Earn $70 an Hour from Home: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Launching a Profitable Bookkeeping Career

Robert Plant | Save it

Last updated: 10/03/2024

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Imagine turning your analytical talents into a profitable bookkeeping career right from your living room. This isn’t just a dream. For many, like Side Hustle Show guest Kate Johnson, it’s their reality. Since starting her own service in 2017, Kate makes up to $70 an hour working online. She supports many small businesses, keeping them organized and running smoothly.

Contents

Like Kate, you too can earn from home. She proves that with the right time management skills, you can juggle work and life’s other responsibilities. This is especially helpful as she moves with her Navy spouse.

If you’re looking for a career that fits your lifestyle and pays well, consider bookkeeping. With some effort and guidance, you can start a fulfilling career. You can achieve what Kate has accomplished.

The Alluring Path of a Virtual Bookkeeper

Key Takeaways

Starting a home-based bookkeeping business can pay as much as $70 an hour.
Getting certified can greatly enhance your skills and make you more credible.
You might need anything from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree, depending on the job.
Being good at negotiating and presenting will help you in this career.
Knowing how to use programs like QuickBooks Online is crucial today.
Sites like FlexJobs list many legitimate bookkeeping jobs you can do from home.
It’s important to budget well and plan for taxes to manage your finances effectively.

Acquiring Essential Bookkeeping Skills

Become a Bookkeeper: Navigating Certifications and Courses

Conclusion

The Alluring Path of a Virtual Bookkeeper

Technology and remote work have made the virtual bookkeeper role very attractive. These jobs offer a great lifestyle balance. They mix working from home with providing key services to various businesses.

Why Choose a Home-Based Bookkeeping Job

Picture starting your day when you want, organizing work around your life. Sam, a virtual bookkeeper, works for different clients like churches and investors. Sam enjoys flexible hours and the comfort of home while working.

A Flexjob study found 73% of remote workers enjoy better work-life balance. Working from home cuts down on commutes, adding to well-being and job happiness.

Virtual Versatility: Matching Your Lifestyle With Your Career

Shifting to a home office can be a big change. However, it allows for unmatched work-life adaptation. For example, working from home doesn’t mean working any less. Sam sometimes works extra hours, showing dedication and flexibility.

Success in this career comes from using tech smartly. Sam uses good software for efficiency. This means happy clients and growing the business.

After work, Sam likes hiking and relaxing by the pool. Home-based bookkeeping fits well with his life. It proves the personal and professional benefits of this career choice.

Benefit	Details	Impact
Flexible Hours	Workday typically from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., adjustable during month-end.	Enables balance of work and personal life, leading to lower stress levels.
Diverse Client Base	Clients include churches, investors, and consultants.	Provides varied experience and stabilizes income through multiple revenue streams.
Technology Integration	Uses dual monitors and efficient software for bookkeeping tasks.	Increases efficiency and accuracy in managing financial records.

The table shows the clear benefits of being a virtual bookkeeper. People like Sam are changing the game. They prove it’s an appealing and smart career path for many.

Acquiring Essential Bookkeeping Skills

Starting a bookkeeping career means learning key skills and tools. It’s not just about numbers. You can stand out with the right training, whether you aim for certification or want to boost your skills online. Becoming a skilled bookkeeper is a step-by-step process.

Being great at bookkeeping today requires knowing how to use certain software well. For instance, understanding QuickBooks is vital. Over 11% of jobs need it for tasks like payroll. Learning this through bookkeeping courses is key for moving ahead in your career.

Online courses teach you more than just the technical stuff. They help with communication and attention to detail. About 6% and 9% of job posts, respectively, say these are critical. You’ll be ready for everything from recording daily sales to complex reports. This ensures businesses stay healthy and follow the rules.

Soft skills, like good customer service, are also vital. They’re mentioned in over 10% of resumes. Training can improve how you interact with clients while keeping their info private. This makes you a well-rounded professional.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says six months of training can teach the basics. This is good news for those eager to start in this field.

To go even further, getting certified by groups like the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers boosts your job prospects. It also makes you more credible professionally.

Key Skill	Percentage Needed in Job Descriptions	Real-world Application
QuickBooks Proficiency	11%	Handling payroll services, invoicing, financial management
Detail-oriented Tasks	9%	Collecting accurate financial data, identifying inconsistencies
Communication Skills	6%	Explaining financial concepts, reporting to company leaders
Customer Service	10%	Client interaction, maintaining confidentiality

Bookkeeping courses don’t just teach you skills. They also focus on ethics and following the law. This prepares you to handle money matters accurately and legally.

Whether you want a full-time job or freelance gigs, knowing both practical and soft skills is crucial. Grow your skills through online courses and certifications. This will prepare you well for a bookkeeping career’s ups and downs.

Become a Bookkeeper: Navigating Certifications and Courses

Welcome to the exciting world of bookkeeping. It’s where precision meets great opportunities. If you want to boost your online bookkeeping skills, get certified, or start a career in bookkeeping, it’s important to know about different courses and certifications. With options like QuickBooks and Xero certifications, you can truly shine in this field.

First, let’s look at online bookkeeping courses. They let you learn at your own speed. This is great if you have other commitments or like setting your own study schedule. These programs cover everything from basic skills to preparing for specific certifications.

Online Bookkeeping Courses: Learn at Your Own Pace

Online programs teach key bookkeeping skills flexibly. They’re perfect for both beginners and those wanting to refine their skills for certification. This flexibility is great for managing your time and studying when you’re most productive.

Certifications: QuickBooks, Xero, and Beyond

Getting QuickBooks or Xero certified can really boost your professional value. These certifications show you’re an expert in popular bookkeeping software. They make you stand out to employers or clients and show you’re serious about your career and ongoing learning.

Bookkeeping Challenges and Competitions: Sharpening Your Skills

Entering bookkeeping challenges and competitions is a great way to improve. They put you in real-life situations where you need to use your knowledge and strategic thinking to solve problems. This not only enhances your skills but also adds a great achievement to your resume.

Certification	Skills Covered	Exam/Assessment	Duration
QuickBooks ProAdvisor	Account management, payroll, tax fundamentals	Multiple-choice exam	Self-paced, typically 6-12 weeks
Xero Advisor	Cloud-based bookkeeping, financial reporting	Practical assignments	Self-paced, typically 2-6 weeks
Certified Bookkeeper (AIPB)	Advanced bookkeeping concepts, correction of errors, payroll	Four-part exam	Self-study: 1 year to complete exams

By exploring these courses and certifications, you boost your skill level and marketability in the bookkeeping field. Whether you’re advancing in your current job or starting your own business, the right training and certification are crucial to success.

Conclusion

Starting a bookkeeping career from home is becoming popular and profitable. This is especially true for people like Kate Johnson. She uses her organization skills without needing a full-time job.

To start, you need strong bookkeeping skills. Start with important courses like double-entry bookkeeping and understanding financial statements. Places like the Open University and NEC offer these online. They’re great for beginners and experts.

Most entry-level bookkeepers don’t need a bachelor’s degree. Only 12% have one. You can become a bookkeeper with commitment and learning outside traditional schools. The average salary is around $43,748. With more training and certifications, like from ICB, you can earn more.

You can either start your own business or join an established company. The bookkeeping field has many chances for success. It mixes working from home with a stable income.

Skills in technology, managing time, and paying attention to details are key. Learning from experts and special courses is helpful. You’re on the edge of a promising career. It offers growth and financial rewards from your home office.

FAQ

Why should I consider a home-based bookkeeping job?

A home-based bookkeeping job gives you flexibility and the chance to earn well from home. It suits those looking for a profitable career that fits various lifestyles. Kate Johnson, a virtual bookkeeper, shows you can make about an hour. She offers valuable services to businesses needing her skills.

How does a virtual bookkeeping role fit with my lifestyle?

Virtual bookkeeping is very flexible. It lets you shape your job to match your life, whether it’s family, travel, or other choices. Since virtual bookkeepers work from anywhere, it’s great for those moving often or who like working remotely. This way, your job stays steady even if your personal life changes.

What are the first steps to become a bookkeeper from home?

Start by learning the basics of bookkeeping and accounting. Look for bookkeeping courses that teach you the skills and business know-how you need. An online course like “Bookkeeper Launch” helps you learn both accounting and how to run your business.

Do I need a certification to work in bookkeeping?

In the U.S., you don’t need a certification to be a bookkeeper. But, having one can make you stand out. Certifications like QuickBooks or Xero show you’re skilled and can attract more clients.

Can you recommend some resources for learning bookkeeping online?

For new bookkeepers, there are many online courses. Sites like AccountingCoach.com offer free basic courses. “Bookkeeper Launch” gives a deeper understanding, including business marketing. You can also get certifications in QuickBooks and Xero online.

What kind of job opportunities exist for a virtual bookkeeper?

Virtual bookkeepers can find jobs with many businesses. You can work remotely, freelance, or start your service. The internet lets you work with clients anywhere, giving you lots of job chances.

How can I stand out in the competitive field of bookkeeping?

Stand out by learning more and training in important software. Get advanced certifications. Build your online presence and network in business groups. Use sites like Paro.io to find clients. Offer unique services, meet client needs, and keep improving your skills.

What are the challenges I might face as a new bookkeeper?

New bookkeepers might struggle to seem credible without much experience. Finding and keeping clients can be tough. You also need to keep up with bookkeeping changes. Overcome these by learning constantly, getting feedback, networking, and maybe finding a mentor or joining a bookkeepers’ group.