To become a professional Bookkeeper (PB), one must have a high school diploma or an equivalent educational qualification and the ability to follow directions. The knowledge and ability to calculate sums, solve complex problems and perform basic accounting functions is required.
To get the skills you must take a specific exam given by either a bookkeeping school or professional certification companies. This exam covers many of the same subjects as the certification test for accountants and is designed to be easier than the latter. Once you are certified as a bookkeeper, you can hire yourself out as a bookkeeper to other businesses, which will pay you on a contract basis based on the work you provide them with.
To obtain professional bookkeeper certification, there are several things you must do. The first step is to complete the course that is offered by the bookkeeping or accounting school. There are some bookkeepers who have completed their bookkeeping training in a short period of time, while others need to take a long course, such as one that covers a number of subjects. Once you have completed the course, the next step is to take a test that measures your knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping. Many bookkeeping schools offer a free mock test and some professional accounting schools also offer tests that are comparable to the actual exam.
You can find both tests at the library of the Universal Accounting School. After you have passed the examination and received your certificate you can apply for employment as a bookkeeper. To be accepted by a bookkeeper's agency, you will be required to complete a background check. The purpose of this background check is to verify that you are honest with the agencies, that you are financially responsible, and that you can handle the responsibilities of a bookkeeper. The agency will conduct a number of interviews with prospective employees to determine if they will be a good fit and then you will be hired.
Once you are employed by a bookkeeper's agency, you will have access to a variety of accounting records and you will be responsible for ensuring that they are properly maintained. You will work closely with your supervisor and will have access to all the books and accounts. You will also receive a paycheck that is usually based on a percentage of the total number of days you worked. If the company is making an accounting profit. When the business is losing money you will be paid less money.
In addition to the certification program, you can complete additional courses in bookkeeping and bookkeeper's law at an online college, or you can complete bookkeeper's certification programs offered by an accounting or bookkeeping school. If you are considering becoming a bookkeeper, you should be aware of the options that are available to you, so that you can make the best decision about which path to take for your future career. Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_accounting.
