Becoming a bookkeeper can be rewarding for problem-solving, detail-oriented individuals interested in finance and accounting. Bookkeepers play an important role in the accounting industry and are crucial to managing financial transactions and maintaining accurate business records.
Learning what it takes to become a bookkeeper and developing your skillset with an accounting diploma can build your confidence and expertise — better positioning you competitively when it comes to the beginning of your bookkeeping career.
But how does bookkeeping relate to accounting and related support roles? And how will you choose this role out of the many that an accounting diploma prepares you for? Before delving into the details of becoming a bookkeeper, it's essential to understand the distinctions between bookkeepers, and accountants and learn why an accounting diploma can provide them both with benefits.
Bookkeepers Vs Accountants: What’s The Difference?
While both bookkeepers and accountants work with financial data, their responsibilities differ significantly.
Bookkeepers are considered accounting technicians, and, along with other accounting technicians, primarily focus on recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and categorizing expenses in large or small businesses. On the other hand, accountants analyze financial statements, provide strategic financial guidance, and file corporate taxes. Accountants have a longer education and usually require several important certifications.
Accountants often rely on bookkeepers for the smooth functioning of an accounting department — and an accountant might have several bookkeepers reporting to them to keep on top of the financial needs of the organization.
Understanding the accountant/bookkeeper distinction is crucial for individuals aiming to become a bookkeeper — or follow other career paths available in the accounting and finance industry.
How Much Does a Bookkeeper Make In Canada?
One of the critical factors that individuals consider when considering a career change is the potential income. The earning potential of a bookkeeper varies based on factors like experience and location.
Experienced bookkeepers and those with specialized skills or high-paying employers may be offered higher salaries, as demonstrated by the top 10% of earners in this role.
Here's a look at the mid-point average salaries for Bookkeepers living in the 5 most populous provinces in Canada:
| Canadian Province | Average Salary |
| British Columbia | $52,790.40 |
| Alberta | $58,240.00 |
| Manitoba | $49,254.40 |
| Ontario | $52,000.00 |
| Quebec | $52,104.00 |
In Alberta, the top 10% of Bookkeepers earn an average of $96,990.40!
A New Career Within A Year: Learn To Become A Bookkeeper
Choosing a business diploma with focus on accounting, tax and payroll courses gives you a few career options — securing your new position as a bookkeeper becomes an achievable goal. With options to complete your preferred education program and take part in the necessary training online or on-campus, you can graduate with your diploma in a year.
An accounting diploma can help you realize your career goals and create opportunities for you to pursue a bookkeeping career path. It also keeps your options open for related roles like an Accounting Assistant, Tax Preparer, Payroll Administrator, and Accounting Clerk, or other clerical roles in an accounting and finance department (e.g. Billing Clerk, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, etc.).
Understanding the Role of a Bookkeeper
A Bookkeeper is an accounting technician, meaning they are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, including recording transactions, organizing expenses, and reconciling accounts. That means they’ll be using company numbers, banking information, and invoices to create a clear picture of an organization’s financial standing.
Someone working in this role plays a vital part in ensuring that all financial data is accurately documented and organized for the financial reporting needs of the business or businesses they work for:
- Write down and sort out money-related information for one or several businesses using books or computers
- Put entries in business journals and balance accounts, prepare reports, keep track of all available money and resources, and make financial statements
- Make cheques for workers and bills, and fill out forms for taxes, workers’ compensation, pension, and other government requirements
- Make other reports with numbers, cash and other assets, and accounting information
Importance of Bookkeeping in Organizations
Bookkeeping is essential for most organizations as it provides a clear picture of the financial health of the business. Accurate and up-to-date bookkeeping allows businesses to make informed decisions, track financial performance, provide financial data to important stakeholders, and comply with regulatory requirements. This type of work is always necessary, and organizations needing help in this area don’t have to be all about profit.
Did you know bookkeepers are not limited to simply working for a large or small business? As a bookkeeper, other types of organizations, including government and non-profits, also require your services.
Being important to each and every kind of organization that has resources (and spends them) means that you get to work where you want! If there’s a cause you believe in, you could even end up bookkeeping for an organization that serves communities and individuals with privately donated finances.
7 Steps To Becoming a Bookkeeper
Becoming a bookkeeper involves several crucial steps, including obtaining the necessary education and training, gaining relevant work experience, and succeeding over the long term. However, it's not always clear what steps come first!
In addition to the formal requirements for a job application, aspiring bookkeepers should also have useful hard and soft skills ready for their first day, such as attention to detail, proficiency in bookkeeping software, and strong analytical abilities.
From start to finish, there are 7 systematic steps you can take to become a bookkeeper through a college diploma:
1. Learn about your accounting career options.
2. Decide on your accounting career goals.
3. Develop bookkeeping skills through an accounting diploma.
4. Gain career development skills through college career services.
5. Apply to jobs and lean on your professional network.
6. Get hired and surpass expectations.
7. Consider certifications that combine with your diploma and work experience.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming a Bookkeeper with a diploma that sets you apart from the crowd. You’ll probably find that an accounting diploma is the most important step in this process!
Learn About Your Accounting Career Options
Learn about your accounting career options and find out what kind of Bookkeeper you want to be. Bookkeeping is a broad field that encompasses various types of accounting tasks and roles. Depending on the size and nature of the organization, bookkeepers may be responsible for recording transactions, reconciling accounts, preparing financial statements, processing payroll, filing taxes, and more. It all depends on the responsibilities outlined in the role, and the more a bookkeeper can skillfully take on, the better.
Some bookkeepers specialize in a specific industry or sector, such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, or non-profit. Others may work for accounting firms that provide bookkeeping services to multiple clients.
Bookkeepers may also choose to work as freelancers or consultants, offering their services on a project or contract basis. As a bookkeeper, you will need to be familiar with the accounting standards and regulations that apply to your industry and province. You will also need to use various bookkeeping software and applications to perform your duties efficiently and accurately.
A diploma in accounting remains a great choice for those considering a career as a bookkeeper, because the above skills are not easily learned in an afternoon by yourself – you need hands-on training, insights from industry experts, and honed skill that will get you to where you want to be.
To learn what you can do with an accounting diploma ask around! When it’s time to look for a job that makes use of your accounting skills, attend webinars and workshops, and network with other bookkeepers. During your diploma, you will also have access to Career Service and specialized advisors who can guide you on your way to finding out about the bookkeeping jobs that are best suited to you.
A well-rounded Accounting, Tax, and Payroll Diploma is the best place to start — leaving you a clear path to career success in an accounting-related role — from tax preparation to bookkeeping.
Decide on Your Accounting Career Goals
Decide on your accounting career goals and plan your education and training accordingly. Once you have a clear idea of what bookkeeping entails and what kind of Bookkeeper you want to be, you can set your accounting career goals and choose your accounting diploma from there.
Are you set on being an Accountant with more supervisory responsibility and a longer path to success?
Or would you prefer to try being a bookkeeper first? Accountants rely on the skilled job performance of bookkeepers to keep everything correct and traceable. Bookkeepers can do most things accountants can!
When you choose to become an accountant, you'll likely need a 4-year degree in accounting and several certifications after you work in industry. But if you choose to become a bookkeeper, you can get relevant education that employers recognize and reward in a year! You can then choose to focus on bookkeeping or pursuing a career as an accountant.
Develop Bookkeeping Skills Through An Accounting Diploma
Develop bookkeeping skills through an accounting diploma that covers the essential topics and tools needed for an organization's financial accounting and reporting. One of the most important steps to becoming a bookkeeper is to enroll in an accounting diploma program at a reputable career college.
An accounting diploma program will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to perform bookkeeping tasks and functions effectively and efficiently.
An accounting diploma program will typically cover topics such as:
- Accounting principles and practices
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Managerial accounting and decision-making
- Bookkeeping software and applications
- Payroll administration and regulatory compliance
- Taxation and filing
Bookkeeping is just one of your options when you enroll in a program with multiple career options, like Sundance College's Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll diploma. No matter what position you end up in, your accounting diploma is worth it and you'll be ready to start working in a stable, in-demand, and respectable career.
Our Accounting, Tax & Payroll diploma will provide you with the hands-on training and practical experience through practicum that you will need to develop your industry knowledge and soft skills in the finance sector. You will learn how to apply your Bookkeeping skills to real-world settings that could turn into your first full-time job in your new career after graduation. Overall, 92% of Sundance College graduates find relevant work in their field!
Gain Career Development Skills Through College Career Services
Gain career development skills through college career services that help you prepare for the job market and connect with employers. Another benefit of enrolling in an accounting diploma program like Sundance College’s is your access to services that help you with your career development skills and your search for post-graduation employment. These services include:
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Interview coaching and mock interviews
- Job search strategies and resources
- Alumni career support and mentorship
By taking advantage of these services, you will be able to showcase your Bookkeeping skills and education as proof of your ability to potential employers — and stand out from the job competition. A diploma graduate also enjoys a built-in professional network through the student and instructor relationships that you have established during your course to help with job search.
Apply to Jobs and Lean on Your New Professional Network
Apply to jobs and lean on the professional network that you have attained during your studies to find the best opportunities and referrals. Once you have completed your accounting diploma program, you will be ready to apply to jobs and start your bookkeeping career. You can use various methods and channels to find and apply to bookkeeping jobs, such as:
- Online job boards, search engines, and websites
- Social media platforms and groups
- Recruitment agencies and consultants
- Word-of-mouth and referrals
When applying to jobs, you should tailor your resume and cover letter to each position and employer. Successful jobseekers often highlight their bookkeeping skills and achievements and explain how they might add value to the organization. Follow up with the employer after interviewing and thank them for their consideration.
One of the most effective ways to find and land bookkeeping jobs is to lean on your professional network. Your professional network may include:
- College instructors and career services staff
- College classmates and alumni
- Bookkeeping industry associations and events
- Bookkeeping mentors and coaches
- Bookkeeping clients and partners
You can leverage your professional network to get insider information, recommendations, introductions, and referrals for bookkeeping jobs. You can also use your professional network to learn from other bookkeepers, exchange ideas and insights, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the bookkeeping field.
Get Hired and Surpass Expectations
Get hired and surpass expectations by demonstrating your competence, professionalism, and enthusiasm. After applying to jobs and going through the interview process, you might receive a job offer for a role as a bookkeeper. Congratulations! You have achieved your goal of becoming a bookkeeper with a diploma.
While becoming a bookkeeper sets you up for further career development, you will still need to prove yourself to your employer and surpass expectations in your new role, just like any other new hire. Demonstrate your bookkeeping skills and abilities and deliver high-quality work and results. Show your professionalism and enthusiasm and build trust and rapport with your employer and clients.
Some of the ways you can get hired and surpass expectations as a bookkeeper are:
- Arrive on time and dress appropriately
- Follow the policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the organization
- Communicate clearly and effectively with your employer or clients
- Ask questions and seek feedback on how you're doing
- Learn from your mistakes and think about your performance
- Keep your bookkeeping skills and knowledge sharp
- Seek new challenges and opportunities
- Be proactive and take initiative
- Be flexible and adaptable
- Be ethical and honest
By following these tips, you will be able to impress your employer and clients and establish yourself as a valuable employee and successful Bookkeeper. From here, you will also be able to advance your bookkeeping career and achieve your long-term goals.
Continuing Your Learning After Finishing Your Diploma and Gaining Work Experience
After you've completed accounting coursework, succeeded in a bookkeeping practicum, landed a full-time job in bookkeeping, and demonstrated your value to an employer, you might wonder if you can go any further. The good news is you can!
There are ways you can continue learning to increase your earning potential. Continuing to build a strong network by developing strong relationships with experienced colleagues and respected industry experts, subscribing to industry newsletters to stay up to date with the latest bookkeeping trends, or attending conferences or webinars hosted by peers and experts will help you rise to the top of your game and demonstrate your enthusiasm for progressing to your employer.
If your dreams are to rise to the top of the bookkeeping profession and become a Certified Bookkeeper, you can continue to network with colleagues and others in the industry, refine and develop your analytical, leadership, and communication skills, and perhaps consider advanced certifications like the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) offered by the Certified Public Bookkeepers of Canada (CPBCan). The CPB has a staged process increasing your competence from candidate or apprentice to Certified Public Bookkeeper.
You will already be familiar with a lot of the teaching and will have developed skills from this program through Sundance College’s diploma course, which will have laid the foundation for you to continue to go from strength to strength in your new bookkeeping career.
There are a few other prominent certifications that you can pursue after becoming a successful bookkeeper, each with their own list of prerequisites and each depending on your own personal goals; look into these options when you’re ready:
- Fixed Asset Accounting Software
- Computerized Accounting Certification
- Chartered Professional Accountant
By entering your career with the help of your Sundance College diploma, the sky is the limit when reaching your career goals.
Enjoying Career Success as a Bookkeeper
As a bookkeeper, you have a world of opportunities for advancement and growth in the industry. After you graduate with your accounting diploma, you'll have plenty of options to choose from and paths to seniority in the finance industry.
Maybe a few years after your diploma, you're working for a large corporation, bookkeeping for a small start-up, or maybe you've started your own bookkeeping business!
If you're entrepreneurial and would rather have a client than a boss, this career path might be your path to success as well. As Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll diploma instructor Roger Hardie, you can make good money on your own as a self-employed Bookkeeper“ — if you've got a good understanding of accounting.
Knowing what's out there and the outlook of the industry can help you achieve your career goals and illuminate the path to success. The first step is getting started on your diploma and leaning on your instructor to master skills that you’ll need in the industry.
Career Advancement Opportunities in Bookkeeping
Advancement in the field of bookkeeping can appear in various forms, including career progression and professional development. Experienced bookkeepers may advance to supervisory roles, taking on responsibilities such as training new staff, overseeing financial reporting, and implementing efficient bookkeeping SOPs for your accounting department or firm.
There are many opportunities for senior bookkeepers and accounting technician roles across the country! Google's Job Search is a great place to plan your path to becoming a senior bookkeeper and furthering your career in this role.
Narrow down on the city in which you'd like to pursue a career (whether your hometown or your dream city) and look for something that matches your experience and skillset. After your one-year diploma, and a few years of experience you'll become a strong candidate for roles like these.
Evolution of Bookkeeping in 2023
In 2023, the field of bookkeeping has evolved to incorporate advanced technologies and digital tools. Bookkeepers increasingly utilize specialized software to streamline financial transactions, manage data, and generate financial statements.
This digital transformation has further emphasized the importance of bookkeeping skills and proficiency in leveraging technological bookkeeping tools. QuickBooks is a great example of a tool that has become increasingly important for Bookkeepers — especially as its technological integrations get more and more sophisticated.
With the help of software and applications like QuickBooks, bookkeepers can do many bookkeeping tasks faster and easier, such as:
- Entering and double-checking data
- Balancing accounts
- Sending invoices
- Paying workers and bills
- Preparing taxes
These tools also connect with other systems and platforms, such as banks, credit cards, online shops, and cloud storage, to give real-time and accurate financial information. Bookkeeping is not just a record-keeping function, but a strategic and value-adding activity that supports the decision-making and performance of businesses and organizations — and technology keeps moving bookkeeping towards extremely efficient ways of doing that.
Enroll in Sundance College's Accounting Tax & Payroll Diploma Program To Become a Bookkeeper
Looking to secure a recession-proof career in accounting and payroll? By focusing on identifying and resolving accounting issues, Bookkeepers can ensure accurate financial reporting and help organizations make informed decisions that drive growth and success. The value you add here is sought-after by most organizations regardless of how good or bad the economy is.
Sundance College provides comprehensive resources and guidance to our accounting students and payroll jobseekers, ensuring that they are fully equipped to enhance their employment prospects upon graduation.
Our graduates frequently talk about what they received as accounting students from their instructors and Academic Advisors. As one of our Accounting, Tax, & Payroll graduates, Prabjhot, has said in a Google Review,
"...Every member of this college is always ready to help. My teacher is the best; shoutout to Nayab Cheema...she’s always there to help and to clear all my doubts. The way she explains everything is great. I love my overall experience with Sundance College...”
Don't wait any longer to set yourself up for success as a bookkeeper - contact us, apply for an accounting diploma online, and get connected with an Academic Advisor today to get started on your accounting diploma!