How do I know if I'm ready to take on a bookkeeping job?
Asked by Lilith X
How do I know if I'm ready to take on a bookkeeping job? I've already taken the required courses for a bookkeeping job and I get my certificate issue to me in June. The only problem is, I still feel I might not know enough to take on a bookkeeping position. The last thing I want to do is go into a job looking like an idiot. I want to somehow get some work experience other than the coursework I've done in college. Is there some tests I can take to make sure I know what i'm doing? I also know how to use quickbooks pretty well. Do they normally train you first or do they just throw you in to figure things out for yourself? Please help, thanks.

Best Answer:
For those starting out in the field of bookkeeping I recommend a couple courses in accounting and Excel. QuickBooks is a big plus and since you know how to use it well you shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. Payroll accounting is another course that is good to have. Since you are getting a certificate I am assuming you have had most, if not all, of these courses. Any job that I have taken requires some training. Every business is different and your duties will need to be explained to you. I would spend some time writting a resume detailing all your skills and be sure to list what software programs you can use. Also, you might want to check out the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers at www.aipb.com. They have several really good books for continuing your education. I have just about all of them. And you can even become a certified bookkeeper. The books are very practical with hand-on type learning. You can study subjects such as payroll, depreciation, inventory, etc. Good luck!
I work as a staff accountant for a CPA firm.
Answered by Shay

According to the US Dept of Labor, you usually get on-the-job training as a bookkeeper. Each company has its own way of doing things, even when it comes to their finances. You have all the skills to be a good one, as you can see from the attributes/skills needed below: Most bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are required to have a high school degree at a minimum. However, having some college is increasingly important and an *associate degree* in business or accounting is required for some positions. Although a college degree is rarely required, graduates may accept bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk positions to get into a particular company or to enter the accounting or finance field with the hope of eventually being promoted to professional or managerial positions. Experience in a related job and working in an office environment also is recommended. Employers prefer workers who are *computer-literate*; knowledge of word processing and *spreadsheet software* is especially valuable. Once hired, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks **usually receive on-the-job training**. Under the guidance of a supervisor or other senior worker, new employees learn company procedures. Some formal classroom training also may be necessary, such as training in specific computer software. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks must be careful, orderly, and detail-oriented in order to avoid making errors and to recognize errors made by others. These workers also should be discreet and trustworthy, because they frequently come in contact with confidential material. In addition, all bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks should have a strong aptitude for numbers. Good luck!
Answered by waswisgirl1