Self-taught bookkeepers use a variety of courses, seminars, books, and other online resources to learn about bookkeeping and accounting. You can also learn how to use accounting software, like QuickBooks, which can teach you about the basics of bookkeeping as well as the technology used by many businesses.

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. Though bookkeepers don't need to hold college degrees, some may see their salaries increase after completing an undergraduate degree.

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.

Challenges bookkeepers face Most people would say that the work of a bookkeeper is hard. In addition to having basic bookkeeping education, one should be familiar with laws. Frequent changes in the legislation further complicate this work.