Bookkeeping clerks keep track of information, calculations, and other data at an expert level. At times, they are also responsible for analyzing certain financial data and reporting their findings to the appropriate person or department. They must have excellent communication skills and be highly computer literate. The job duties of a bookkeeper require continual communication with everyone from government agents to bank employees, therefore, interpersonal skills are essential, as well.
A Variety of Choices in a Bookkeeping Career:
Those who choose this field of work have a variety of positions from which to choose, including jobs in business bookkeeping services, tax and bookkeeping services, corporate offices, government agencies, and payroll companies. Those entering the field also have an option of part time bookkeeping jobs, or even bookkeeping jobs at home. The latter is an excellent choice for those who have small children to care for, or other obligations that present difficulties with regard to working outside the home.
A bookkeeping clerk may choose to work at a large firm or for a small business. Other positions in this field include keeping the books for restaurants or other entertainment facilities, or for non profit agencies such as churches or charitable organizations. Of the many bookkeeping careers one has from which to choose, he or she must not forget bookkeeping jobs online, which have enjoyed considerable growth in the 21st century.
Bookkeeping Job Security
Although in today's world, there are numerous software programs that can assist employers in certain aspects of accounting and bookkeeping, there is still a substantial need for human employees in most organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% growth in the field of bookkeeping by the year 2016.
When one gives thought to the economic ups and downs that almost every area of the world experiences from time to time, it is a good feeling to have a certain amount of job security in the field in which one chooses to work. For many people, this is one of their top priorities with regard to a career choice.
Bookkeeping Salary
Bookkeeping jobs provide an excellent avenue through which one can earn a living. Fortunately, in most cases, bookkeeping clerks enjoy a comfortable salary with a considerable amount of job security, which by many individuals is considered an ideal situation. Those with a college degree will typically earn a higher salary than those who have not acquired such a degree. Entry-level jobs for those whose bookkeeping training was not acquired at an accredited school are typically at the lowest end of the pay scale.
Bookkeeping Schools & Training
To acquire a degree in bookkeeping, one must typically complete four years of study at an accredited university or college. While a college degree is not a requirement to obtain work in this field, as previously mentioned, one will enjoy a considerably higher salary if a degree is pursued. The majority of employers prefer job candidates who hold a bachelor's or associates degree.
When the decision has been made to obtain a degree in bookkeeping, one must search for an accredited program in accounting or business. Whether attending a traditional bricks and mortar institution or enrolling in an online bookkeeping college, one must take care to verify that the school is accredited. It does little or no good to pay valuable money for a bookkeeping course, only to find that the degree has no worth in the eyes of potential employers.
Earning a degree in the field of bookkeeping is a worthwhile pursuit. When one considers aspects such as job security and the comfortable bookkeeping salary range associated with this position, he or she will discover that pursuing a career in this field is a wise and sensible choice.
Accounting and Finance is a topic that covers a wide range of niche careers. Investment banking, government accounting, and payroll services are but only a few niches covered under the Accounting and Finance umbrella. If you have a talent for math and numbers, it might be a good idea to consider taking up a career in this field.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The salary range for Bookkeeping begins around $26,350 and usually tops out around $40,130, with a mean in the neighborhood of $33,240. This is about 31% lower than the national average for annual salaries.
In order to qualify for most Bookkeeping positions, you typically need to have a Certification or higher.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The growth outlook for Bookkeeping careers is estimated at about 13% while the estimated growth for all career fields over that same span is at about 10.12%. Over the next six years, Bookkeeping jobs are expected to grow at a 28% higher rate than the national average for annual salaries.