The Bookkeeping industry is expected to grow significantly over the next five years (2024-2029), especially among remote workers, small businesses, and self-employed professionals.
As a result, an increasing number of people are prepared to jump on the bandwagon and learn how to work from home as bookkeepers and earn real money!
If you’re seeking a mom-friendly career, that lets you call the shots and gives you the freedom to live your lifestyle – then learning how to become a stay-at-home bookkeeper might just be the ideal career move!
What Does A Bookkeeper Do?
Bookkeepers are essential to the overall financial management of an organization because they maintain accurate and current financial records. Thus, it should come as no surprise that one of the most popular job positions on the market is bookkeeping.
Main Duties Of a Bookkeeper
- Keep track of financial transactions
- Balance the accounts
- Make a statement of finances.
- Control the receivables and payables
- Process payroll
- Observe spending
- Enter financial data
- Assure adherence
How To Become A Virtual Bookkeeper in 2024
You might be surprised to learn that becoming a virtual bookkeeper with no experience isn’t as challenging as you might expect. Regardless of your current background, if you treat this as a serious business opportunity, you can successfully transition into a bookkeeping specialist.
What Skills Do You Need To Be A Virtual Bookkeeper?
If you love the idea of becoming a virtual bookkeeper, there are some skills you need to have in order to succeed.
Top skills required for successful virtual bookkeeping:
- Technical Proficiency:
Knowledgeable in using accounting software’s, such as QuickBooks and Xero. - Attention to Detail:
Paying close attention to details is crucial for accurate data entry and record-keeping. - Time Management:
Essential for handling multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. This is especially important for virtual bookkeepers who manage their own time from home. - Analytical Skills:
Crucial for interpreting financial data and identifying trends, anomalies, or potential issues. - Problem-Solving:
- Virtual bookkeepers should be proficient at spotting and resolving errors or discrepancies in financial data.
- Understanding of Financial Regulations:
Knowledge of key financial rules and regulations, and staying current on them, to ensure that financial procedures correspond with legal requirements.
How To Become a Virtual Bookkeeper With No Experience
What makes this job the best? A degree or prior experience is not required to work as a bookkeeper. In actuality, a lot of successful stay-at-home bookkeepers only hold a high school diploma. They can gain the knowledge and skills they need for the position through online courses.
Additionally, bookkeeping is a profession where practical skills and experience are frequently valued more highly than academic schooling.
Next, we’ll discuss the best online bookkeeping courses available in 2024, how to make money as a virtual bookkeeper and the best strategies for attracting initial clients.
How To Learn Bookkeeping At Home
There are various resources, both free and paid programs, that can teach you everything you need to know about starting a bookkeeping business with no experience. Although a degree is not mandatory, it helps to obtain certifications to enhance your credibility and to help you get hired as an online bookkeeper.
Bookkeeper Launch
Bookkeeper Launch is a complete training and certification program, which teaches you step-by-step how to build a bookkeeping business from scratch. It is an in-depth course, that provides valuable knowledge for complete newbies. So, even if you have ZERO accounting background experience, this course is insanely effective in getting you ready for the industry.
Is There A Free Way To Learn Bookkeeping At Home?
Yes, there is! If you are looking for a FREE way to train for bookkeeping, I highly recommend Accountingcoach LLC. This course allows you to learn the basics of bookkeeping covering accounting basics, financial statements, and more—all completely free. If you are looking for additional video courses that the free version may not offer, there is a very affordable paid tier available.
The Intuit Academy Bookkeeping program also offers a Intuit Bookkeeping Professional Certificate through Coursera, after completing their four-part courses. No degree or prior experience required.
In this 4-course series program, you will:
- Dive deep into realistic customer scenarios to apply your knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting.
- Review and reconcile accounts, record business transactions, and balance books to produce key financial statements for a variety of business types.
- Be prepared to sit for the bookkeeping exam offered by Intuit.
Additionally, it’s critical to master accounting software, like Quickbooks, once you understand the foundations and rules of bookkeeping. You can get free Quickbooks training and certification directly from them.
How To Make Money As A Virtual Bookkeeper From Home
Behold the solution to the million-dollar question! Here is how to ACTUALLY bring in the big bucks and make money bookkeeping.
Freelance Online
Join freelancing websites to offer your virtual bookkeeping services and attract clients. If you’re just starting as a bookkeeper with no experience and not sure where to begin, I’ve got you covered.
I’ll share with you incredible tips on how you can land your first clients from home and what the earning potential looks like.
- Become A Freelance Bookkeeper On Upwork
Upwork is an online platform that connects freelancers with clients seeking various services. It is especially a great marketplace for entry-level bookkeepers to find remote jobs, grow a client base, and showcase their skills.
This platform is best suitable for freelancers looking for more substantial and ongoing projects, making it a good option for those seeking longer-term tasks. Moreover, you can work from anywhere, while also gaining bookkeeping experience.
Best for: Bookkeepers with no experience, looking for long-term collaborations and ongoing freelance projects.
Estimated earning potentials: $20-$35 per h/r - Become a Quickbooks Live Bookkeeper
Intuit, the powerhouse in global financial technology and owner of QuickBooks, has remote positions available to work as a stay-at-home bookkeeper. Although they may want a little more experience in the industry, this is an excellent way to launch your Bookkeeping career with Intuit.
QuickBooks Live Bookkeepers are expected to help small business clients with their bookkeeping needs using the QuickBooks platform. Therefore, some level of experience using the software is necessary. Once you’ve gained ample practice, whether it’s through freelancing or hands-on practical experience, you’ll be well-prepared to thrive in this role.
Best for: Individuals with a background in bookkeeping and Quickbooks Software
Estimated earning potential: $44,945 salary - Search For Online Bookkeeper Jobs on FlexJobs
FlexJobs.com is a platform that focuses on offering jobs with flexible work schedules, such as remote and part-time roles. You can search for and apply for entry-level bookkeeping jobs from home. Use the search bar on the FlexJobs homepage and enter keywords such as “entry-level bookkeeper,” “remote bookkeeping,” or similar terms. Make sure your cover letter and resume highlight your relevant experience and talents in bookkeeping to set the stage.
Best for:
Entry-level freelancers and independent contractors looking for project-based work.
Individuals looking to transition into a new career or industry.
Estimated earning potential: $45,560 annually - Find Bookkeeping Clients On LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be a useful platform for entry-level bookkeepers looking for jobs. Many employers post job listings directly on LinkedIn. You can find online bookkeeping jobs with no experience needed and apply directly through the platform.
Recruiters often use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. Having a complete and well-optimized profile increases the likelihood of being noticed by recruiters looking for entry-level talent. The key is to remain active on the platform and engage in posts on your feed to increase your visibility.
Best for:
Bookkeeper without a degree, but eager to build professional connections through networking.
Estimated earning potential: $30K-$60K Annually - Become A Freelance Bookkeeper On Fivver
Fiverr is an online freelance platform that provides a wide range of services, making it an advantageous space for entry-level bookkeepers looking to gain clients. Freelancers also have the flexibility to set their prices for different services. Hence, this allows entry-level bookkeepers to competitively price their services based on their skills and experience.
With more experience, bookkeepers may be able to upsell current customers on other services, creating lasting connections and expanding clientele.
Best for: Entry-level bookkeepers looking to attract new clients
Estimated earning potential: $500-$1000 monthly
You’ve just learned how to make money as a virtual bookkeeper! These killer strategies are the gold mines for your bookkeeping adventure.
Is It Hard To Be A Bookkeeper?
Bookkeeping itself is quite simple. Problem-solving and attention to detail skills are what you want to be strong in to excel in the job. It isn’t any more difficult than many of the other popular fields of study that lead to excellent lifelong career opportunities.
Can I Be A Virtual Bookkeeper As a Full Time Mom?
Absolutely!
Being a virtual bookkeeper is totally possible for a full-time mom. The greatest benefit is, that you can set your own hours and work from home, giving you the flexibility to balance mom life and a career. Whether you want to go part-time or freelance, virtual bookkeeping lets you choose what works best for you. So, when the time is right, you can pursue a rewarding job while still excelling at being a mom.
I Am Ready To Start A Virtual Bookkeeping Business
If you are anything like me, I learn best through step-by-step guidance. This is why I highly recommend checking out Bookkeeper Launch and their free discovery series. It is hands down the best program to get a solid start.
Ben Robinson, the brains behind the course, breaks down the whole bookkeeping business step by step. He hooks you up with the tools to start from scratch and become a rockstar independent bookkeeper, no matter what your experience level is.
However, before you jump in and sign up, take a peek at this free 3-part training series. It spills the beans on what a bookkeeper does, why it could be your thing, and helps you figure out if you’ve got the mojo to get started.
I hope this article helped you understand how to make money as a virtual bookkeeper. Cheers to your bookkeeping journey!
All the best,
Evelyn
Really nice information, thanks for putting it all together!