What is the average salary of a bookkeeper?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most recent median salary for bookkeepers was $47,440 annually. However, bookkeepers can increase their earning potential through years of experience, certification, or starting your own bookkeeping business.

How do I become a bookkeeper?

To become a bookkeeper, you need a background in accounting and specialized knowledge in payroll and taxation. You can gain this knowledge through a course or on-the-job training in an accounting department or working with an experienced bookkeeper. You will also need to gain experience with bookkeeping software.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. You will be prepared for the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) exam, and you will also be prepared to pass the FPC exam offered by PayrollOrg to become certified in the fundamentals of payroll.

Do I need a degree to become a bookkeeper?

You do not need an advanced degree to become a bookkeeper. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you will need to have your high school diploma or equivalent to pursue a career as a professional bookkeeper. Many bookkeepers get started with an online course like this Professional Bookkeeping course. However, in order to stay competitive and open up even more job opportunities down the road, you may want to think about earning an associate degree in bookkeeping or accounting at some point in your career.

Is a bookkeeper the same as an accountant?

Not exactly. There are five major parts to the accounting process and they include: recording, interpreting, classifying, analyzing, and reporting financial information. Bookkeeping is the first, foundational part of the accounting process — recording financial transactions. However, bookkeeping is a great first step into an accounting career and with additional education, you use this as a way to gain experience and become an accountant in the future.

Are bookkeepers in demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a lot of jobs for bookkeepers, and the job outlook is expected to remain relatively constant through 2026. Understanding how to efficiently use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks will make you a more desirable candidate as more and more businesses turn to technology to perform basic accounting tasks.

What kind of hours do bookkeepers work?

Most bookkeepers work 40 hours per week, though some do work part time. As a professional bookkeeper you may need to work overtime during certain periods of the year such as closing out the fiscal quarter and/or year as well as during tax season.

Where do bookkeepers work?

Most bookkeepers work in an office environment during typical 9 to 5 hours and spend a large amount of their time in front of a computer. As a professional bookkeeper, you will usually be working alone but may have a few people from other areas of accounting that work alongside you. It is even possible that you could work remotely from home for one or more organizations at a time.

Do bookkeepers do the taxes for a company?

No, bookkeepers do not do company taxes. Taxes are done by an accountant. However, bookkeepers play an important role in making sure that financial transactions are recorded in a timely and accurate manner. This ensures that the financial information for a company is easy to read and use once it is time for an accountant to take over and do the taxes.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. To learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."