Tasks and responsibilities for a bookkeeper
Bookkeeper roles and responsibilities can vary, and they can work for businesses of many sizes and in many industries. Bookkeepers may work directly for one company, within an accounting agency, or as a sole trader.
So, what does a bookkeeper do? A bookkeeper’s duties can include:
- Processing and recording payments, invoices and receipts into accounting software or spreadsheets
- Preparing wages
- Managing expenses
- Reporting financial discrepancies
- Reconciling account transitions
- Preparing for yearly tax returns
- Preparing financial statements and reports
- Preparing BAS statements
- Managing GST
How to become a bookkeeper
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Study
To gain the skills and knowledge you need to work confidently as a certified bookkeeper and gain the qualification you need to provide BAS services, complete a Certificate IV Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217) or a Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217).
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Complete work experience
To provide BAS services autonomously or as a sole trader, 1,400 hours of work experience must be completed under a registered BAS agent within four years of your registration.
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Register with the Tax Practitioner Boards
Apply for your BAS agent registration through the Tax Practitioners Board.
Pathway options
The skills you develop as a bookkeeper are needed in all businesses to some degree, and bookkeeping is a role that can either be long term or be a stepping stone into other positions.
Some career path options for a bookkeeper could be:
Junior
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Accounts assistant
Most common qualification: Diploma of Accounting (FNS50217)
Mid
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Accounts administrator
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30317)
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Bookkeeper
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)
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Payroll officer
Most common qualification: Diploma of Payroll Services (FNS50417)
Senior
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Accountant
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
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Accounting manager
Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Accounting (FNS60217)
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Auditor
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
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Chief financial officer (CFO)
Most common qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
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Tax accountant
Most common qualification: Bachelor of Accounting
Explore related qualifications
Studying a course through a TAFE or RTO (registered training organisation) ensures you have the essential knowledge for a role as a bookkeeper and show future employers you have taken the initiative to gain the skills you need.
Certificate IV in Accounting
The Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping provides the skills and knowledge to provide the fundamental bookkeeping skills needed to work in a business under the supervision of senior bookkeepers.
The average duration for this course is one year, either full-time or part-time and can be studied online or on campus.
2 providers offer this course
Diploma of Accounting
A Diploma of Accounting qualification prepares those who wish to provide financial services like accounts receivable, accounts payable, tax services and other complex accounting duties. At this level, responsibilities can be coordinated and self-evaluated.
The average duration of this course is one year. This course can be completed online or in a classroom environment and can be studied part-time or full-time in self-paced study modes.
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A diverse role that keeps you stimulated.
What are the best parts of the job?
A diverse role where you are always achieving outcomes and keeping stimulated. Most places have very structured responsibilities, so you have complete control over your daily schedule and can work towards ensuring minimal interruptions to get everything completed on time.
What's the most challenging part?
Reconciling amounts and fixing errors, assisting the accountant with necessary adjustments.
Great opportunity to run your own bookkeeping business.
What are the best parts of the job?
Once you become a BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board, commit to annual CPD and pass your annual registration process, you can then work for yourself and set up your own business.
What's the most challenging part?
Keeping up with new technologies can be a challenge when you're working for yourself.
Bookkeeping requires passion and empathy.
What are the best parts of the job?
A passion for bookkeeping will make it an extremely rewarding career. The people you work with are generally really easy going, and your work is recognised wherever you go. A career that makes a difference.
What's the most challenging part?
Difficult clients that make it hard for you to advocate for them.
