This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase.Wondering how to become a bookkeeper from home?
Would you like to learn how to start this work-from-home career even if you don’t have previous experience?
In this post, I’ll share all that you need to know about this online hustle.
Did you know bookkeeping is one of the most lucrative online jobs that you can do within the comfort of your home?
It’s a profitable online business that entails low overhead.
With a start-up cost that’s close to nothing yet you can earn up to $80 an hour, it pays to learn bookkeeping at home.
Even if you have zero knowledge in bookkeeping, even if you have no professional experience in this field, you can make it work.
Which is why bookkeeping is one of the best online jobs for moms.
If you want to get started in this in-demand and high-paying online gig, here’s how.
In this article, we will get to know the ins and outs of this lucrative job.
What does a bookkeeper do?
A lot of people confuse bookkeeping with general accounting.
While there are apparent similarities between the two (they both involve numbers), they are completely different careers.
In bookkeeping, you don’t need to have a formal education to do the job. On the other hand, to become an accountant, one must obtain the degree (or at least the required certifications) before one can practice the profession.
Education and training aside, the roles between the two also differ.
First, let’s take a look at what a bookkeeper does.
A bookkeeper takes on the task of looking into the business’ day-to-day financial health. Whether it’s collecting payments or paying the bills.
In addition, a bookkeeper is responsible for creating, checking, and updating financial records on the daily.
Basically, a bookkeeper keeps tabs on all the money that goes in and out of the business’ coffers as they happen every business day.
On the other hand, here are the responsibilities of an accountant.
Unlike a bookkeeper, an accountant’s role is not to oversee the day-to-day finances of the business. He or she isn’t responsible in paying the bills or collecting the receivables.
Rather, he or she does the taxes and prepare returns.
An accountant will also look into the financial records, examining them and making sure they meet state and federal regulations.
In a nutshell, a bookkeeper focuses on the transactions as they happen day in day out while an accountant oversees everything through the financial statements.
How much an online bookkeeper can earn?
At entry-level, a bookkeeper who works in an office earns around $18.50 an hour. That’s $40,000 or so in a year.
Although some bookkeepers, like this one we interviewed, can make upwards of six-figures.
But for one who strikes it out as a freelancer, he or she can earn three times or more that rate. That’s because a virtual bookkeeper can dictate their own rates.
There’s also potential for more income since a virtual bookkeeper can work for two or more clients. As a result, the combined income at an hourly basis is much greater than an office-based bookkeeper.
How to become a bookkeeper from home
Not an accounting major?
Didn’t take college courses relating to bookkeeping?
Haven’t worked as a bookkeeper before?
You’re probably wondering, “How to be a bookkeeper with no experience?”
Guess what! You don’t need a degree or previous job experience to be successful as a bookkeeper.
You can rely on your on-the-job training and aim to develop your skills over the course of your employment. With your commitment and perseverance, you can prosper in this line of work.
Most businesses don’t require previous work experience. Occupying an administrative-type role, the work of a bookkeeper is not that complicated. You can easily learn the tasks as you go along.
Start with this free course.
This will help you decide if bookkeeping is for you and learn key skills to for successful bookkeeping.
Where can you find online bookkeeping jobs?
Companies, whether big or small, need the services of a bookkeeper. So if you’re looking to score a gig as an online bookkeeper, you might want to reach out directly to these businesses.
While most businesses don’t routinely hire bookkeepers that work from home, look for remote-friendly companies in need of someone who will handle the day-to-day financial recording responsibilities.
Or you can check out online job portals like Indeed, Accounting Department, and FlexJobs.
Are you a numbers person?
Then working as an online bookkeeper may be for you.
As such, you’ll be handling the recording on day-to-day financial transactions. You’ll also be responsible for producing financial statements as well as creating fiscal reports.
What’s great about being a virtual bookkeeper is that you have two options.
You can work directly for a company or you can run your own freelance business, offering bookkeeping services.
A bookkeeper plays a crucial role in day-to-day business.
To be a good bookkeeper, you need to know how to gather and record all crucial information relating to your client-company’s finances.
However, I believe to become a great bookkeeper, you need to do more than just financial reporting and record-keeping.
After one has gathered all financial information of the business and create the necessary fiscal reports, a great bookkeeper should know how to convey the right data to the business owner.
That being said, a great bookkeeper shall know how to interpret the information and translate it in a way that the business owner can understand.
It is for the bookkeeper to figure out what important numbers to report to the business owner, translating these figures into layman’s terms.
That way, the business owner can easily understand what needs to be understood.
Think of a bookkeeper as a guide.
Kind of a financial advisor.
He or she advises the business owner on the financial side of the things, making sure to steer away from potentially bad decisions.
A great bookkeeper can also advise the business owner on the best ways to grow the company financially.
With online bookkeeping, you can control your earning potential.
While the average hourly rate of a typical bookkeeper is around $18, a virtual bookkeeper can make two or more times that amount.
That’s because the income of an online bookkeeper is determined by the number of clients he or she takes in.
The beauty of online bookkeeping is that you can have two or more clients to work with. Compare that to an office-based bookkeeper who can only work with one during a typical eight-hour work period.
More clients mean more income for a virtual bookkeeper. You can work on a full-time or part-time basis for these clients, depending on your financial needs or time availability.
Bookkeeping may not be for everyone.
Bookkeeping is not some kind of “get rich quick” scheme.
It takes real work to pull it off.
You need to work for it, put in the effort, and focus on the tasks. Only then will you reap the benefits, and it can be very rewarding.
Bookkeeping is a respectable profession. A noble job and a proud choice when it comes to earning a living.
While it may seem intimidating, don’t let the numbers fool you. It doesn’t take a genius to get good at the job. Just take the time to learn and persevere.
Learn To Be A Bookkeeper
You can learn great insights into bookkeeping by subscribing to online courses.
One of the best online classes you can have today is the Free 3-Class Series on virtual bookkeeping business.
In this online course, you can learn how to become a bookkeeper from home. This program will teach you how to earn good money and become your own boss as a virtual bookkeeper.
This 3-class series on virtual bookkeeping business is a comprehensive course that’s dedicated to providing you with the needed skills. Even if you don’t have a background in accounting. Even if you don’t have prior work experience.
Join the course and get access to in-depth lessons on how to become a bookkeeper from home.
Once you get the knowledge and experience, you can easily charge up to $80 an hour or even more.
Save your free spot in the course here.
How to become a bookkeeper from home.
Have you decided on doing this line of work but not sure how to get started?
Want to learn how to become a bookkeeper from home?
Let’s get to it.
First, we’ll begin with what you need to get started: a good computer or laptop and a stable internet connection.
There may be software programs that you’ll also need to install in your computer.
More or less, you’ll be investing around $300 to get started in this virtual bookkeeping business. This makes this endeavor one of the cheapest work-at-home work options to start.
How do you know if you’re suited to start a bookkeeping business?
Let’s set knowledge and experience aside for a minute.
Do you have these traits?
Here are three of the top characteristics of a great bookkeeper.
1. Attention to Detail
As a bookkeeper, you will be dealing with numbers on a daily basis. One small mistake can lead to devastating consequences, and we’re talking about money here.
To minimize errors, you will need to be attentive to details.
2. Great Communication Skills
Like any other job, you will need to communicate with your workmates.
However, in a remote work set-up, communication is even more important. That’s because you and your workmates won’t be in the same physical space.
It’s crucial to keep all lines of communication open so you and your workmates will be accessible with each other.
3. Trustworthy and Dependable
Bookkeeping will necessarily involve money. So it’s important to earn the trust and confidence of your client.
Strive to do your job well, and you will get the client’s trust.
Be dependable. Let your client know that you are reliable and you can do the job.
It may take some time to build your client’s trust and confidence. But when you eventually earn it, the rewards are great.
A relationship based on trust will go a long way. And who knows, you might even get referred by your client to other entrepreneurs.
What companies hire virtual bookkeepers?
Wondering where can you find work-at-home bookkeeping jobs?
I’ve mentioned above about contacting companies directly and offering your bookkeeping services.
You may also check online job portals like Indeed, Accounting Department, and FlexJobs.
Let’s look into these 10 websites.
1. Indeed
Are you looking for a virtual bookkeeping job?
Then Indeed is one of the best online job portals to go to.
Did you know Indeed is the number one job site in the world?
Indeed also caters to more than 250 million unique visitors each month.
When you want to connect to new work opportunities or get in touch with prospective clients, this is a great site to check out.
Indeed gives you unrestricted access to jobs, and you can post your resume for free.
So if you’re looking to pursue online bookkeeping, experience a pleasant collaborative virtual workplace within the comfort of your home with Indeed. This online job portal can make that possible.
2. Accounting Department
When it comes to outsourced online bookkeeping and accounting jobs, Accounting Department is the niche leader.
You can find plenty of job opportunities on this online job portal, working for small- to medium-sized businesses.
To qualify for a bookkeeping or accounting job featured on this website, you need to be based in the U.S. and must know how to use Quickbooks.
Job opportunities featured in Accounting Department include perks such as holiday pay, vacation packages, and even insurance and a 401(k) plan.
3. Flexjobs
This site features a lot of job opportunities but has a dedicated section for work-at-home bookkeeping jobs.
Not only does Flexjobs caters to experienced bookkeepers, but it also offers remote-jobs for newbies with little to no experience.
The only downside to Flexjobs, in my opinion, is the $15 fee that you have to pay every month to continue your membership in this job site.
But if you’re really serious about working from home as a bookkeeper, this fee is minimal and worth every penny.
4. Upwork
Enter a big world full of work opportunities in Upwork.
This web-based platform is the biggest freelancing website in the world. It connects remote workers to projects involving web development, social media marketing, graphic design, content writing, and admin jobs.
Upwork is also known for providing opportunities to people who are looking to work from home as virtual bookkeepers.
If you have the drive and want opportunities, Upwork is a great place to connect with clients.
5. Belay Solutions
Are you looking to transition from office-based work to online bookkeeping while working from home?
Find the dream job you’re always looking for at Belay Solutions.
This online job portal is one of the best sites that offer work-from-home virtual employment opportunities for bookkeepers and accountants.
Whether you’re tired of your daily commute or just want to be freed from your office cubicle, achieve the right work-life balance with Belay Solutions. You can find the right job that fits your career and life goals.
6. Bookminders
Do you have a passion for crunching numbers?
If you have the desire to find a flexible bookkeeping position, then check out Bookminders.
Wondering what to expect from this wonderful job site?
Bookminders features jobs that offer flexible work schedules. You can work and still have a life, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Most of the employment opportunities featured on the site are work-from-home jobs.
Best of all, Bookminders offers the potential for high earnings as well as opportunities for career development.
7. Click Accounts
Check out the leading BPO provider of bookkeeping services.
When you join Click Accounts’ virtual team, you get access to state-of-the-art tools, working with a group of highly experienced professionals.
With Click Accounts, there are no sign-up fees and no strings attached. You get full control of where you want to bring yourself in your desired career path.
8. Furever Bookkeeping
Known for providing bookkeeping services, Furever Bookkeeping is also committed to raising awareness on animal abuse and helping the neglected.
If you’re looking to get a job as a bookkeeper, check out the listings from legitimate employers at Furever Bookkeeping.
9. Smart Books
Do you have the skills to help businesses streamline their bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and other accounting requirements?
Then you might want to consider joining Smart Books. This online job portal specifically caters to small businesses, giving them high-quality, dependable bookkeeping and accounting services.
Smart Books is known for its automated solutions. So if you’re looking to find work from this job site, you’ll need to be familiar with QuickBooks Online and Xero.
10. Robert Half
Looking for a company that appreciates your hard work?
Get in touch with Robert Half. It’s one of the best online job sites that offer competitive rates and wonderful benefits for virtual bookkeepers.
Robert Half offers a wide range of employment opportunities for both newbies and experienced individuals.
If you want to build a solid career in virtual bookkeeping, you can bank on Robert Half to lead you to the right path.
How to become a bookkeeper from home?
Are you looking for work-from-home options as a bookkeeper?
I hope this post gave you a good idea of how to get started as a virtual bookkeeper.
Have you ever wondered how to become a bookkeeper from home?
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