Bookkeepers are an important part of any business. If you are thinking about starting a business, or if you already have a business, consider hiring a bookkeeper to help you manage your finances. 

Hiring a bookkeeper can save you time and money. Bookkeepers can help you organize your financial records, prepare your tax returns, keep track of your income and expenses, and help you find ways to save money on your taxes.

Hiring a bookkeeper can be one of the best decisions you make for your business. Bookkeepers are trained to keep track of your financial transactions, reconcile your bank statements, and prepare your tax returns. The question most people ask is if bookkeepers need to be licensed or certified. Find out the answer by reading further.

Are Bookkeeper Certifications Necessary?

The simple answer is no, bookkeepers do not need a certification or license to practice. However, some businesses may require their bookkeepers to have a certification or license.

There are many certifications and licenses available for bookkeepers. The most common certification is the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) designation from the American Institute of Certified Public Bookkeepers. To earn the CPB designation, bookkeepers must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping principles.

While there is no legal requirement for bookkeepers to have a certification or license, some businesses prefer to hire bookkeepers who have these credentials. Certification and licensing can show potential employers that you are knowledgeable about accounting and bookkeeping procedures.

Here are some certifications that you should look for if you want the most experienced bookkeeper for the job.

National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers Certification (NACPB)

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) is the largest organization of bookkeepers in the United States. The NACPB offers the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) credential, which is the most recognized bookkeeping certification in the country.

To earn the CPB credential, bookkeepers must have at least two years of experience working in accounting or bookkeeping, pass a four-part exam, and agree to abide by the NACPB’s code of ethics.

National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers Licensing (NACPB)

The NACPB also offers a licensing program for bookkeepers who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field. The Licensed Bookkeeper (LB) credential is the only nationally recognized license for bookkeepers.

To earn the LB credential, bookkeepers must have at least five years of experience working in accounting or bookkeeping, pass a four-part exam, and agree to abide by the NACPB’s code of ethics.

American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Certification (AIPB)

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) is the largest organization of bookkeepers in the world. The AIPB offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credential, which is recognized by the IRS as the gold standard for bookkeeping certification.

To earn the CB credential, bookkeepers must have at least two years of experience working in accounting or bookkeeping, pass a four-part exam, and agree to abide by the AIPB’s code of ethics.

What is the Job Outlook for Bookkeepers?

The job outlook for bookkeepers is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the demand for bookkeepers to grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

With the increasing popularity of online accounting software, businesses are able to outsource their bookkeeping needs to freelance bookkeepers. This has created a boom in the industry and has opened up new opportunities for bookkeepers who are looking for flexible work arrangements.

If you are thinking about becoming a bookkeeper, now is a great time to start your career. certification or license can give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this growing field.

Important Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Bookkeeper

When you are ready to hire a bookkeeper, there are a few important factors that you should keep in mind. Here are some of the most important things to look for when you are hiring a bookkeeper:

1. Experience: Look for a bookkeeper who has at least two years of experience working in accounting or bookkeeping.
2. Certification: Choose a bookkeeper who has a certification or license from a reputable organization, such as the AIPB or NACPB.
3. References: Ask the bookkeeper for references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of their work style and how they interact with clients.
4. Availability: Make sure that the bookkeeper is available to work when you need them. If you are looking for a part-time bookkeeper, make sure that they have the availability to work the hours that you need.
5. Communication: Choose a bookkeeper who is good at communication. You should be able to easily get in touch with them when you need to ask questions or discuss your account.

Hiring a bookkeeper can be a great way to take some of the stress off of your plate and free up your time so that you can focus on running your business.

Keep these important factors in mind when you are choosing a bookkeeper, and you will be sure to find someone who is a great fit for your needs.

Important Tips for Hiring the Best Bookkeeper

Now that you know what to look for in a bookkeeper, it’s time to start your search. Here are a few tips to help you find the best bookkeeper for your business:

• Start by asking for recommendations from friends or businesses who have used a bookkeeper in the past.
• Once you have a list of potential candidates, check their credentials and experience to make sure they are qualified.
• Set up interviews with each of the candidates so that you can get to know them better and see if they would be a good fit for your business.
• Ask each candidate about their rates and fees so that you can compare apples to apples.
• Make sure to ask for references from each candidate so that you can get a better idea of their work style.

By following these tips, you will be sure to find the best bookkeeper for your business.

Critical Signs You Need to Hire Another Bookkeeper

If you find yourself in a situation where you are constantly having to chase down your bookkeeper for information, or you are starting to feel like they are not keeping up with your growing business, it might be time to hire another bookkeeper.

Here are a few critical signs that you need to hire another bookkeeper:

• You are constantly having to chase down your bookkeeper for information.
• Your bookkeeper is not able to keep up with the growth of your business.
• You feel like you are always doing the work of two people when it comes to your bookkeeping.
• Your bookkeeper is not meeting your expectations.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, it might be time to hire another bookkeeper.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Certified Bookkeeper?

There are many benefits to choosing a certified bookkeeper.

• When you hire a certified bookkeeper, you can be sure that they have the experience and knowledge necessary to keep your books in order.
• A certified bookkeeper has gone through extensive training and has passed a rigorous examination. This means that they are qualified to do bookkeeping for businesses of all sizes.
• A certified bookkeeper can also provide you with peace of mind knowing that your books are being handled by a professional.

There are many benefits to hiring a certified bookkeeper, so if you are thinking about hiring one, be sure to keep these things in mind.

Conclusion

Hiring a bookkeeper can be a great way to take some of the stress off of your plate and free up your time so that you can focus on running your business.

Keep these important factors in mind when you are choosing a bookkeeper, and you will be sure to find someone who is a great fit for your needs.

If you want accurate bookkeeping for your business, consider hiring a reputable accounting firm. One of the trusted accounting firms in Florida is Swiftbooks, LLC. Call 786-204-2881 today to help your business keep its financial records straight!