Bookkeeping Jobs in the USA

A variety of accounting tasks are carried out by bookkeepers. They obtain and process sales invoices and payment receipts. Their responsibilities include preparing statements to reflect income and payments and processing the company’s payroll. They handle finding the earnings and losses, keeping track of ledgers, and auditing accounts. Estimating income and expenses, fulfilling legal obligations, such as filing PAYE and VAT returns, is their job. Furthermore, they deliver regular financial reports. Bookkeepers also give general administrative assistance to the accountant. The job role entails carrying out data entry activities and keeping track of financial documents.

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Are Bookkeepers in High Demand? 

Similar to other industries like word processing and switchboard operation, the bookkeeping job sector must contend with the problem of software that can do tasks that were formerly completed by humans. Though technology has made it less necessary for bookkeepers to do simple bookkeeping jobs, it is also raising the requirement for qualified personnel who can comprehend and use new systems. This fact implies that, even though there will probably be fewer employment opportunities in the industry, the ones that do exist should be more lucrative, require more sophisticated skills, and entail more responsibility. Openings may be more common in financial centres and major cities because bookkeepers are crucial to many types of organisations.  

Naturally, aspiring bookkeepers who decide to focus on a specific portfolio, for example, construction, forestry, or scientific or technical services, will increase their employment opportunities in those fields. Laws governing accounting may become more stringent, and investors may become more interested in corporate bookkeeping and transparency as a result of financial crises. Naturally, strong economies will result in a greater demand for bookkeepers. Because bookkeeping jobs frequently require extensive on-the-job training, many firms just require a high school degree for candidates. However, it is not unusual for employers to look for applicants who have training in data entry and bookkeeping software and an associate degree in business or accounting.

Candidates with the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credential from The American Institute of Bookkeepers (AIPB) are regarded as some of the most employable, even though certification in this field is still optional. Strong attention to detail improves a person’s chances even more. Proficient and successful bookkeepers may discover that their abilities can be applied to roles like financial manager, financial analyst, and financial supervisor.

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Why Work Bookkeeping Jobs?

A career in bookkeeping offers prospects for growth, job stability, and a fulfilling work-life balance. But it also has its own set of difficulties, such as the requirement for lifelong learning and the duty to uphold financial accuracy. A career in bookkeeping offers prospects for growth, job stability, and a fulfilling work-life balance. But it also has its own set of difficulties, such as the requirement for lifelong learning and the duty to uphold financial accuracy.

A bookkeeping Job can be a good fit for you if you enjoy dealing with numbers, are meticulous, and value a routine, regulated work environment. This position might be fulfilling if you can adjust to changing workloads and manage important duties with accuracy. On the other hand, you might want to look into alternative employment that better suits your tastes and talents if you’re drawn to diversity, creativity, and less responsibility.

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Where Do Bookkeepers Work?

• Bookkeeping Companies 

Numerous accounting organisations, both large and small, provide services related to public accounting. Usually, both personal and commercial accounts are handled by these organisations. Working on a range of client accounts and learning about a wide range of businesses is likely to be part of your job. Accounting experts may be involved in the financial statements and audits of restaurants, hair salons, charities, and other businesses while working for a company. January through April, tax season, is typically the busiest time of year for an accounting business. There may be a few more opportunities for overtime for the rest of the year, but the pressure to pay those taxes by April 15 may create a lot of opportunity.

• Governmental Organisations

 A significant portion of the U.S. government’s job involves the budget. Naturally, our government also requires bookkeepers, accountants, and accounting clerks. Accounting specialists are required at all levels of government employment, whether at the federal, state, or municipal levels. Every branch of government, from the U.S. Army to city school districts, has accounts, spreadsheets, and budgets that must be balanced. When it comes to tax duties, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the most well-known government agency. A range of tax experts are employed by this U.S. Treasury organisation.

• Non-Profits

You might wish to work in this field if you have a soft spot for nonprofits and charitable causes. Accounting experts are necessary for nonprofits’ bookkeeping and tax filing. Depending on their goals and services, nonprofit organisations frequently employ entry-level accountants with an associate’s degree. 

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• Large Company 

Naturally,  rather than hiring an accounting firm to do the task, many large firms employ their bookkeepers to remain on staff. Accounting clerks and accountants are even employed by large corporations.

• Work from Home 

An increasing number of accounting professionals are opting to operate independently from home offices due to developments in software and widespread access to WiFi. It can be simpler than ever to start your own tax filing company with the aid of marketing and social media. A work-from-home business opportunity may allow you to choose your hours and become your own boss. Bookkeepers frequently work independently for several companies or organisations, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics.

Who Hires Bookkeepers?

A bookkeeper’s services are necessary for many firms. Whether a business requires a full-time specialised bookkeeper, a part-time bookkeeper, or a complete accounting department depends on its size and breadth. By gathering and entering data, bookkeepers contribute significantly to the business accounting cycle. You can make a significant contribution to the structure and expansion of enterprises, from startups to large conglomerates, as a meticulous professional.

An effective financial data management system may stop issues like skimming fraud and offer insightful information. An accountant usually manages the latter two parts of the accounting cycle, whereas a bookkeeper is in charge of the first two. For enterprises, capital management is essential. Capital is important at every stage of the business process, from turning a concept into a model to funding its growth. You would monitor a business’s financial activities as a professional bookkeeper and enter them into the general ledger accounts.

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What Jobs Do The Certifications Offer?

Having a bookkeeping qualification can help you land a job as a freelancer or as an internal bookkeeper. Since bookkeeping serves as the foundation for many accounting procedures, you can utilise your expertise as a springboard to become an accountant. But if you want to become an accountant or advance beyond accounting, you’ll probably need to finish a degree program and earn further qualifications.

Important Skills for Bookkeeping Jobs

A bookkeeper must be able to maintain records in an orderly manner. They create an accurate financial picture of the business. Making balance sheets, invoices, cash flow statements, income statements, accounts receivable reports, and more are all skills that a bookkeeper must master. The majority of the arithmetic is done by software and calculators. However, knowing the fundamentals of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division will help you identify mistakes more quickly. Explore in-demand skills below.

• Technical skills in bookkeeping 

Nearly 10% of job descriptions mention using QuickBooks software, which can be related to handling payroll, creating invoices, and overseeing company finances. Also, managing payroll tax returns can involve documenting daily activity, managing budgets, balancing bank accounts, and creating reports. It is listed on 12.3% of resumes. Almost 10% of resumes and 10.8% of job descriptions include handling reconciliations. Journal entries, balancing ledgers, bank reconciliations, HR support tasks, and more can fall under this category.

• Bookkeeping Skills

 8.11 percent of resumes mention customer service. This can include managing office operations, answering phones, setting up client consultations, and protecting the privacy of assets and information. Almost 9% of job descriptions mention attention to detail. This corresponds to the accuracy of the data you gather and use to assess the company’s reputation. Managing various forms of financial data for clients, including reports, costs, and receipts, as well as identifying inaccuracies in reporting, will be your responsibility. More than 6% of job descriptions mention communication. Communication includes exchanging financial insights with business executives and describing financial concepts or information to clients.

How to Get Bookkeeping Jobs in the USA

Acquire the necessary credentials. It is essential to acquire the necessary credentials to work as a bookkeeper. By doing this, you may show off your bookkeeping knowledge and abilities. Also, this improves your expertise in this area, both of which can improve your chances of finding work. There are three methods to obtain the credentials required for this position, including:

• Obtain a degree

The typical path to getting a bookkeeping job is to obtain a degree in accounting, finance, or bookkeeping. The majority of three-year undergraduate degree programs give you the abilities you need to perform this job. Most universities need students to have at least five GCSEs with a 9–4 grade (or equivalent), including math and English. However, the specific prerequisites for admission to these courses vary depending on the institution and the course.  A minimum of two or three A*-C A-levels in pertinent courses, such as maths or business studies, are also important. Because of the variations in admission standards, make sure you confirm your eligibility with the institution before applying.

• Enrol in a college course. 

Another efficient method of becoming a bookkeeper is to finish a college course in accounting, finance, or bookkeeping. This takes a lot less time to acquire than earning a degree. The majority of working bookkeepers have a degree or certification from an authorised university. Each institution has different prerequisites for admission. Most of them require that students have two or more GCSEs with a 9–3 (or A*–D) mark to gain admission into these courses.

• Look for training or internship opportunities. 

Once you have the necessary credentials, you can further develop your abilities and expertise. Do this by finishing a training program or internship. Being a bookkeeper usually involves on-the-job training and practical learning. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to work in a real-world environment where you can put your knowledge and abilities to use. In this profession, internships and training assignments can be on job websites and social media pages. Other ways are interacting with recruitment agencies and contacting businesses directly. Both training placements and internships may give you the foundational skills you need to become a certified bookkeeper. Internships last between six and twelve months.

• Obtain licenses and certifications

 To make yourself stand out as a candidate, think about getting the necessary licenses and certifications. This can be when you have expertise in the sector. The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) offers the most popular certificates, which can improve your employability and competency. Another well-known organisation where you can get pertinent credentials for this sector is the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). Both of these groups can provide their members with booking licenses in addition to qualifications. These can be especially helpful if you eventually want to launch your own bookkeeping company.

• Look for employment 

You can apply for bookkeeping employment once you have the necessary credentials, experience, and certifications. In general, it’s wise to start with entry-level positions and work your way up to more senior bookkeeping positions. These positions can be similar to internships and placements in bookkeeping. You can work for yourself and start your own bookkeeping company in addition to seeking entry-level bookkeeping positions.

Bookkeeping Jobs Salary

In the United States, a bookkeeper typically makes $23.05 per hour. 15.3k wages derived from Indeed job ads within the previous 36 months (as of July 14, 2025). The average hourly wage for a bookkeeper in the US is $24.31 as of July 13, 2025. The majority of bookkeepers in the US presently make between $19.71 -$27.64. The wide range of typical pay for bookkeepers indicates that, depending on years of experience, region, and skill level, there may be numerous prospects for growth and higher compensation.

Conclusion 

In today’s data-driven and fast-paced market, bookkeeping jobs are still essential for companies of all kinds. The need for qualified and trustworthy bookkeepers in the USA is high and still rising. Bookkeeping jobs can require working in-house, doing freelance work, or providing remote client support. There is an ability to specialise, advance one’s skills, and even work remotely. Bookkeeping provides a steady career path that allows for flexibility and advancement. A career in bookkeeping may be your next best step if you care about details, enjoy numbers, and want to support companies in maintaining their financial stability. You only have to take the first step, and the doors are open.