What degree do you need to be a bookkeeper?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You do not need a degree to be a bookkeeper. While a high school diploma was once the only requirement for entering the bookkeeping field, changes in technology and company expectations, as well as a competitive job market, suggest that an aspiring bookkeeper should seek formal training. On-the-job experience is also very important in landing a job as a bookkeeper.

Some companies may require candidates to have an associate's degree or even a bachelor's degree. While in most cases, a college degree is not needed to become a bookkeeper, it does help.

Bookkeeping training can come from a variety of sources. Many bookkeepers start out by teaching themselves to use accounting software like QuickBooks. They might also use online courses, books, or seminars to learn the basics of practical finance.

Self-taught bookkeepers often acquire the skills they need without direct training and instead learn while on the job. Most employers can train an entry-level bookkeeper in six months or less. The length of a self-taught bookkeeper's training period will vary depending on their chosen method and their personal schedule.

A common path for prospective bookkeepers is to earn an associate's degree in accounting or bookkeeping. For those who are not interested in earning an associate's degree, there are certificates available to bookkeepers that can help them to stay competitive. In addition to taking continuing education courses in accounting practices, or seeking certification in accounting software proficiency.

Some bookkeepers might pursue an internship with a local company or accounting firm. Internships introduce aspiring bookkeepers to the field of business finance and allow them to observe other financial professionals as they work. You can typically find internships through your college, your personal network, or an online job board.