What are the Duties of a Bookkeeper?

Thinking about finance-related jobs, and bookkeeper caught my interest. What's involved in being a bookkeeper, and is it something you can do right after high school or need some special courses for?

Being a bookkeeper can be an interesting choice if you're intrigued by finance-related jobs. A bookkeeper primarily manages financial data for a business or individual. I can break down some of the main responsibilities for you:

1. Recording Financial Transactions: A bookkeeper tracks all income and expenses, updating records regularly. This includes logging purchases, sales, receipts, and payments, ensuring accuracy in the entries.

2. Managing Accounts: They are responsible for maintaining all financial accounts, including checking, savings, and loan accounts.

3. Preparing Financial Statements: They make balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements so businesses can understand their financial standing.

4. Reconcile Accounts: A key responsibility is ensuring all financial records align with bank statements and finding any discrepancies that may arise.

5. Invoicing & Follow-up: They often handle invoicing, making sure clients are billed accurately, on time, and followed up on for any outstanding payments.

6. Payroll: If the business has employees, the bookkeeper will often handle payroll, ensuring everyone gets paid on time and the necessary deductions made.

7. Tax Preparation: Bookkeepers stay up-to-date with relevant tax laws and procedures. They help the business in preparing and filing tax returns, maintaining comprehensive records to facilitate this process.

While high school graduation is a generally acceptable minimum educational requirement, having some specialized knowledge can certainly bolster your prospects. Many community or technical colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in bookkeeping or accounting. Some employers might also prefer candidates who are certified bookkeepers. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers provide certifications that can make you more competitive in the job market.

Do keep in mind though, while it is possible to start right after high school, some employers might prefer some form of post-secondary education or certification. Experience, especially hands-on experience with financial software, can also be a significant advantage. It's advisable to look into internship or entry-level opportunities to build this experience.