Pathway: Accounting, Banking & Finance
Job: Bookeeper

Job Description

Bookkeepers handle financial transactions and keep records. Their duties vary dependent on the size and needs of the establishment. In a small business, a bookkeeper may handle all financial records and transactions, as well as payroll and billing duties. A large firm may employ specialized accounting, payroll, and billing clerks.

High School Diploma; some college courses or an Associate’s Degree is often required

Helpful High School Courses

English, Mathematics, Computer Applications

Working Conditions

• Typically work in an office environment
  
• Most work regular business hours and may work longer or off-hours for deadlines
  
• May have to sit for extended periods of time
  
• If using computers on a daily basis, may experience eye and muscle strain, backaches, headaches and repetitive motion injuries
  

Salary Range

• 2003, Delaware average annual salary, $29,840
• 2003, Delaware average hourly wages, $14.35

Career Ladder Information

• Bookkeepers with a bookkeeper certification or several years of accounting experience will have the best job prospects
  
• Workers with a Bachelor’s Degree are likely to start at higher salaries and advance more easily than those without degrees
  

Personal Qualities and Interests

      You:

• Have a strong aptitude for numbers
  
• Are discreet and trustworthy
  
• Have good communication skills
  
• Are careful, orderly, detail-oriented and accurate
  
• Have an interest in computerized financing software programs

Did you know?

• The demand for full-charge bookkeepers is expected to increase since they are requested to do much of the work of accountants

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers: http://www.aipb.org

  
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