How to Become a Bookkeeper With No Experience

I still remember when I first wondered how to become a bookkeeper with no experience. I didn’t have a finance degree, and at first I felt nervous about dealing with numbers. However, after chatting with a friend who worked remotely as a bookkeeper for U.S. small businesses, I realized many people start with basic training and grow into confident pros. As I learned, the U.S. market offers beginner-friendly tools like QuickBooks Online and Wave, along with affordable courses from platforms such as Udemy and LinkedIn Learning. Moreover, small business owners—local cafés, Etsy sellers, and solo consultants—regularly need bookkeeping help. Therefore, transitioning into bookkeeping proved achievable, flexible, and rewarding.

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

Before you learn how to become a bookkeeper with no experience, it helps to know the role. Bookkeepers track income and expenses, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare basic financial reports. In addition, they often use cloud accounting tools (for instance, QuickBooks Online, Xero, Wave, or FreshBooks) to keep records tidy and ready for tax season.

Why Bookkeeping Is a Great Career for Beginners

There are several reasons bookkeeping is ideal for beginners. First, you don’t need a college degree. Second, the work is flexible and often remote. Third, U.S. small businesses constantly need help keeping their books in order. For example, a local bakery or an independent real estate agent may hire part-time help to save time and avoid bookkeeping mistakes.

• Low startup cost — basic training and software are enough to begin.
• Strong demand — millions of U.S. small businesses need bookkeepers.
• Flexible schedule — choose part-time, full-time, or freelance work.
• Growth potential — move into payroll, tax prep, or virtual CFO work.

How to Become a Bookkeeper With No Experience (Step-by-Step)

1. Learn the Basics of Bookkeeping

The first step to discovering how to become a bookkeeper with no experience is understanding core concepts. Learn the difference between income and expenses, assets and liabilities, debits and credits, and how to reconcile accounts. Also, practice building a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet. Start with beginner-friendly U.S.-focused platforms such as:

• Intuit Academy (QuickBooks training)
• Coursera and Udemy (basic bookkeeping courses)
• LinkedIn Learning

2. Get Familiar With U.S. Bookkeeping Software

To be competitive, learn cloud accounting tools used by U.S. businesses. Most small businesses lean on QuickBooks Online, and Intuit’s certifications help a lot. In addition, Xero, Wave, and FreshBooks are common in certain niches.

• QuickBooks Online: Widely used and Intuit-certified.
• Xero: Ideal for some service and eCommerce brands.
• Wave: Free option popular with freelancers and solos.
• FreshBooks: Strong on invoicing and time tracking.

3. Practice With Realistic Scenarios

Practice by creating a sample company inside QuickBooks or Wave. Enter hypothetical income and expenses, reconcile a sample bank statement, and generate monthly reports. Moreover, download sample bank statements for practice reconciliations so you gain confidence with real workflows.

4. Choose a Path: Employment or Freelancing

Next, decide if you want a traditional job or to freelance. Both paths are common in the U.S., and each has pros and cons.

Employment

Apply for entry-level roles like bookkeeping assistant, accounts payable clerk, or payroll assistant. Companies and staffing agencies that often hire beginners include Robert Half, Kelly Services, and local CPA firms. Use job boards such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter to find U.S. listings.

Freelancing

If you prefer flexibility, start a virtual bookkeeping business. Find clients through Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, or local Facebook groups. In addition, many new bookkeepers begin by helping freelancers and Etsy sellers because their books are simpler to manage.

5. Build a Simple Online Presence

Create a basic website, a LinkedIn profile, and a Facebook business page. List services, sample pricing, and testimonials as you get them. In addition, include a contact form so potential U.S. clients can reach you easily.

6. Become QuickBooks Certified

QuickBooks certifications are valuable in the U.S. market. Complete Intuit’s training and the ProAdvisor exam to get listed in Intuit’s directory. Certification increases trust and can help you earn higher rates.

7. Start Applying for Jobs or Clients

Now it’s time to take action. Apply for entry-level bookkeeping positions, pitch local small businesses, and list services on freelancing platforms. Start with simpler jobs, and then increase your rates as your experience grows.

How Much Do Beginner Bookkeepers Make in the U.S.?

Typical rates for beginners in the United States:

• Employment: $18–$25 per hour
• Freelance beginners: $25–$40 per hour
• Experienced specialists: $50+ per hour

Tips for Succeeding as a New Bookkeeper

• Keep learning monthly: software and tax rules change.
• Start with simple clients: freelancers, Etsy sellers, and service providers.
• Use templates: client onboarding and monthly checklists save time.
• Track your hours: tools like Toggl or Clockify help you bill accurately.