Bookkeepers are required to keep financial records for a business. They perform basic accounting tasks and work for a business, small groups or individuals, handling journals for multiple clients at the same time. Sometimes they are responsible for recording every financial transaction undertaken by a business. These professionals take the books to accountants in order to get calculations of tax payments to the Internal Revenue Service.

Bookkeepers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Creating financial records.
• Managing expenditures and profits.
• Compiling data from cashiers.
• Preparing bank deposit forms.
• Noting payments.

• Being able to work with a team.
• Having good presentation skills.
• Being patient.
• Having problem-solving abilities.
• Being able to hold meetings.
• Having IT skills.
• Being analytical.
• Having coordinating skills.
• Having good communication skills.
• Being honest and trustworthy.

Bookkeeper jobs require candidates having a combination of experience and education in basic accounting. Some employers just require applicants having a high school diploma and relevant experience in accounting area. Universities and colleges offer bookkeeping certificates for people who want to work in this business. Subjects included in these courses are journal entries, accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing and reporting.

Once professionals have two or more years in this industry they can become certified bookkeepers. This process requires successful completion of a four-part national exam and applicants must sign a code of ethics.