You may also pursue certification programs or use online courses to become a self-taught bookkeeper. Self-taught bookkeepers use a variety of courses, seminars, books, and other online resources to learn about bookkeeping and accounting.

For instance, they must understand how to produce balance sheets and income statements, as well as record organizational debits and credits. To learn these skills and others, new bookkeepers often receive around six months of on-the-job training to learn how to use bookkeeping software, databases, and spreadsheets.

Although you certainly can do formal bookkeeping training (e.g., online bookkeeping courses, relevant degree), many bookkeepers simply learn the ropes through on-the-job training. It usually takes about six months of practice to get the hang of it.

Bookkeepers and accountants sometimes do the same work, but have a different skill set. In general, a bookkeeper's role is to record transactions and keep you financially organized, while accountants provide consultation, analysis, and are more qualified to advise on tax matters.