training, or helping clients prepare for busier seasons.