Education Career Articles

Connect Facebook Connect Twitter Connect Google+ Connect Pinterest Connect Stumbleupon

What is the Job Market Outlook for Bookkeepers?

Job Market Outlook October 1, 2013

A bookkeeper’s job is not the same as an accountant. Instead, it is to take in data and record transactions while keeping account books up to date, usually by computer and perhaps hard file. This is a job set to grow 14 percent over the next 10 years and will grow along with the U.S. economy, as more bookkeepers indicate the need for more bookkeeping professionals.

Investors are also now required more than ever before to take down accurate numbers. There are also tighter regulation laws to keep in mind, and all of this serves to create demand for the industry.

The Most Important Skills for a Professional Bookkeeper

It is important to be a good listener, and if you are not one, then it is time to learn! Bookkeepers need to be able to communicate with the people they work for, just as well as they perform calculations. Critical thinking is also thought to be a valuable skill. Most of the job tasks will be office oriented, and will require learning and working with computer software quickly, posting, coding and making comparisons as needed.

The change in technology is also a significant influence in business. However, doing everything in a computer does not eliminate the need to check and recheck for accuracy, and update statements with all related information. This is a fairly large industry which means not only are there newcomers breaking into the field, but there are also large numbers of workers leaving the occupation on a regular basis.

Market Outlook for 2013 and Over the Next Decade

The median salary for bookkeepers is just over $62,000, though the highest earners averaged nearly $110,000. Naturally, the top paid workers were located in major cities such as New York or San Jose. On the other hand, it is not only about region but also about subject and practice. Some of the top bookkeepers reported specialty portfolios, such as scientific or technical services, construction, and forestry.

New laws put into effect were made with the intent to ensure accuracy and transparency. Because of this, many firms now outsource their bookkeeping needs to outside firms, to guarantee objectivity and professional-level auditing and evaluation.

Full charge bookkeepers tend to be in high demand because of their ability to do more than simply evaluate transactions, including payroll. Certification is not a lofty goal by any means, considering that many workers take a course in order to become certified or CBs, Certified Bookkeepers. Lastly, do not underestimate the importance of work experience, in addition to college training—or higher.

The projected number of bookkeepers, auditors and clerks, in the year 2016, is scheduled to be 2,377,000. With some adherence to studying and some beneficial work experience, you could work your way up to a CPA. This may be one of the most welcoming careers, considering that even community college diploma programs, undergraduate degrees, and trade certifications of achievement may qualify you for an entry-level position in bookkeeping.

The job outlook is promising…are you prepared to commit to a training course and take a step forward?

No schools found or there was a problem, please try again later. (error: 6, http code: 0)No schools found or there was a problem, please try again later. (error: 6, http code: 0)

Login to your account

Can't remember your Password ?

Register for this site!