Bookkeeping

Used by small and large companies alike, bookkeepers play an important role in organizing the financial records for an organization. They calculate expenses, track receipts, accounts payable and receivable and prepare profit and loss statements. Full charge bookkeepers have responsibility to handle all of a company’s accounting. They may deposit cash, reconcile and balance bank accounts, and process a company’s payroll and billing. Some bookkeepers are also in charge of collecting on debts that are past due.

Work is typically performed in an office setting relying heavily on computer software. The deadline-oriented nature of the work may require longer hours on some days. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics about 24% of bookkeepers work part time, and full time workers earn an average of $30,560 per year.

The professional requires strong computer skills and accuracy and training in accounting is preferable often obtained through minimal accounting classes or perhaps an associate’s degree in business accounting. On the job training is often available as most companies have the bookkeeper report to a control or accountant.