Bookkeeper - how did you get started

bg · 05-20-2006, 11:22 AM

Are there any bookkeepers here? How did you get started? Did you take any courses or complete any programs (associate degree/online course)?

I am an accounting student interested in becoming a bookkeeper but I have a long way to go before I graduate as I am paying my way through school. It seems really hard to get into the field without experience, but I dunno how to get the experience.

Thanks for your help.

**couponchic** · 05-20-2006, 11:48 AM

I am a CPA, but started out as a bookkeeper until I passed the CPA exam. The way I got my foot in the door was through a company called Accountemps.

http://www.accountemps.com/

Accountemps can hook you up with companies who need your services. If you go this route, you would actually be an employee of Accountemps and that's who your paycheck would come from. Accountemps, in turn, sends a bill to the company where you do your work for your services. If the company likes you and wants to hire you on, then there is some type of agreement worked through between Accountemps and the company. Hope this info helps.

**brainyblonde** · 05-20-2006, 12:43 PM

I have a friend that was able to secure a permanent position as a bookkeeper through Accountemps, too. A lot of big companies use a temporary service to find permenent employees.

bg · 05-22-2006, 09:25 AM

I signed up for accounttemps and am hoping that I get some leads from there. Thanks for the tip!

**brainyblonde** · 06-16-2006, 09:02 PM

I was browsing craigslist earlier and noticed a lot of job postings for entry level bookkeeping positions, and thought about you. If you have a craigslist in your area, it might be worth a look.

bg · 06-16-2006, 09:07 PM

Thanks brainyblonde! I do scan CL everyday. But right now I want something for a few hours. I did recently begin a job in Accounts Payable. I joined a few bookkeeping organizations and forums online to get the networking aspect down. I've signed up for a Quickbooks course for next month, because I would like to eventually have my own bookkeeping business. I am currently hunting for an opportunity that requires one day a week committment.

**couponchic** · 06-17-2006, 10:56 AM

Taking the Quickbooks course will definitely be a plus for you as, in my experience, the majority of small business owners around here operate on Quickbooks.