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Specializing in a career field can help to set you apart and lead to career stability and longevity. You may also be expected to take on more advisory and analytical roles as bookkeeping becomes more automated. A proper financial data management system can provide valuable, actionable insights and prevent problems, such as skimming fraud.

There’s a few other things you need to consider when choosing bookkeeping software for your business. Compare features, pricing, and expert reviews for your business software needs – all in one place. The Talent Acquisition team is dedicated to connecting people with exciting career opportunities and partnership within Intuit. Now that you understand how to become a bookkeeper, you are ready to get started on your new path. Whether you are already in the bookkeeping field or just starting out, this guide can help you determine your next steps.

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For instance, if you don’t want to record all of your transactions manually, look for an application that includes bank connectivity. With headquarters in San Francisco, CA, and backing from some major venture capital firms, it’s not surprising that Pilot caters its bookkeeping and additional financial support services to startups. If you’re just getting your business off the ground and project rapid growth, Pilot is worth exploring for your bookkeeping and business success needs. Many programs will provide certificates to show you completed the course. Some provide free and low-cost resources, while others may be more expensive but provide more knowledge. To become certified, you need to pass a four-part examination, show two years of full-time bookkeeping experience or 3,000 hours of freelance or part-time experience, and sign a code of ethics.

To maintain the CB credential, you must fulfill 60 continuing education credits every three years. The primary difference between the AIPB’s certification and NACPB’s license is the resulting title. Those credentialed by AIPB earn the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation. Those who earn licensure through NACPB gain the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) title. There are some things that ZipBooks is missing, including a mobile app for Android devices, as well as the aforementioned inventory feature. FreshBooks offers a self-employed version or a teams version, with the teams version allowing you to connect to others you may work with, whether it be an employee, a contractor, or even a vendor.

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While other bookkeeping credentials do exist, those offered by AIPB and NACPB are the most renowned and respected. Wave is not a good solution if growth is on the horizon for your business, but if you’re small and planning to stay that way, this free (yes, free) application may be right for you. The ZipBooks free plan allows you to connect one bank account, while paid professional bookkeepers plans allow you to connect as many accounts as you wish. Reporting options are pretty basic in FreshBooks, but they should be sufficient for smaller businesses, with an option to export any report to Microsoft Excel for customization. As a small business owner, you’re selling something, whether it’s antique bubble gum machines or your expertise as a pig farmer.

You must pay for each part of the required exam, along with any preparation courses you may take. As noted above, NACPB and AIPB both require annual fees as well to keep members’ credentials current. You do not need a formal education to go through the AIPB’s certification process.However, NACPB recommends a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related industry to earn the CPB license. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. The role can function as a part-time job to supplement other income, or you can be a full-time bookkeeper. If you become a QuickBooks Live bookkeeper, you can work from home based upon an agreed schedule at a set hourly rate based on your location, interview, and experience level.