4 Steps to Become a Remote Bookkeeper – The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

If you like dealing with numbers and enjoy a good spreadsheet challenge, you should consider using your talents to work from home as a remote bookkeeper. Bookkeeping is a great way to earn a solid living and get the flexibility and independence you want as a busy mom. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know to get started, and where to find work-from-home bookkeeping jobs.

What is a remote bookkeeper and what do they do?

Many people mistake a bookkeeper for an accountant, but these are really two very separate professions. Although, they often work in tandem! 

To begin with, a bachelor’s degree in accounting is usually required to become an accountant. On the other hand, while bookkeepers don’t require a formal degree, a certain skill set, certifications, and even on-the-job training can open up the world of bookkeeping. Let’s dig a bit deeper between these two professions, so we’re clear on the difference.

Accountants focus on strategy and analysis

Accountants are usually in charge of creating entire budgets and financial strategies for a company. They can also specialize in tax preparation by determining taxes owed and preparing returns. Financial statements are often audited by accountants, who also draw up the chart of accounts in accordance with accepted accounting principles. With all these responsibilities, accountants aren’t typically personally responsible for the day-to-day finances in a company.

Bookkeepers delve into details

The daily details is where bookkeepers shine, as they keep track of income and expenses and balance the books. Specifically, the role of a bookkeeper often includes: 

• Recording transactions 
• Updating financial records, and putting debits and credits to appropriate accounts
• Preparing and/or sending invoices
• Managing accounts receivable, accepting receipts, and documenting those receipts
• Compensating staff members for costs linked to their jobs
• Processing payroll
• Running reports such as the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet, allowing owners to make more informed decisions
• Reconciling finances/books monthly, quarterly or yearly
• Reviewing inventory 
• Assisting with tax preparation by keeping track of tax deductions, ensuring books are updated by end of year for handoff to the tax preparer
• Ensuring the company is prepared to file quarterly taxes

How much do bookkeepers earn?

One of the most profitable careers for stay-at-home moms can be as a remote bookkeeper. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for a full-time bookkeeper is around $47,000/year. 

Hourly compensation rates might range from $16 to $32, depending on location and the difficulty of the bookkeeping activities. However, Payscale.com notes that a typical bookkeeper with 3 years’ experience in 2024 can earn around $18/hour.

Like beginning any new job or career, it’s best not to have sky-high salary expectations while you’re just getting started. When you become more proficient, you can expect incremental raises if working for an established company. 

Another benefit to becoming a remote bookkeeper is that it allows you to consider starting your own bookkeeping business or working as a contractor. Over time you may raise your pricing as you earn more experience and gain customers. 

Working from home as a contractor allows you to take on several customers. Hence, the cumulative hourly rate could be much more than the fixed salary with a W-2 job.

If I don’t have a degree or previous experience, can I really become a bookkeeper?

The short answer is, yes! If you have a high school diploma, the proper skills, and either previous on-the-job experience as a clerk or are prepared to take a certification course, you can absolutely pursue becoming a remote bookkeeper.

4 Steps to Becoming a Remote Bookkeeper

We’re not here to sugarcoat anything – so here’s some tough love. Not everyone has the natural abilities and skills to become a remote bookkeeper, and that’s okay! The first step though, to avoid wasted time and effort, is to sit down and do a completely honest self-assessment of your talents compared to the expectations of a remote bookkeeper.

Step 1: Assess your skills

Let’s talk about skills and abilities, because when you’re handling a company’s finances, your employer needs to know you’re trustworthy, capable, and a disciplined remote worker. 

• You need to have high standards of integrity, trust, and confidentiality to earn the business of prospective clients and deliver on your promises to keep it!

• It goes without saying, although, we’re going to – you have to be good with numbers with a keen attention to detail. 

• It will also benefit you if you actually enjoy math. If numbers put you to sleep or you don’t gravitate to managing your own household budget, this may not be the best path for you.

• You also should be savvy with computers, and comfortable communicating via email and in person. You can learn the necessary software programs in time, but if you don’t have these foundations, it may be more difficult.

If you don’t check the boxes above, you might want to consider a different remote career that aligns more with your natural skills and abilities! If you’re feeling pretty confident, let’s move on!

Step 2: Obtain a certification (or two)

If bookkeeping is new to you, the fastest and easiest way to set yourself apart for employers and potential clients is to become certified. Cue the fanfare! 

For people without prior bookkeeping expertise, there are quite a few online courses available via platforms like Coursera, edX, AccountingCoach, etc. In these free and paid courses, you may learn topics like:

• bookkeeping fundamentals 
• how to manage books
• how to set up an effective system
• marketing basics to attract customers.

If you are new to the finance space, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants offers a free Introductory to Bookkeeping Course through the edX platform, providing you with a solid foundation for accounting fundamentals. For more resources on free accounting courses, check out this Forbes article.

Additionally, the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers now offers Advanced Bookkeeping courses and when you’re ready to invest some time and money into the Certified Bookkeeping designation, they have an online prep course to help prepare you for the exam.

Another option is to look into the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers’ online Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Exam, which allows you to earn their certification to become a Certified Public Bookkeeper.

Accounting software certifications are also a great way to stand out when seeking to become a remote bookkeeper. Some to consider based on your preferred software program include: 

• Quickbooks Pro Advisor
• Freshbooks Accounting Partner
• Xero Certification

Step 3: Network, network, network

Networking is still one of the best ways to find and land a new job, especially in today’s competitive remote job market. This holds true for finding bookkeeping jobs as well! So if you want to propel yourself to the top of the resume stack, start flexing those interpersonal skills!

There are numerous ways and opportunities to network nowadays, including online, in-person, and leveraging personal connections.

First and foremost, you’ll want to create or refresh your LinkedIn profile. If you’re not taking advantage of this free tool, you’ll be missing out on connecting with others in your industry, and potential employers. You can also join small business groups on Facebook in your local area to make connections with other professionals.

If you’re not up for rubbing elbows in person, totally ok! But joining a professional bookkeeping organization (we listed a few above) is another way to get to know industry professionals.

Of course, you’ll also want to reach out to your personal and professional circles to let them know about your new career! Planting the seed with those you know, can lead to a personal recommendation in their network, or even better – a resume handoff!

Step 4: Land the job

There is no shortage of job sites if you’re seeking W-2 or freelance bookkeeping jobs, but to avoid overwhelm, focus on 1 or 2 reputable websites to start.

• LinkedIn, Indeed, SimplyHired: You can find a variety of work-from-home bookkeeping jobs, including part-time, freelance, and flexible job offerings.
• FlexJobs: Enter “remote bookkeeper” or “bookkeeping jobs” in the search pane and watch the list display in front of your eyes. For higher quality jobs, become a member! Just $2.95 gives you 2 weeks all access. For $9.55/month, you’ll gain 3 months of full access. Nope, not sponsored or affiliated!
• Upwork: This freelancer portal will help you to connect globally with professionals engaged with accounting, bookkeeping and business analysis across the world.
• Truelancer: This is a global community where you can connect with accounting-related freelance bookkeeping jobs.

Consider targeting your job search to industries you’ve worked in previously, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process in your niche. For example, if you’ve worked in the construction industry in some capacity, consider applying for bookkeeping jobs in for contracting firms, building supply companies, or home builders.

Your expertise and familiarity with industry language will set you apart. Make sure to highlight this in your cover letter!

Another great way to break into this field is to clerk under a more experienced bookkeeper or CPA.  By doing this, you’ll be able to gain experience on the job while handling accounts payable, receivable, or other administrative-type tasks.

While the path to becoming a remote bookkeeper may seem lengthy, anything worthwhile does take some time. Set yourself up for success, focus on the fundamentals, and stay tuned for more advice in the next bookkeeping article!