13 Best Entry-Level Bookkeeping Jobs in 2024
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| Best Entry-Level Bookkeeping Jobs |
Bookkeepers record the daily transactions of a business in the appropriate books. Small business owners who can't hire a qualified accountant can as well hire a bookkeeper. However, there are limits to what they can do for your business.
Entry-level bookkeepers are bookkeepers without experience. They don't have the required experience to function in their roles. Most entry-level bookkeepers work under the supervision of the main bookkeeper in an organization.
This will enable them to get the necessary experience to work independently.
There are various roles that entry-level bookkeepers can play in an organization. But we will first learn about their duties. So what does an entry-level bookkeeper do? Read on to find out.
What are the Duties of an Entry-level Bookkeeper?
An entry-level bookkeeper's role involves handling essential financial tasks within a company. Creating basic financial reports, such as income statements and balance sheets, falls under their purview.
Other duties of a bookkeeper include:
- Record financial transactions like invoices and receipts.
- Ensure accuracy and organization of financial records.
- Reconcile bank statements with company records.
- Assist in basic financial reporting.
- Help with payroll processing.
- Maintain precise financial records.
- Communicate about financial matters with clients or colleagues.
- Support the financial stability of the organization.
13 Best Entry Level Bookkeeping Jobs
An entry-level bookkeeper can apply for the following roles in organizations:
1. Junior Bookkeeper
Junior bookkeepers assist in maintaining financial records, including recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and generating financial reports. Junior Bookkeepers earn between $30,000 to $45,000 per year, depending on the size of the organization where they work.
2. Accounts Payable Clerk
Businesses make payments to clients and supplies. They need an accounts payable clerk to help handle the process. Accounts payable clerks handle outgoing payments, ensuring bills and invoices are accurate and paid on time. Their salaries range from $30,000 to $45,000 per year. This amount depends on the salary structure of the company they work for.
3. Accounts Receivable Clerk
The same way organizations make payments, they also receive payments from clients. Accounts receivable clerks manage incoming payments, track customer accounts, and follow up on overdue payments. The salary of an accounts receivable clerk ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per year. This depends on the location and size of the company.
4. Billing Specialist
Billing specialists create and send invoices to clients, track payments, and resolve billing discrepancies. They're the ones responsible for making sure all the bills go out correctly and that payments come in on time. The annual salary of a billing specialist in the United States ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
5. Data Entry Clerk (with a focus on financial data)
A Data Entry Clerk, particularly one with a focus on financial data, plays a crucial role in ensuring that financial information is accurately recorded. This involves inputting data into computer systems or spreadsheets with a keen eye for detail.
It's like being a financial detective, making sure all the numbers add up correctly. The salary of a data entry clerk is between $25,000 to $40,000 per year.
6. Bookkeeping Assistant
A bookkeeping Assistant helps small businesses to keep their financial records organized and accurate. Furthermore, a bookkeeper assistant job description includes recording financial transactions and reconciling accounts. Furthermore, they do data entry, filing, and basic financial analysis.
It's like being the behind-the-scenes support that ensures a company's financial operations run smoothly and efficiently. The salary of a bookkeeping assistant in the USA is from $28,000 to $40,000 per year.
7. Accounting Clerk
An Accounting Clerk is like the financial paperwork wizard of a company. They are in charge of general accounting tasks, such as reconciling bank statements, processing expenses, maintaining financial records and managing invoices. Their salary ranges from $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
8. Payroll Assistant
Majority of the duties of an entry-level bookkeeper is the assist the main bookkeeper or accountant. Payroll is important for organizations with staff.
Payroll assistants assist in processing employee paychecks, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax regulations. The salary of a payroll assistant is between $35,000 to $50,000 per year.
9. Bank Teller
A bank teller works in a bank. They are mostly seen in counter areas inside the banking hall. A bank Teller is essentially the friendly face of a bank. They're the ones you meet when you visit a branch.
Furthermore, bank tellers handle customer transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and account inquiries. Their salary is between $28,000 to $40,000 per year.
10. Administrative Assistant (with financial responsibilities)
An Administrative Assistant with financial responsibilities is someone who helps run an office. They assistant with financial responsibilities, may help with bookkeeping, budgeting, and financial reporting alongside their administrative duties. Administrative Assistant (with financial responsibilities) in the United States earns between $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
11. Tax Preparer Assistant
A Tax Preparer Assistant works closely with tax experts to ensure accurate tax filings. They collect financial data from the accountant, complete tax forms, and perform calculations to ascertain the original tax liability.
Think of them as the tax expert's trusted helper, ensuring all the necessary details are in place for a smooth tax filing process. A tax preparer assistant earns between $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
12. Assistant Auditor
An Assistant Auditor is a bit like a financial detective. They work closely with with internal auditors to examine financial records and ensure everything is accurate. They are like the auditors' trusted helper, hence, they meticulously check financial details to make sure everything is in order. Their salary ranges from $40,000 to $55,000 per year.
13. Junior Financial Data Analyst
A Financial Data Analyst is like a data detective for money matters. They collect and examine financial data, such as sales, expenses, and market trends, using special tools and skills. Furthermore, they specialize in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting financial data to support business decisions. The salary of a financial data analyst in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
How to Become a Bookkeeper
Here are the steps to become a bookkeeper:
- Get Your High School Diploma: First things first, make sure you've got your high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. It's the starting point.
- Decide Your Path: Think about how you want to approach this. Do you want to study formally, get certified, or start with some hands-on experience? It's your choice.
- Consider Further Education: If you're leaning towards education, you can look into college or community college courses related to numbers and finances. These will give you a solid knowledge base.
- Gain Practical Experience: Alternatively, you can jump into the field by snagging an entry-level job or internship in bookkeeping. Learning on the job can be super effective.
- Become a Software Whiz: These days, knowing your way around accounting software like QuickBooks is a must. Excel skills are a bonus too.
- Choose Your Niche: Bookkeeping isn't just about numbers; you can specialize in things like payroll, taxes, or specific industries like healthcare or real estate.
- Get Certified: If you want to boost your credentials, look into certifications like the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation. It can make you more appealing to employers.
- Stay Updated: The finance world changes, so keep learning. Attend workshops, take online bookkeeping courses with certificates, and stay in the loop.
- Network with other bookkeepers: Join professional groups and attend events. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and keep you informed about industry trends.
- Land a Job or Go Solo: Once you're ready, start looking for bookkeeping jobs. Or if you're feeling adventurous, consider starting your own bookkeeping business.
How to Find the Best Entry-Level Bookkeeping Jobs
The following tips will help you find the best entry-level bookkeeping jobs:
- Create a well-organized resume highlighting your relevant education, certifications, and experience.
- Visit popular job search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and SimplyHired to search for entry-level bookkeeping positions.
- Explore the career pages of companies you're interested in to find job openings they may have posted directly.
- Let your professional network know you're seeking entry-level bookkeeping roles, as personal connections can lead to job opportunities.
- Participate in local job fairs or industry-specific events to meet potential employers face-to-face.
- Become a member of accounting or bookkeeping associations for access to job boards and networking opportunities.
- Collaborate with staffing agencies that specialize in finance and accounting to find temporary or permanent positions.
- Seek remote bookkeeping opportunities on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer to gain experience.
- Connect with recruitment agencies specializing in finance and accounting placements for job leads.
- Gain experience and build your resume by volunteering your bookkeeping skills for non-profits or local businesses.
- Reach out to your accounting instructors or professors for job leads and references.
- Practice answering common interview questions and prepare examples demonstrating your bookkeeping knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
- Participate in bookkeeping or accounting-related online communities where job leads may be shared.
- Keep applying, follow up on applications, and adapt your approach based on feedback, as persistence is crucial in job hunting.
Conclusion: Best Entry-Level Bookkeeping Jobs
Entry-level bookkeeping jobs are not hard to find. Just be ready and make yourself available whenever the opportunity comes. You can find entry-level bookkeeper jobs in both small and big businesses.
Furthermore, don't be scared that you don't have enough experience. Since it is strictly an entry level job, no employer will require you to have job experience. Although, having experience on the job will be an advantage.
Good luck on your job search.
