Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311)

Accounting technicians and bookkeepers manage the way the day-to-day financial records of a business are kept. They may work with Chartered Professional Accounts (CPAs) and other accounting professionals or they may offer personal bookkeeping services.

Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a bookkeeper is like.

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Bookkeeper

WorkBC's Career Trek

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In general, accounting technicians and bookkeepers:

• Keep financial records
• Create, maintain and balance accounts using manual and computerized systems
• Post journal entries
• Make sure that transactions are recorded in the company’s books and match bank or credit card statements (account reconciliation)
• Prepare trial balances
• Keep general ledgers
• Prepare financial statements
• Calculate and prepare paycheques, payments for utilities, taxes and other bills
• Complete and submit taxes, workers' compensation and pension contribution forms and other government documents
• Prepare tax returns
• Prepare statistical, financial and accounting reports

Accounting technicians and bookkeepers typically work in an office from Monday to Friday. They may work for small, medium or large businesses, or be self-employed and work from a home office. In larger companies, their job might only be bookkeeping related, but in smaller companies they may have other duties.

This type of work means long hours at a desk using a computer, which may cause muscle strain, sore eyes or headaches. Sitting for a long time can also affect blood flow or cause back pain. As a result, some people in this career use sit-stand desks and other supports to avoid these health problems.

Employers often look to hire experienced accounting technicians and bookkeepers, which means that it can be hard for people to find work right after they finish their education. Experience in this career may be gained by doing volunteer work or through a co-operative education program. Often, office administrators in small companies are asked to do bookkeeping tasks; so, starting off with this job is another way to gain experience.

In B.C., it is not necessary to be licensed to practice as a bookkeeper.

Technology has changed the way accounting technicians and bookkeepers do their work. Being able to adapt quickly to change is necessary. Small business owners often want to invoice, collect payments, and update their books in only a few steps. People in this occupation typically use technology, including cloud-based accounting software associated applications, mobile apps, online banking and email.