Bookkeeper: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Bookkeeper do?

As a bookkeeper, you manage financial records, track transactions, and ensure accuracy in accounting. You handle invoices, process payments, and reconcile accounts to keep the company's financial data organized and up-to-date.

Bookkeeper: Main duties

Bookkeepers in the Finance field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Maintain an accurate record of financial transactions.
Update and maintain the general ledger.
Reconciliation of entries into the accounting system.
Recording of debits and credits.
Maintain the trial balance, by a reconciliation of general ledgers.
Account reconciliation to assert the accuracy of transactions.
Use knowledge of local laws to comply with reporting requirements.
Monitor any variances from the projected budget.

Bookkeeper: Key Qualifications

Associate's degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or equivalent business experience.
Knowledge of bookkeeping software.
At least two years of bookkeeping experience, preferably within a business-services environment.
Excellent attention to detail and precision in money handling and numerical operations.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Bookkeepers

Strong numeracy and financial management skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise extreme discretion.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
Organizational and time-management skills.
Understanding of business bookkeeping procedures and financial record keeping.

Salary Expectations for Bookkeepers

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Bookkeeper	Finance	44,830 USD

The average salary for a Bookkeeper in the U.S. is approximately $44,830 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Bookkeepers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$56,038
Senior	11+ years	$49,313
Experienced	6-10 years	$44,830
Mid Level	3-5 years	$40,347
Entry Level	0-2 years	$33,623

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Bookkeeper Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Bookkeepers

Bookkeepers typically start their careers with a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers may prefer candidates with additional education or certification in accounting, finance, or bookkeeping. Entry-level positions in bookkeeping may involve roles such as Accounting Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, or Accounts Receivable Clerk, where professionals gain practical experience recording financial transactions, maintaining ledgers, and reconciling accounts.

With experience, Bookkeepers can advance to roles such as Full-Charge Bookkeeper, Accounting Supervisor, or Accounting Manager, where they oversee bookkeeping operations, manage financial records, and prepare financial reports for management or external stakeholders. Some bookkeepers may pursue professional certifications, such as the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, to enhance their skills and credibility as bookkeeping professionals.

Continued education, staying updated on accounting principles and software applications, and building a network of professional contacts are crucial for success in this field. Bookkeepers may also participate in professional organizations, attend workshops, and pursue continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices.

Bookkeeper: Work Environment

Bookkeepers work in various settings, including accounting firms, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and financial institutions. They collaborate closely with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely recording of financial transactions and compliance with accounting standards and regulations.

The work environment for Bookkeepers is detail-oriented and deadline-driven, with professionals often working with financial data, spreadsheets, and accounting software to maintain accurate records and reports. They may use software applications such as QuickBooks, Excel, or Sage to enter transactions, reconcile accounts, and generate financial statements.

Bookkeepers may work on a variety of tasks, including accounts payable processing, accounts receivable management, payroll processing, and bank reconciliations. They may also assist with budgeting, forecasting, and tax preparation activities, depending on the needs of their organization or clients.

While standard business hours are common, Bookkeepers may need to work evenings, weekends, or overtime during peak periods, such as month-end or tax season, to meet deadlines or address urgent financial matters. The job requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work accurately under pressure.

Overall, being a Bookkeeper offers the opportunity to play a vital role in managing the financial affairs of organizations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and supporting decision-making processes with accurate and timely financial information. It's a rewarding career for those who enjoy working with numbers, solving problems, and contributing to the financial success of businesses and individuals.

Bookkeeper: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Learn about the key responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for a Bookkeeper to effectively manage and record financial transactions.