If you've ever worked as a bookkeeper, tax preparer or in the accounting field, bookkeeping may be a good at-home job for you!
Tools you'll need:
The first step in securing an job as an at-home bookkeeper is to convince the employer of your capabilities. Whether working for yourself (as an independent contractor) or the employer (as a bookkeeper employee), the client/employer must know that you are competent, capable and have the experience and knowledge necessary to do the job. Remember, we are talking their money here, and they don't want to hand it over to just anybody!
To that end, you must present a resume that accurately reflects your skills and experience. As with a "regular" job, be honest and don't overemphasize or exaggerate because you think it will get you the job. Remember that you may be the client/employer's first experience with a telecommuter, so your interaction with them may be the first (or last).
If you have a lot of experience but not much formal training (or vice versa), consider taking a class at your local community college. Many community colleges offer packaged schedules for obtaining certification in many facets of bookkeeping, such as Office Accounting or Medical Bookkeeping. If you're short on experience, consider volunteering for a local charity, organization or even your child's sports team as the treasurer or bookkeeper. You will gain the experience, trust and also contribute!
One thing to keep in mind about bookkeeping - it requires a love of numbers and attention to detail. Be honest with yourself: if the idea of spending three hours crunching numbers doesn't appeal to you, don't go into bookkeeping. There are other positions that may be more appealing to your creative side!
Some Resources:
Using QuickBooks (and QuickBooks Pro) with Proper Accounting by Gregory M. Doublas
Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation : Start & Build a Prosperous Bookkeeping, Tax, & Financial Services Business by Gordon P. Lewis
Streetwise Finance and Accounting: How to Keep Your Books and Manage Your Finances Without an MBA, a CPA, or a Ph.D. by Suzanne Caplan
Bookkeeping Made Simple by Louis W. Fields
Step-By-Step Bookkeeping by Robert C. Ragan
