In Canada, bookkeepers can set up their business and create a website outlining what they do without any accreditation or designations. However, you’ll need some training and certification to become a professional bookkeeper. Bookkeepers can advance their careers by pursuing certifications and licenses. These voluntary credentials let bookkeepers showcase their skills and demonstrate their strengths to potential employers. A certification can also help bookkeepers increase their earning potential.
It is not a pre-requisite to take a bookkeeping program or earn certifications to work in the field, many bookkeepers do for a variety of reasons:
As you consider the option of becoming an accredited bookkeeper or earning a designation in the field, it’s important to do the research to determine which accreditations will help you most and give you the best return for your money. Courses are available through technical institutes, polytechnics, colleges, and universities. There are online courses where you can learn the basics of bookkeeping.
Some certifications, like those from QuickBooks or FreshBooks, are specific to the tools a bookkeeper uses. Therefore, if you have clients who only use these tools or work for a business that wants you to know everything about the tools, these may be good options for certification.
Other accreditations are offered through bookkeeping-specific organizations. These include the Canadian Bookkeepers Association (CBA), the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Canada (IPBC), the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB), and others. All are non-profit organizations geared to the advancement of the bookkeeping profession and promoting its benefits while benefitting members. These organizations offer bookkeeping programs internally and through post-secondary institutions while establishing practical experiences for those in the field.
Accreditation allows a bookkeeper to use an organization’s designation, but these vary based upon the organization. CIB refers to those who have earned their designation as a Certified Bookkeeper. CBA uses the term Registered Professional Bookkeeper and IPB goes with Certified Professional Bookkeeper.
Some people get their first bookkeeping role with a high school qualification, then learn everything else on the job. But it certainly helps to get further education. A degree isn‘t required. Most bookkeeping qualifications are at the diploma or certificate level.
There are different ways to approach accreditation for bookkeepers and each approach will depend upon the organization you wish to obtain your designation through. While the majority of accrediting organizations do not require you to have taken a Canadian bookkeeping or accounting program, all of them do require you to take exams to earn your designation.
For those who are new to the profession, taking a bookkeeping or accounting program is often the first step. Many post-secondary institutions offer a certificate in bookkeeping program. Depending upon the school, accounting courses can be quite flexible for those who are currently working and would like a part-time course as well as online options. There are also plenty of full-time bookkeeping programs for those who want to do their program that way and there are additional continuing education options.
Becoming an accredited bookkeeper in Canada has several benefits whether you are an employee of an organization or run your own bookkeeping business with clients you work for. Take the time to determine the best certification and accreditation options for you, then look at how the process works. Many organizations offer alternative methods to earning their designation, such as the CBA’s accreditation through post-secondary school programs. You’ll want to find the right designation and bookkeeping program to meet your needs now and in the future.
The software will improve your efficiency and reporting capabilities so many clients will expect you to use it. If you plan to learn a particular software package, find one that provides good learning resources and certification.
As an extra tip, look for software that is commonly used by the types of clients you want to work with. Some types of software are more suited to certain industries.
Beyond your bookkeeping training there are some other crucial skills you’ll need:
Keeping accurate records of transactions is essential to the financial well-being of any organization. In terms of employment, bookkeeping is the department where everybody counts. Bookkeeping training at Get Tarined Get Hired provides you with the skills required for a successful bookkeeping career. With our bookkeeping course and training, you can propel your career to new heights.
Reach out to Get Trained Get Hired to book a free 30-Minute career counseling meeting. At Get Trained Get Hired we provide you with the necessary training to learn practical skills to become an accountant. Our training is based on practical real-life cases. After the training, we work on your resume and try to place you in accounting firms through our network. You will also get access to like-minded individuals who are looking for jobs through our WhatsApp group. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Or call us at 647-275-7150.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not consider your situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from professionals. Salman Rundhawa and Gettrainedgethired.com will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.