There is no single defined career roadmap for Bookkeepers. Career paths often vary from one individual to another, yet some similarities usually stand out. There is also no typical path to obtain all of the qualifications needed to become a Bookkeeper. Still, most companies and accounting firms tend to look at candidates who share a specific skill set. A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for this position. However, many firms favor applicants with a degree in Business, Mathematics, or Finance, even for entry-level positions. Having 1-2 years of previous experience in either Finance, Retail, or Customer Service sectors can also be an asset. Moreover, once hired by a firm or a company, Bookkeepers receive in-depth, on-the-job training from their employer.   
   
If aiming for a higher position is on your radar, it helps to know that all applicants must complete a certification process. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) currently award bookkeeper certification to those who pass an exam and meet other requirements. Candidates should also consider obtaining at least three years of full-time work experience as certified Bookkeepers before seeking a higher-paying position. Bookkeepers can then receive their certification and may aspire for higher positions within their field. Regardless of their rank, Bookkeepers need to work with minimum supervision to ensure maximum efficiency.

What can help you become a Bookkeeper
When it comes to knowing the big picture for becoming a professional Bookkeeper, there is much more to consider than the basics, like your minimum educational requirements. Examples of essential details for this profession include explaining accounting procedures to clients or employers, simplifying complex and lengthy matters using non-technical language, writing detailed and accurate accounting reports, and explaining the results to clients or employers. Here are some more must-have's we've identified:  
 

• Obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Earning a specialized associate's or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or other related programs. 
• Acquiring certification to practice or for any subspecialties of accounting, etc.  
• Possessing excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to advise and interact with clients or employers effectively.  
• Having the ability to work as part of a team.  
• Maintaining a highly detail-oriented skillset to analyze financial receipts and detailed information regarding finances.  
• Carefully and accurately entering data into accounting books and the ability to balance long and complex financial books.
• Outstanding numeric and mathematical skills and the ability to perform both complex and straightforward calculations equally.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Working with several clients and balancing different books at the same time.
• The ability to meet crucial deadlines.
• Having a systematic approach to analysis to analyze incomes and expenses to find possible reductions.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to use automated computer software for balancing sheets and income statements.
• High levels of integrity and honesty.