How to Become a Bookkeeper in Canada
Becoming a bookkeeper means stepping into a field with many opportunities, with the expected number of job openings in Canada projected to total 116,700 between 2022 and 2031. Whether aiming for remote bookkeeping jobs, envisioning running your own bookkeeping business, or looking to land an in-house position, professional bookkeeping is required in all industries and continues to see high demand.
This article will guide you through the steps and requirements for a successful bookkeeping career in Canada. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to enhance your existing skills, we have all the information you need to start your journey!
What is Bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping involves the systematic recording and organization of business financial transactions. It’s the backbone that supports the ability to make informed financial decisions and ensures that financial records are accurate and current.
It’s not just about keeping tabs on sales, purchases, payments, and receipts; it’s about crafting accurate financial reports that serve as a roadmap for business success. With the right bookkeeping skills, you’ll maintain the financial data accountants rely on to prepare tax returns and financial statements.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper plays an essential role in managing the financial aspects of a business, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for accurately. Their duties include:
- Recording daily financial transactions.
- Maintaining thorough and up-to-date financial records.
- Preparing initial financial statements.
Beyond tracking income and expenses, bookkeepers also handle payroll, manage invoices, and ensure that every financial transaction aligns with the correct accounts. They employ advanced bookkeeping software to streamline these processes and enhance efficiency and accuracy. This software also generates reports highlighting a business’s financial health to provide crucial insights for decision-making.
How to Become a Bookkeeper
To excel in bookkeeping, you must have a strong foundation of knowledge and keep up with industry practices. Below are the skills and education you need to become a bookkeeper.
Requirement #1: Bookkeeping Certification
According to the Job Bank of Canada, you must complete secondary school and a college program in accounting, bookkeeping, or a related field. You can also take some courses in accounting or bookkeeping combined with work experience. Enrolling in Career City College’s 22-week online accounting and bookkeeping certificate program is the fastest way for someone new to enter this field. The program covers various aspects of bookkeeping, including accounting software, financial statements, payroll administration, and tax preparation.
Requirement #2: Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is a fundamental skill that every bookkeeper should possess. Bookkeeping requires accurately recording and categorizing financial data. Developing an eye for detail will help you identify errors, discrepancies, and anomalies in financial records, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of a business’s financial data.
Requirement #3: Organizational Skills
As a bookkeeper, you will handle financial data and documentation. Developing strong organizational skills is essential to manage this information efficiently. Invest in accounting software to streamline your bookkeeping processes and maintain well-organized records. Additionally, establish effective filing systems and develop strategies to keep track of deadlines, invoices, and other critical documents.
Requirement #4: Analytical Abilities
Analyzing financial data is a crucial skill for a bookkeeper. You should be able to interpret financial statements, identify trends, and provide valuable insights to your clients or employer. Analytical skills will enable you to provide accurate financial reports and assist in decision-making.
Requirement #5: Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital in bookkeeping, as you often interact with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Strong communication skills allow you to clearly explain financial concepts, discuss reports, and address financial concerns or inquiries. Enhancing your communication skills will help you build trust and strong professional relationships.
Requirement #6: Software Proficiency
DocuClipper says Quickbooks Online is an industry-standard with over 5 million users worldwide. This software streamlines recording and managing financial transactions and enhances accuracy in preparing financial statements and reports. With our online program at Career City College, you can learn to use Quickbooks and other essential skills to prepare for the workforce as a bookkeeper in just 22 weeks.
Bookkeeping Job Opportunities
As a professional bookkeeper in Canada, you can access various job opportunities across multiple industries. Some of these industries include but are not limited to:
- Finance and Accounting
- Small Businesses
- Government Agencies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Healthcare
- Real Estate
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
In addition, pursuing a career in bookkeeping offers flexibility. Individuals work remotely and earn a higher wage than entry-level roles in the retail industry. According to the Job Bank of Canada, the median wage of a bookkeeper in Canada is $25.20/hour. In provinces such as Ontario, earning as high as $41.03/hour is possible. Quebec offers up to $38.46/hour, and British Columbia offers up to $42.86/hour.
Beyond the salary opportunities, bookkeeping has many different opportunities after graduating from a program. These opportunities include roles like a budget officer, payroll clerk, and accounts receivable clerk. Embracing a career in bookkeeping opens the door to a world where your skills can lead to diverse and fulfilling professions.
Conclusion
Becoming a bookkeeper in Canada opens the doors to a rewarding profession in many industries. With the proper education and skills, you can secure job opportunities that offer stability and growth.
There are many accounting and bookkeeping courses in Canada. Choose a program at an accredited higher education institution that will give you a deep understanding of financial principles, accounting software, and industry regulations.
Why Choose Career City College's Accounting and Bookkeeping Certificate?
By applying to Career City College’s Accounting and Bookkeeping program, you will experience the following benefits:
- Complete your certification in just 22 weeks, making efficient use of your time while fast-tracking your career.
- Gain confidence in a curriculum reviewed and approved by the PTIB of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
- Enjoy the freedom to learn from anywhere in Canada, thanks to online courses tailored for distance education.
- Benefit from one-on-one sessions with experienced teachers.
- With monthly start dates, begin your journey to becoming a bookkeeper at a time that best fits your schedule.
- Develop crucial job-preparedness skills that are vital for career success.
- Explore financial aid and payment options with dedicated assistance*.
- Embrace a curriculum focused on the essentials, designed to equip you with the skills to enter the workforce faster.
