So, you are looking into the world of bookkeeping. Where do you start? In my humble opinion, right here is a great place to do your research on different bookkeeping training programs. If you start jumping all over the place you could become a bit overwhelmed and won’t be able to tell the difference between one program and another.
When researching different programs, what is it that you are looking for? Obviously, you are not going to want just a basic cookie-cutter course. You are going to want the best… or at least you should!
Are you simply trying to gain a basic understanding of your business so that you are not completely lost when your bookkeeper is going over your numbers with you? Of course, small business owners want to be informed, this is especially true when it comes down to that business’s finances.
But what if you are looking to learn how to actually become a bookkeeper? Or better yet, what if you are looking to start your own bookkeeping business? What are some other things that you should be on the lookout for?
How Is The Support?
Outside of how good the training itself is, this is probably the top question that you should be asking yourself. Let’s face it, if you are new to the world of bookkeeping you are going to have questions that need answers quickly.
It’s going to be important to find out beforehand how your questions are going to be answered. If you are going the online route, what are the different support methods available to you? Do you have to send an email and then wait for a reply?
Is there an online community that you are able to reach out to for help? If so, is it an active community where you are confident that your questions will get answered quickly?
Find these things out BEFORE you decide which course to pursue and it will save you a lot of heartache down the road.
How In-Depth Is The Training?
I kind of hinted at this at the very top of the post but I think it is important to have an understanding of the training itself. Some bookkeeping training programs are simply designed to give you a basic understanding of the world of bookkeeping.
Generally speaking, these are more geared towards the small business owner who just wants a way to know what their bookkeeper is talking about when they get their monthly reports. If you are looking to actually become a bookkeeper then you are going to want to make sure that the training is thorough. Does it take you by the hand and go step by step through the process?
Can you go at your own pace? Are there quizzes and/or homework to do to help you gain some hands-on practice? Even if you are not able to find the answers to these questions on your own, simply ask! If you don’t get a response or it is a very vanilla answer then that probably helps you to answer the support question and I would continue your search.
What types of certifications are you able to get through the program of your choice? Can you get certified through QuickBooks Or Xero? Are there bookkeeping associations that you can join? Are these included in the price of the training or do you have to pay separately for them?
Yes, there are a lot of things to consider so take a little time to think about these sorts of things before you decide which route you want to take. The last thing you are going to want is to regret your decision knowing that you chose the wrong program because you didn’t do the proper research.
Are You Looking To Start Your Own Business?
Are you looking to work for someone else or are you looking to start your own bookkeeping business? Starting your own bookkeeping business may be an option that you may have never considered until now.
If you are looking to work for someone else as a bookkeeper then you need to figure out if you are going to attend physical classes or sign up for an online university. Do your best to compare prices and dig a little to get the syllabus and compare them to see if one is more in-depth or provides more value than the other.
If you are looking to start your own bookkeeping business, can you get everything in one place? It would be a good idea to think this over before you choose a course. The reason is that, ideally, you don’t want to spend your money to learn bookkeeping just to turn around and spend more of your money to learn to market those newly acquired bookkeeping skills.
In addition to that, you are going to want your marketing efforts geared towards bookkeeping, not just a general marketing course. Is there a course that includes both types of training together?
Another important question that needs to be answered is, is there a trial period? There is a chance that once you start a course that you decide that this simply isn’t for you. Guys that’s okay! Just like anything else in life, you will never know unless you try.
So make sure that there is a period where you can request a refund or cancel before being charged.
If your own bookkeeping business is something that you would like to pursue and would like to get some more information on then you need to check out this program on how to learn everything in one place.
How Much Can You Make?
How much are you looking to make? Again, this is up in the air depending on the route that you want to take.
If you are looking to be an employee, the average median income is around $41,000. If you are looking to start your own bookkeeping business then you have the ability to earn $60-$80 an hour.
Obviously, the business earnings are pretty attractive, wouldn’t you agree? Keep in mind that it does take time to build your business, but if this is something that is appealing to you, you can build up a very appealing yearly income depending on your efforts and goals.
You also need to determine if you have what it takes to be a business owner. Unfortunately, not everyone is meant to run their own business. If you want to see if you have the traits needed to run a successful bookkeeping business then you need to read this article.
A Final Word
As you can see, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered to help you to determine which way to go when researching all the different bookkeeping training programs.
Take the time to get the answers to make sure that you are taking the right course. If a bookkeeping business sounds like it may be something that you would enjoy doing then I think I can help you out.
Throughout this site, I have dedicated it to talking about, what I feel is hands down, the best way to learn bookkeeping, and how to start your own bookkeeping business.
I truly believe that any question that you may have can be answered here at Bookkeepers Paradise about this particular course. Below I have highlighted a few posts that you can feel free to check out to look into this further to see if this is something for you to pursue.
7 Traits Needed To Become A Bookkeeper
Is Bookkeeper Business Launch A Scam?
If you don’t think this is for you then I wish you all the best and never give up on your dreams! If you have any questions (remember how I said to ask questions… hint, hint) comments, or concerns please drop them below in the comments section and I will be sure to get you the answers as soon as possible.