Becoming a Bookkeeper - Busting Common Myths!

Are you curious about bookkeeping? Are you considering being a bookkeeper? There are plenty of myths people believe when it comes to being a bookkeeper that we want to bust. Before you pursue becoming a bookkeeper, let’s set some things straight first! 

A degree is not required. 

To be a bookkeeper, there is not a required degree or “major” to study. Anyone can become a bookkeeper if they have the right program, the right training, and a self-motivation to learn and execute. There are various trainings and classes available, so do your research before pursuing the first course you find. 

Certifications put you ahead. 

Being certified in your specific bookkeeping software helps you stand out in a crowd. This shows that not only do you know what you’re doing, but you put in the time and effort to excel at this craft. For instance, at Skynar Bookkeeping Services, our bookkeepers are QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors, which requires an annual exam to renew. 

Bookkeeping is not accounting. 

Although the words “bookkeeping” and “accounting” are often used synonymously, they’re actually quite different. Bookkeepers manage and record the day-to-day in’s and out’s of your business, while accountants look at everything as a whole and then use this information to foster financial strategies moving forward. A bookkeeper helps keep your business balanced. 

Can be done in-house or outsourced. 

You do not need to be hired as an employee to do bookkeeping. Although that is the traditional route, you can also do bookkeeping for your own clients on the side as contract work. Do your research to determine the pros and cons to choose what’s right for you. 

More than just data entry. 

A bookkeeper does more than just log where your money goes. They keep your books balanced, clean up any errors or missing information, provide detailed reports on the state of your business, complete payroll, and more. Some bookkeepers specialize in specific tasks, while others offer a variety of services.