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BOOKKEEPING
Career Summary
Bookkeepers maintain and update financial records sometimes for an entire company if it is a smaller establishment or handle specific accounts for larger businesses. They record financial transactions, post debits and credits, produce financial statements, tabulate expenditures, verify and balance receipts, prepare invoices. They may handle the payroll, procurement, bank deposits, keep track of overdue accounts, contact customers or clients, and submit report summaries to supervisors and managers. Bookkeepers have to possess a wide range of skills and knowledge and be able to perform numerous computations each day. They must be comfortable using computers and specialized accounting software. A growing number of bookkeepers work for outsourcing personnel-supply firms or at home and contract their services to various business entities. College coursework in bookkeeping or accounting is becoming increasingly important and often required. Bookkeepers may obtain the Certified Bookkeeper designation, awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. To qualify a person must have at least 2 years of bookkeeping experience, pass three tests, and adhere to a code of ethics. With appropriate experience and education, some bookkeepers may advance into positions of accountants, human resource specialists, or buyers.
Program Description
The Bookkeeping curriculum has been designed for students who wish to become bookkeepers in private industry or government service. The coursework deals with various financial accounting topics including the accounting cycle, revenue and expense recognition, internal control and external reporting requirements, financial statement analysis, receivables and payables, different inventory systems, etc. After completion of the program students will possess computer skills required for employment in the field of computerized accounting, should be well-versed in four accounting software packages, learn and master essential concepts of payroll. They will also familiarize themselves with the functions and characteristics of the business environment, and be prepared to accomplish tasks and solve problems through the written word.
Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in accounting should consult with an academic and/or transfer counselor to discuss transfer requirements.
Key Skills and
Characteristics
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Knowledge of accounting practices. |
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Strong aptitude for numbers. |
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A keen problem-solving ability. |
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Expertise in word-processing and spreadsheet software. |
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Detail-oriented, organized, accurate. |
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Discreet and trustworthy, capable of preserving confidentiality. |
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Good communication skills and customer service values. |
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Ability to work independently. |
Related Career Titles
Accounting Clerk * Auditing Clerk * New Accounts Clerks * Loan Interviewers and Clerks * Billing, Cost, and Rate Clerks
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