"A bookkeeper records the financial transactions of an organization and takes care of day-to-day functions such as recording sales and invoices, paying bills and processing payroll," Stephens said. "Accountants take the financial data and analyze it to help organizations make financial decisions."

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.

However, virtual bookkeeping services work remotely with their own equipment and cloud-based accounting software, and it removes all of the added costs of having a person in the office. In addition, businesses don't need to pay a full-time salary if that level of work isn't needed.