What education is needed to become a bookkeeper?
Mia Phillips
Updated on April 01, 2026
ALTHOUGH SOME BOOKKEEPERS DO NOT EARN A DEGREE, MOST EMPLOYERS PREFER CANDIDATES WHO COMPLETE COLLEGE COURSEWORK IN ACCOUNTING OR A RELATED FIELD. Bookkeepers may earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Accounting majors build skills beyond bookkeeping, including auditing, public accounting, and cost accounting skills.
How do you qualify as a bookkeeper?
Complete a qualification, such as a Certificate IV Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217) or Diploma in Accounting (FNS50217) in a TAFE institution. Complete suitable GST and BAS units, which can be included as part of the Certificate IV course, as well as work experience supervised by a BAS Agent.
Which subjects are required for bookkeeping?
A bookkeeping course gives you an introduction to the basic knowledge and skills needed….Basics of Bookkeeping
- Debits and credits.
- The double-entry system.
- Basic accounting principles.
- The accounting equation.
- Journal entries.
- Bank reconciliations.
- Trial balances.
Is it hard to become a bookkeeper?
Bookkeeping is not a difficult profession. It’s something you can learn on-the-job, through self-study, or through a formal college degree program. Many companies need the services of bookkeepers to maintain their financial records for them so they can free up their time for other things.
How much do bookkeepers earn per hour?
On average, hiring a bookkeeper will cost you around $40/hr. However, bookkeeper rates may still vary depending on the type of work involved. Basic bookkeeping services start at approximately $33/hr, but depending on the complexity of the job, prices can go as high as $50/hr.
How much do book keepers get paid?
New South Wales follows closely with an average price of about $35/hr for the same kind of bookkeeping services. Meanwhile, the average cost of bookkeeping services in Victoria is around $37/hr. South Australia and Western Australia residents are paying the highest average bookkeeping rate at around $45/hr.
What do you need to be a certified bookkeeper?
Career Requirements. To be a bookkeeper, you need a high school diploma. Certification will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field. You need two years of experience to be eligible for certification. You also should have math and basic computer skills, along with being detail-oriented.
Can you get a job as a bookkeeper without a degree?
You sure can! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level bookkeepers don’t have a degree. Instead, candidates rely on a combination of existing skills and on-the-job training to be successful in the workplace.
Do you have to pass the aipb to become a certified bookkeeper?
As far as scoring goes, the first two parts of the AIPB exam can be passed with a 75% or higher grade, while the second two parts require a 70% or higher grade. For the NACPB exam, all parts require a 75% or higher grade to pass. However, passing an exam is not the only part of becoming certified.
How much money can you make as a bookkeeper?
Cheyenne Weaver and Kevin Schmidt, that have swapped their day jobs for a full-time career as a bookkeeper from home. Kevin averages $8,000/month bookkeeping from home and is hoping to reach a six-figure income by the end of the year. 9 months in and Cheyenne currently earns $3,000 a month from home working less than 20 hours a week.