7 Essential Skills for Bookkeeping
The demand for professional Bookkeepers among small businesses is on the rise. These businesses tend to hire individual and small bookkeeping firms as they are more affordable, receive personalized service, and get the benefits of specialized software without incurring the cost. As a Bookkeeper the array of services may range from daily bookkeeping to financial analysis to help businesses establish budgets, scale, and grow consistently.
If you’re considering becoming a Bookkeeper these seven (7) skills are essential for success.
7 Essential Skills for Bookkeeping
Exceptional Customer Service
Bookkeeping requires a considerable amount of trust from clients. When you are hired as a Bookkeeper, it’s important to deliver exceptional customer service every time. Customer service can make or break your business as clients perceive your overall skills and service through how often and how well you communicate with them.
Continuous Learning
As a Bookkeeper, you can’t be just one and done with your training. Continuous learning ensures you are keeping abreast of all the latest accounting information and laws to maintain client compliance. While software is updated regularly, you must have independent knowledge of the industry to remain competitive.
The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) offers a variety of courses such as Accounting Fundamentals, Payroll with QuickBooks Online Payroll, Accounting Analysis, Nonprofit and Government Accounting Fundamentals, Business Tax Fundamentals, and Business Communication.
Software Proficiency
Bookkeepers can’t just be tech-savvy, but must be proficient in various accounting software. As automation increases, bookkeeping evolves adapting to the differing technological advances. If you want longevity in the industry, incorporating technology into your business is vital.
| Potential Software Programs | ||||
| QuickBooks | Spreadsheets | FreshBooks | ZoHo Books | Sage Intacct |
Numeracy
Bookkeeping is a numbers game. Numeracy is confidence in applying basic match skills to make decisions. While you don’t have to be a Mathematician for bookkeeping, applying basic and sometimes complex numerical concepts is a necessity.
Numeracy in action:
| Processing information | Interpreting data, charts, and diagrams | Solving problems and checking answers | Understanding and explaining solutions |
Reliability & Dependability
Clients need to know you are reliable and dependable especially since you are managing the financial aspects of their business. Demonstrating reliability and dependability means having efficient workflows, processes, and methods to meet and exceed client expectations regularly. Coupled with honesty, transparency, and discipline, clients will continue to seek your services.
Reporting
Reporting is a substantial skill needed for bookkeeping. Bookkeepers prepare specialized client reports; monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on revenue, expenses, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. While reports can be generated automatically, they still necessitate review for accuracy.
Organization
Accurate, legible, and relevant files are what organization as a Bookkeeper are all about. Bookkeeping warrants a high-level of organization as you receive, track, and review large volumes of data. If you are handling multiple clients, it’s imperative that your organization skills are excellent.
A QuickBooks Bookkeeper certification can play a significant role in securing and retaining clients. To learn more about this certification or other courses at the Digital Workshop Center, set up a time to speak with a Student Advisor today.