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

Experience

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.
• 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

Wages

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.

• Related programs at Ontario colleges
• Search for related programs at Canadian universities

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.

• International Accounting and Finance Professionals (IAFP) Program - Ryerson University
• Bridge to Accreditation: Accounting - Professions North/Nord
• See more bridging programs for accountants

Language Training

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

• Workplace Communication Skills for Business
• Bridge Training Programs in Financial Services

Work Experience Programs

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

Voluntary Membership Opportunities

• Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB)

Helpful Links

• E-Career Maps for Accountants
• Information for Internationally-Trained Accountants and Auditors
• Certified General Accountants of Ontario
• Certified Management Accountants of Ontario
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario
• Canadian Bankers Association (CBA)

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.