Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers keep records of accounts and check procedures for recording financial transactions.

NOC Code: 1311

Job Duties

Bookkeepers keep records of accounts and check procedures for recording financial transactions. You may work for an accounting and bookkeeping company or for other types of companies or organizations. You may also be self-employed and provide your services on a contract basis to companies or individuals.

Generally, bookkeepers:

  • Keep financial records using computerized and manual bookkeeping systems.
  • Post journal entries and reconcile accounts, prepare trial balance of books, keep general ledgers and prepare financial statements.
  • Calculate and prepare cheques for payrolls and for utility, tax and other bills.
  • Complete and submit tax remittance forms, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms and other government documents.
  • Prepare personal and corporate tax returns.
  • Prepare other statistical, financial and accounting reports.

Source: HRSDC

Job Requirements

Education

This job requires: College or University

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobLevel of Education Required
Accounting ClerkHigh School
Bank ClerkHigh School
BookkeeperCollege or University
Loan OfficerCollege or University
Payroll ClerkHigh School

Source: HRSDC

Experience

This job requires 2 - 5 years of work experience.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobYears of Work Experience Required
Accounting Clerk0 - 2
Bank Clerk0 - 2
Bookkeeper2 - 5
Loan Officer2 - 5
Payroll Clerk0 - 2

Source: HRSDC

Essential Skills

As a bookkeeper, you need to:

  • Speak, read and write English.
  • Understand and follow standard accounting procedures.
  • Be very accurate in your work.
  • Use word processing, spreadsheet, database and email software.
  • Use accounting software such as QuickBooks, MYOB, ACCPAC, Simply Accounting, Peachtree and/or inventory control software.
  • Record financial transactions and analyze data
  • Work well with other people and on your own.

Source: Ontario Skills Passport

Language Skills

You need to communicate in person, on the phone and in writing with co-workers and clients.

Labour Market Information

Trends

Now, most bookkeepers use computerized accounting systems. In small offices, the person who does the clerical work (such as answering the phone, filing, typing) often does computerized bookkeeping, too.

Prospects

The work prospects for this job are: GOOD

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobWork Prospects
Accounting ClerkGood
Bank ClerkFair
BookkeeperGood
Loan OfficerGood
Payroll ClerkFair

Wages

The average hourly wage for this job is: C$19.23/hour.

Comparison with other jobs in this profession
JobAverage Wage/Hour
Accounting Clerk$20.00
Bank Clerk$19.00
Bookkeeper$19.23
Loan Officer$24.00
Payroll Clerk$24.79

Source: HRSDC

Retraining

Educational Programs

These links will give you a list of related educational programs or where you can search for them. There may be other schools that have similar programs, such as private career colleges. You may be able to get advanced standing.

Bridging Programs

Here is a list of some bridging programs. These programs can help you assess your education and skills, get practical training or improve your language skills so that you can work in your field.

Language Training

Here is a list of some language training programs, such as Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT).

Work Experience Programs

Many college programs and bridging programs in this field include co-operative (co-op) work experience.

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

Helpful Links

The data in this profile is provided for informational purposes only. Some of the information may have changed since this profile was written. Please check the source for the most up-to-date information.