How to Be Part-time Bookkeeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The lack of a skilled, full-time bookkeeper can have a seriously negative impact on a business. Without the necessary expertise to manage the company's finances, the business will face problems such as inaccurate financial reporting, incorrect tax filings, and an inability to review their financial performance. As a result, the business may lose out on potential opportunities and suffer from cash flow issues and decreased profitability. To avoid these problems, it is essential for businesses to hire a part-time bookkeeper who can provide the necessary financial information and advice to ensure the business runs smoothly.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a degree or certificate in bookkeeping. A college degree in accounting, finance, or business is ideal, but there are also certificate programs that provide specialized training in bookkeeping.
2. Develop a portfolio of your work. Build a portfolio of your bookkeeping experience that includes samples of your work and references from previous employers.
3. Network with potential employers. Reach out to potential employers and ask if they need a part-time bookkeeper.
4. Seek out contract and freelance work. Look for contract or freelance bookkeeping jobs online or through professional networks.
5. Develop an understanding of bookkeeping software. Familiarize yourself with popular bookkeeping software, such as Quickbooks, so you can offer a comprehensive range of services to clients.
6. Consider joining a professional organization. Becoming a member of a professional organization for bookkeepers can help you build your network and establish yourself as a credible professional in the field.
7. Stay informed about the latest industry trends. Keep up with the latest developments in the field of bookkeeping to stay ahead of the competition.

Being a reliable and efficient part-time bookkeeper requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills. The ability to create accurate financial records and reports is essential. An organized approach to work helps ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Attention to detail is also important, as one wrong entry could cause errors in the entire financial record. Having strong analytical skills is useful when reviewing data and determining the accuracy of information. Finally, communication with other team members and clients is necessary in order to report any discrepancies that may arise.

By following these best practices, part-time bookkeepers can help ensure that their work is reliable and efficient.

You may want to check Tax Bookkeeper, Junior Bookkeeper, and Financial Bookkeeper for alternative.

Job Description

1. Process Accounts Payable and Receivable transactions.
2. Reconcile bank accounts.
3. Prepare monthly financial reports.
4. Reconcile credit card statements.
5. Prepare income tax returns.
6. Maintain general ledger and chart of accounts.
7. Create and maintain schedules for asset depreciation.
8. Generate financial statements and reports.
9. Analyze financial data to identify discrepancies and make corrections.
10. Assist with audits and other special projects as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of accounting principles and practices
2. Proficient in using accounting software (e. g. QuickBooks, Sage)
3. Attention to detail and accuracy
4. Ability to meet deadlines
5. Excellent organizational skills
6. Ability to work independently
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality
9. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
10. Ability to work with a team

Organizational skills are one of the most important skills a part-time bookkeeper can possess. Being organized allows them to keep track of their work and ensure accuracy in their tasks. Organization also helps them manage their workload, prioritize tasks, and stay on top of deadlines.

being organized can lead to more efficient workflows, which can save time and money. Furthermore, having an understanding of accounting principles is also crucial for part-time bookkeepers. This allows them to accurately track and report financial information, create financial statements, and handle cash flow management.

Finally, having good communication skills is vital for a part-time bookkeeper as it allows them to explain financial information in an understandable way to their clients. Overall, these skills are essential for a successful part-time bookkeeper.

Accounts Receivable Bookkeeper, Online Bookkeeper, and Full Charge Bookkeeper are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in bookkeeping?
• How familiar are you with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)?
• Describe your experience with bookkeeping software such as QuickBooks or Sage.
• What is your understanding of accounts payable and accounts receivable?
• How do you stay organized while working with multiple clients?
• What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when reconciling accounts?
• Describe a time you identified and corrected an error in an organization’s books.
• What methods do you use to ensure all payments are recorded accurately?
• How do you stay up-to-date with changes in bookkeeping regulations and standards?
• How comfortable are you using financial data to prepare reports for management?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Accounting Software. Software specifically designed to help manage financial records and reporting. (e. g. QuickBooks, Xero).
2. Spreadsheet/Database Applications. Software used to organize and analyze data. (e. g. Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access).
3. Payment Processing Tools. Solutions to facilitate online payments, such as credit card and ACH payments. (e. g. PayPal, Stripe).
4. Tax Preparation Software. Software that helps automate the process of filing taxes and filing tax returns. (e. g. TurboTax, H&R Block).
5. Receipt Management Software. Solutions to scan and store receipts digitally. (e. g. Expensify, Shoeboxed).
6. Invoicing Software. Software to create, manage, and track invoices. (e. g. FreshBooks, Wave).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
2. National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
3. National Bookkeepers Association (NBA)
4. Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
5. American Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA)
6. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
7. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program
8. International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)
9. Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM)
10. National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP)

We also have Office Bookkeeper, Accounts Payable Bookkeeper, and Financial Administrator/Bookkeeper jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Accounts Payable (AP). The accounts payable department is responsible for paying the company's bills.
2. Accounts Receivable (AR). The accounts receivable department is responsible for collecting payments from customers.
3. Bank Reconciliation. The process of comparing the bank statement to the company’s general ledger to ensure that all transactions have been properly recorded.
4. General Ledger. The system of accounts that a company uses to record its financial transactions.
5. Payroll. The process of calculating and paying employees their wages or salaries.
6. Budgeting. The process of creating a financial plan to reach a specific goal.
7. Auditing. The process of examining and verifying a company’s financial statements and records.
8. Cash Management. The process of managing cash inflows and outflows to maximize a company’s cash flow.
9. Tax Preparation. The process of preparing income tax returns for individuals or businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Part-time Bookkeeper do?

A Part-time Bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining and updating financial records, such as invoices, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, ledgers, and bank statements.

What qualifications are required for a Part-time Bookkeeper?

Part-time Bookkeeper positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field and experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Sage.

How many hours does a Part-time Bookkeeper typically work?

Part-time Bookkeepers usually work between 10 to 20 hours a week.

What is the average salary of a Part-time Bookkeeper?

The average salary of a Part-time Bookkeeper is around $20 per hour.

What other duties might a Part-time Bookkeeper be responsible for?

In addition to maintaining financial records, Part-time Bookkeepers may also be responsible for preparing financial reports, reconciling bank accounts, and tracking expenses.

What are jobs related with Part-time Bookkeeper?

• Inventory Bookkeeper
• Senior Bookkeeper
• Accounting Bookkeeper
• Payroll Bookkeeper
• Bookkeeper Assistant
• Chief Bookkeeper
• Corporate Bookkeeper
• Remote Bookkeeper

Web Resources

• Part-time Bookkeeper – Raleigh, NC – posted 4/20/2021 www.gwinnettcollege.edu
• Part-time Bookkeeper – Ecampus Career Hub - Oregon State … careers.ecampus.oregonstate.edu
• Part time bookkeeper / office assistant – Ecampus Career Hub careers.ecampus.oregonstate.edu