The global pandemic has brought about a seismic shift in the way we work. As businesses across the globe grappled with the challenges of the new normal, the demand for work from home jobs has seen an unprecedented surge. According to a recent FlexJobs report, there was a 159% increase in remote work in the U.S. between 2005 and 2017, and the numbers have only grown since the onset of the pandemic.
Among the myriad of remote work options, bookkeeping jobs have emerged as a popular choice for professionals. The reason is simple – bookkeeping is a job that can be done effectively from a remote setup, without any loss in productivity or efficiency. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks sector is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, adding about 64,200 new jobs.
Bookkeeping involves recording financial transactions, updating statements, and checking financial records for accuracy. A bookkeeper’s duties may be broad or specific depending on the size and nature of the company. The advent of cloud-based accounting software has made it easier than ever to perform these tasks remotely.
In this article, we will delve into the world of remote bookkeeping jobs. We will explore the different types of remote bookkeeping jobs available, the skills required, the benefits, and the challenges. We will also highlight the top 10 best work from home bookkeeping jobs in 2021, providing you with a comprehensive guide to kickstart your remote bookkeeping career.
1. Online Bookkeeping Jobs
Online bookkeeping jobs have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the advent of cloud-based accounting software and high-speed internet. These jobs offer the convenience of working from anywhere, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. This flexibility is a significant draw for many professionals, especially those who prefer to avoid the daily commute or need to balance work with personal responsibilities.
Online bookkeeping jobs typically involve managing financial records, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports. Some of the common tasks include recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, and preparing balance sheets. According to a report by PayScale, the average hourly wage for an online bookkeeper in the U.S. is $18.92, with the potential to earn up to $28.15 per hour with experience and additional skills.
One of the key advantages of online bookkeeping jobs is the potential for continuous learning and development. As technology evolves, so do the tools and software used in bookkeeping. This means that online bookkeepers have the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in the field, enhancing their skills and increasing their marketability.
However, it’s important to note that online bookkeeping jobs require a high degree of self-discipline and organization. Since you’ll be working independently most of the time, you’ll need to manage your time effectively and ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexibility to work from anywhere | Requires high self-discipline |
| Potential for continuous learning | May involve irregular work hours |
| Average hourly wage of $18.92 | Requires reliable internet connection |
2. Remote Bookkeeping Jobs
Remote bookkeeping jobs are a subset of online jobs that are associated with a specific company. While online bookkeeping jobs may involve working with multiple clients on a freelance basis, remote bookkeeping jobs typically involve working for a single employer. This can provide a sense of stability and regular income, which can be appealing for many professionals.
Remote bookkeeping jobs involve the same tasks as traditional bookkeeping jobs, such as managing financial records, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports. However, these tasks are performed remotely, often from the comfort of your own home. According to a report by Glassdoor, the average salary for a remote bookkeeper in the U.S. is $43,240 per year, with the potential to earn up to $66,000 per year with experience and additional skills.
One of the key benefits of remote bookkeeping jobs is the ability to maintain a work-life balance. Since you’re not tied to a physical office, you can create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle. This can be particularly beneficial for parents, caregivers, or individuals with other personal responsibilities.
However, like online bookkeeping jobs, remote bookkeeping jobs require a high degree of self-discipline and organization. You’ll need to manage your time effectively and ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on schedule. Additionally, you’ll need to maintain regular communication with your employer and colleagues, which can sometimes be challenging in a remote setup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Associated with a specific company | Requires high self-discipline |
| Average salary of $43,240 per year | Requires regular communication with employer |
| Ability to maintain work-life balance | May involve irregular work hours |
3. Virtual Bookkeeping Jobs
Virtual bookkeeping jobs are a specific type of remote job where the bookkeeper interacts with clients virtually. This can include video conferencing, email communication, and digital document sharing. The rise of virtual bookkeeping jobs can be attributed to the advancements in technology that have made it possible to perform bookkeeping tasks remotely and interact with clients in real-time, regardless of geographical location.
Virtual bookkeeping jobs involve the same tasks as traditional bookkeeping jobs, such as managing financial records, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports. However, these tasks are performed remotely, and communication with clients is done virtually. According to a report by ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a Virtual Bookkeeper in the U.S. is $58,315 a year, with the potential to earn up to $104,000 per year with experience and additional skills.
One of the key benefits of virtual bookkeeping jobs is the ability to work with clients from all over the world. This can provide a diverse and exciting work experience, and the opportunity to learn about different industries and business practices. Additionally, virtual bookkeeping jobs often offer flexible work hours, allowing you to create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle.
However, like other remote bookkeeping jobs, virtual bookkeeping jobs require a high degree of self-discipline and organization. You’ll need to manage your time effectively, ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on schedule, and maintain regular communication with your clients. Additionally, you’ll need to be comfortable with using various virtual communication tools and platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ability to work with clients worldwide | Requires high self-discipline |
| Average annual pay of $58,315 | Requires comfort with virtual communication tools |
| Flexible work hours | May involve irregular work hours |
4. Freelance Bookkeeping Jobs
Freelance bookkeeping jobs offer the most flexibility among all the types of remote bookkeeping jobs. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your clients, set your rates, and determine your own schedule. This level of autonomy can be very appealing for professionals who value independence and flexibility in their work.
Freelance bookkeeping jobs involve the same tasks as traditional bookkeeping jobs, such as managing financial records, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports. However, as a freelancer, you’ll be working with multiple clients, which can provide a diverse and exciting work experience. According to a report by ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a Freelance Bookkeeper in the U.S. is $56,324 a year, with the potential to earn up to $104,000 per year with experience and additional skills.
One of the key benefits of freelance bookkeeping jobs is the potential for higher earnings. Since you’re setting your own rates, you have the potential to earn more than you would in a traditional employment setup. Additionally, freelance bookkeeping jobs often offer flexible work hours, allowing you to create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle.
However, freelance bookkeeping jobs also come with their own set of challenges. You’ll need to be proactive in finding clients and marketing your services. You’ll also need to manage your own taxes and benefits, as you won’t have an employer to handle these for you. Additionally, freelance work can sometimes be unpredictable, with periods of high workload followed by periods of downtime.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High level of autonomy | Requires proactive marketing |
| Potential for higher earnings | Requires managing own taxes and benefits |
| Flexible work hours | Workload can be unpredictable |
5. Telecommute Bookkeeping Jobs
Telecommute bookkeeping jobs are a great option for those who prefer a traditional employment setup but with the flexibility to work from home. These jobs offer the stability of a regular paycheck, benefits, and the support of a team, while also providing the flexibility to work from a location of your choice.
Telecommute bookkeeping jobs involve the same tasks as traditional bookkeeping jobs, such as managing financial records, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports. However, these tasks are performed remotely, often from the comfort of your own home. According to a report by Salary.com, the average salary for a telecommute bookkeeper in the U.S. is $42,000 per year, with the potential to earn up to $50,000 per year with experience and additional skills.
One of the key benefits of telecommute bookkeeping jobs is the ability to maintain a work-life balance. Since you’re not tied to a physical office, you can create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle. This can be particularly beneficial for parents, caregivers, or individuals with other personal responsibilities.
However, like other remote bookkeeping jobs, telecommute bookkeeping jobs require a high degree of self-discipline and organization. You’ll need to manage your time effectively, ensure that all tasks are completed accurately and on schedule, and maintain regular communication with your employer and colleagues. Additionally, you’ll need to be comfortable with using various virtual communication tools and platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stability of a regular paycheck and benefits | Requires high self-discipline |
| Average salary of $42,000 per year | Requires regular communication with employer |
| Ability to maintain work-life balance | May involve irregular work hours |
6-10. Top Companies Offering Work from Home Bookkeeping Jobs
There are numerous companies that offer work from home bookkeeping jobs. These companies recognize the benefits of remote work and offer competitive salaries, benefits, and the flexibility to work remotely. Here, we highlight five such companies that are known for their work from home bookkeeping jobs.
6. Belay
Belay is a company that offers virtual staffing solutions, including bookkeeping services. They hire experienced bookkeepers who are comfortable with working remotely and managing their own schedule. Belay offers competitive pay and the flexibility to choose your own clients.
7. AccountingDepartment.com
AccountingDepartment.com is a leading provider of virtual accounting services. They offer full-time, work from home bookkeeping jobs with benefits. Their bookkeepers are assigned to specific clients, providing a sense of stability and regular income.
8. TAD Accounting
TAD Accounting is a full-service accounting firm that offers remote bookkeeping jobs. They hire experienced bookkeepers and offer competitive pay, benefits, and the flexibility to work from anywhere.
9. ClickAccounts
ClickAccounts is a business process outsourcing (BPO) company that offers bookkeeping services. They hire remote bookkeepers and offer flexible work hours, making it a great option for those looking for work-life balance.
10. Bateman & Co.
Bateman & Co. is a certified public accounting firm that offers remote bookkeeping jobs. They hire both part-time and full-time bookkeepers and offer competitive pay and benefits.
| Company | Website |
|---|---|
| Belay | https://belaysolutions.com/ |
| AccountingDepartment.com | https://www.accountingdepartment.com/ |
| TAD Accounting | https://tadaccounting.com/ |
| ClickAccounts | https://www.clickaccounts.com/ |
| Bateman & Co. | https://www.batemanhouston.com/ |
Conclusion
As we navigate the new normal, work from home bookkeeping jobs offer a viable solution for professionals seeking flexibility and stability. The global pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, and companies across various industries are increasingly recognizing the benefits of remote work. This has led to a surge in the demand for remote bookkeeping jobs, providing ample opportunities for professionals in this field.
Whether you prefer the independence of freelance work or the structure of a traditional job, there is a remote bookkeeping job out there for you. Online bookkeeping jobs, remote bookkeeping jobs, virtual bookkeeping jobs, freelance bookkeeping jobs, and telecommute bookkeeping jobs each offer their own set of benefits and challenges. It’s important to consider your personal preferences, skills, and career goals when choosing the type of remote bookkeeping job that’s right for you.
Furthermore, there are numerous companies that offer work from home bookkeeping jobs. These companies offer competitive salaries, benefits, and the flexibility to work remotely. By doing your research and networking with professionals in the field, you can find a remote bookkeeping job that fits your needs and helps you achieve your career goals.
In conclusion, the future of bookkeeping is increasingly remote. As technology continues to evolve and companies continue to embrace remote work, the opportunities for remote bookkeeping jobs are set to grow. So, if you’re a professional seeking a flexible and stable career, a remote bookkeeping job could be the perfect fit for you.
