Position: Accountant or bookkeeper
Education: Most accountant or bookkeeping jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Having professional recognition through certification or licensure, especially a CPA (certified public accountant) can translate into more job opportunities.
Skills: Accounting skills encompass bookkeeping, payroll, tax filings, tax returns, tax advice, generating financial statements, and accounting for profit and loss. You can specialize in audit, budget analysis, financial, management or tax accounting.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says job opportunities for accountants and bookkeepers should be favorable. “Must faster than average employment growth [from 2008 to 2018] will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances,” according to the BLS. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Small businesses and local companies probably offer freelance accountants the best opportunities for at-home employment. Try cold calling or searches through online job boards, such as Craig’s List, for specific companies looking for accountants or bookkeepers.
Preparation: Make sure your certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date. Brush up your resume, highlighting your accounting or bookkeeping skills. Gather references from previous or current employers in this field.
Get your foot in the door: Consider offering to work for free on a small project or a few hours of accounting or bookkeeping. Even if the company doesn’t end up hiring you, you might be able to garner a current reference. Also ask if the company knows of any other business that might need a part-time accountant or bookkeeper.
Sarah
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