18 Online Bookkeeping Jobs (Make $36k-$80k Per Year)

Want to find the best online bookkeeping jobs? Check out the top opportunities with impressive earning potentials ($32k to $80k and over a year).

Do you want to find a way to work from home that will give you the freedom to set your own hours, while earning good money?

If working with numbers excites you and you admire the simple perfection of a spreadsheet that adds up, a job in bookkeeping could be what you are looking for!

What I love about bookkeeping is that:

• It can be done from anywhere in the world.
• You can stick to your own schedule.
• And if you’re a freelancer, you can also set your own rates!

Sounds good, doesn’t it?

In this article, I will dive into what bookkeeping is, how much you can make as a virtual bookkeeper, and the best websites to find legitimate online bookkeeping jobs.

Online Bookkeeping Jobs

What is online bookkeeping?

Online bookkeeping is similar to traditional bookkeeping. A bookkeeper’s job is vital to the run of any company or business.

Bookkeepers keep track of the company’s invoices, inventory, sales, and expenses.

The only difference between an on-site bookkeeping job and a virtual one is that you don’t have to go to a physical office. You simply need a laptop and internet connection.

As an online bookkeeper, you have more freedom as you can work from anywhere in the world.

What does a bookkeeper do on a daily basis?

It depends on the company you work for and also on your niche. But generally speaking, the job of a bookkeeper revolves around numbers.

You can expect to:

• Record sales
• Reconcile expenses
• File receipts
• Manage payroll
• Manage bills payments
• Produce financial reports for record-keeping purposes

After the recording of the transactions, an accountant will review your work and make some adjustments before submitting the accounts.

Can bookkeeping really be done remotely?

Absolutely!

Think about it: as a bookkeeper, you log in to the company’s bookkeeping software and access all the documents.

You don’t have to be in an office to do this. You can be sitting on your own couch or in a coffee shop on the other side of the globe.

The job of a remote bookkeeper is flexible which also appeals to employers. As long as the task is completed within the set deadline, you’re free to work whenever you want!

The only downside is that if you’re working remotely, you don’t have your boss checking up on you and keeping you accountable.

This means you need to be organized and set your own schedule, to make sure you meet your deadlines.

How much do virtual bookkeepers charge?

How much you can make as an online bookkeeper depends on many factors, such as your experience, certifications, or your location.

Freelance entry-level bookkeepers typically charge between $18 and $23 per hour. Which translates to roughly $40,000 per year.

Once you gain more experience, you can expect to charge anything between $69 and $82 per hour! This means you can make $80k and over per year!

In this article on how to become a bookkeeper, I share the 5 simple steps you need to take plus 5 incredible case studies of people like me and you that have turned bookkeeping into their job.

Best online resources to find online bookkeeping jobs

Bookkeeping Jobs Websites	Job Boards
Bookkeepers.com	FlexJobs
AccountingFly	Fiverr
Paro Network	Indeed
Belay	Upwork
AccountingDepartment.com	Craigslist
Supporting Strategies	People Per Hour
BookMinders	Guru
CPAMoms	Remote.co
BIDaWIZ
ClickAccounts

Working from home? Check! Being your own boss? Check! Great earning potential? Check!

But where are the best places to find work as a bookkeeper?

There are a number of places to find bookkeeping jobs online.

Here is a list of both sites dedicated to bookkeeping and general job boards.

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Websites specializing in bookkeeping

1. Bookkeeper

If you are still unsure about where to start and what to do, Ben’s website is the best place to start.

Bookkeepers.com will help you to learn pretty much anything about starting your own online bookkeeping business.

Ben also offers a service called Bookkeeper Launch which teaches you everything about bookkeeping, including which software you need, the systems of running a virtual bookkeeping business, and how to find your first paying client. 

A big plus is that it connects you with hundreds of other bookkeepers just like you, which creates an incredible opportunity for networking, finding freelance gigs, and setting you up for success.  

2. AccountingFly

AccountingFly is a website that specializes in 21st-century accounting jobs. They connect accountants and bookkeepers with the best employers in the industry.

You can filter job postings into remote, part-time, contract, hybrid, or office-based. The great thing is that AccountingFly is completely free to join!

3. Paro Network

Paro Network is an amazing online place to find jobs for experienced bookkeepers. They claim to be hiring the top 2% of accounting and finance professionals.

As you can probably tell, the application process can be difficult to pass. Keep in mind that you’ll need credentials and certifications to join Paro Network. You’ll also need to pass a rigorous interview process.

Having said that, it’s a great place to find high-quality clients.

4. Belay

Belay is an online place that matches virtual assistants and bookkeepers with customers. Belay’s mission is to help people to create a perfect balance between life and work. 

They believe in giving everyone the option to work from home while choosing how much you work. And because you can work remotely, you can bring your knowledge from the kitchen table.

5. AccountingDepartment.com

If you’re looking for a full-time remote bookkeeping job, AccountingDepartment.com might be the best option for you!

The company offers full-time positions with benefits, health insurance, and paid time off to bookkeepers, accountants, and financial professionals all over the country.

Plus they truly value company culture and encourage training and growth within the company.

The only requirement is that you’re based in the U.S.!

6. Supporting Strategies

Supporting Strategies hires experienced workers for remote bookkeeping positions.

You will normally need to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finances, or a similar field, and some degree of experience. Plus you will need to be familiar with Quickbooks as you’ll be using this software to manage your clients’ finances.

7. BookMinders

If you’re based in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Maryland and are looking to start a new career as an online bookkeeper, look into BookMinders!

They provide bookkeeping services to non-profit organizations and offer both full-time and part-time positions. They offer training opportunities and you’ll be eligible for bonuses based on your performance!

8. ClickAccounts

ClickAccounts employs remote accountants and bookkeepers full-time. This is great if you’re looking for security in your bookkeeping job, or you simply want to work as a bookkeeper but don’t want to look for clients yourself.

Don’t be put off by their basic and outdated website. Just make sure you send them an email at careers(at)ClickAccounts.com

9. BIDaWIZ

BIDaWIZ works a bit differently. It offers work-from-home opportunities in several categories including accounting and bookkeeping. You will need to become a member. Upon joining BIDaWIZ, you’ll be in touch with their team and they will help you to find new clients while maintaining your loyal client base.

The only thing to keep in mind is that to join BIDaWIZ, you’re required to have a certification, like a degree from an accredited U.S. university, and pass a background check.

10. CPAMoms

CPAMoms match certified public accountants and bookkeepers (who are moms) with entrepreneurs looking for affordable bookkeeping services.

This website is perfect if you’re a mom looking for an online-based career as a bookkeeper that allows you to spend more time with your kids!

Plus, it’s 100% free to join. 

Although you have to be prepared to pass a live QuickBooks observation, technical test, and extensive interview. Only 10% of the bookkeeping applicants make it through their screening process.

But once you are in, you will be set with a great, flexible job. 

Job boards

Job boards have all sorts of job listings on them. But you shouldn’t dismiss them. Especially if you don’t have years of experience. 

Some of these websites will look for qualified bookkeepers, but others will give you the opportunity to look for clients, and build a solid base to develop your business.

11. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is an online marketplace for freelancers aimed at, as the name suggests, flexible jobs. And it’s one of my favorite websites to get any kind of online gigs.

You can simply search for the type of job you are looking for, such as “bookkeeping”, and you can find many jobs looking to be filled.

FlexJobs offers a free job board that anyone can see, plus a paid area that will give you access to many more opportunities. And before you dismiss this, keep in mind this will give you a chance to have less competition and more possibilities of getting the job of your dreams. 

Plus, you can just sign up for a month or two, and then cancel the subscription as soon as you find the right opportunity.

12. Fiverr

Fiverr is an excellent site to find your first few clients. Keep in mind that most gigs have low pay. Hence the name, Fiverr. Get it?

The platform also charges 20% off anything you make. With that being said, it’s a great platform to find your first paying customer for your bookkeeping job, get some great testimonials, and then grow your business from there.

13. Indeed

Indeed is a job board that specializes in all types of jobs. It’s a great website to find bookkeeping opportunities.

So, how do you find remote bookkeeping jobs on Indeed? Simply type “Remote” in the location, find a job post you think can be perfect for you and apply for it. 

14. Upwork

Upwork is similar to Fiverr. You can look for bookkeeping job offers, and set up your own profile. It’s completely free to join.

But they will take a fee off your rate. On the brighter side, the more jobs you complete, the lower the fee!

15. Craigslist

You can find all sorts of things on Craigslist. Bookkeeping jobs from home are no exception!

But how do you find bookkeeping opportunities on Craigslist? You can either respond to job listings or you can run an ad. An ad on Craigslist will typically cost you around $5 for 30 days.

16. People Per Hour

People Per Hour is similar to Upwork and Fiverr. It’s an online place that matches freelancers and clients from various industries.

People Per Hour is free to join. Although, you’ll need to complete at least two projects rated at least four stars within three months of joining to keep your membership free.

17. Guru

Guru is another excellent place to find home-based bookkeeping jobs.

Even though you can do this job from anywhere in the world, some clients prefer to outsource remote services to someone in the same location. Guru has a location feature that allows you to find gigs in your location!

18. Remote.co

What I love about Remote.co is that you can find entry-level opportunities for bookkeepers. Simply type bookkeeping or bookkeeper in the search bar, and look through the remote opportunities.

Top 5 tips to find virtual bookkeeping jobs

If working as a bookkeeper online sounds appealing to you, I have a few tips for you to make sure you start your new career the right way!

1. Network, network, network

I know this can be uncomfortable since most of you reading this are probably introverts. But hear me out!

Networking is a crucial part of running any kind of business. If you fail to network, your business most likely won’t last long. By networking with just one person, you open up a chance for a possible referral! Imagine making connections with multiple people!

The good thing is that when it comes to networking, you don’t have to leave your house! You can find clients for your bookkeeping business from the comfort of your home.

But how do you network online?

One of the obvious choices is social media. A lot of businesses are using social media marketing to spread awareness. You can take advantage of it and engage with your target customers.

If social media is not your thing, don’t worry! Did you study at a university? Your alumni community might be a great place to find clients! A lot of your classmates will definitely be happy to network with you.

Or ask your friends if they know any small business owners that could use the help of a good bookkeeper. After all, you just need one client to get started.

2. Niche down and stand out

Bookkeeping is a great way to make money online. But if you want to work as a general bookkeeper, it can be difficult to find work. At least initially.

How can you overcome this? By niching down! But what does that mean? A niche is a specific area you specialize in.

You’ll increase your chance of getting hired if you’re a bookkeeper who specializes in things like tax codes or dance schools! Think about what you enjoy. Are you a vegan? Why not specialize in bookkeeping for vegan restaurants?

This will help you stand out from the pool of all the general bookkeepers out there.

3. Answer questions and be helpful (Twitter, Reddit, Quora)

I know this might sound odd to you. You want to work as a bookkeeper, not to be answering some questions on social media.

Look, people don’t know what you have to offer. If you go to social media platforms such as Twitter, or forum sites such as Reddit or Quora, you can search a keyword related to what you do and answer relevant questions.

By doing this, you’ll show potential clients your expertise and might turn them into paying customers! Simply type in the name of your niche and “bookkeeping”. You’ll find questions you can answer, showcase your knowledge, and get free exposure that way!

Another great way is to answer questions on websites like JustAnswer. As long as you have some qualifications and experience, you can answer questions from people that need your help as a bookkeeper and be paid for your answers. 

4. Create an email list and keep in touch with old clients

Building an email list is an important part of running an online business. And virtual bookkeeping is no different. 

Sending emails is a great way to build a relationship with people that might need your help in the future.

You can create a blog focused on your bookkeeping services, offer free resources to help your ideal clients, and capture their emails in the process.

You can then send out offers and tips, and remind them on a weekly or monthly basis of what you can do for them. 

Remember: someone might not want to use your services now, but that might change in a few months.

And appearing in their inbox from time to time can be the difference between having more clients and tumbleweeds.

5. Use social media

Social media can help you spread the word about what you do. 

But how do you decide which social media platform to focus on? There’s no “one size fits all“ approach when it comes to bookkeeping. It depends on your niche and where your target customers are hanging out.

If, for example, you’re targeting dance schools, you want to focus on a social media platform where dance schools are posting their content. I bet that’s either Instagram, YouTube, or even TikTok. It definitely won’t be Twitter, as this platform isn’t very video-friendly.

If your niche is fast-food restaurants, Facebook or Instagram are the places to be.

But how do you get attention on social media?

As the name suggests, you’ll need to do some socializing to get your target customer’s attention. Identify the businesses you’d like to work with, follow them, and engage with their content. If you do this regularly, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed.

8 skills you need to find bookkeeping jobs from home

The great thing about working as a virtual bookkeeper is that you don’t need any specific qualifications to get started. 

And you can learn the skills you need by yourself. Or you can take an online course. Or you can become a certified bookkeeper.

Here I go through everything you need to answer your question: How do I become a virtual bookkeeper?

But no matter what route you take, what are the skills you better have to succeed?

1. Know your numbers

As a bookkeeper, you must be good with numbers. The software will do the math work for you, but you have to be able to at least double-check the calculations.

2. Organization

Are colorful spreadsheets your thing? Great! As a bookkeeper, you’ll be dealing with lots of numbers and documents. It’s not surprising that being organized is one of the main skills every bookkeeper needs to have.

3. Communication

Great communication skills are essential here. If you’re working for someone remotely, there’s a lot of room for miscommunication. Before you dive into a project, make sure everything is clear.

You also need to be able to create connections with your clients and be personable. Remember that your clients need to absolutely trust you!

4. Eagle eye for details

A bookkeeper’s job is to ensure that all financial records are correct. This means that punctuality is crucial. Your clients want to know they can rely on you and the last thing you want to do is to put things in the wrong cells.

5. Basic computer skills

Nowadays, no matter the job, you need at least some basic computer skills. Online bookkeeping is no exception.

6. Problem-solving

As a bookkeeper, you’ll come across challenges often. You need to be able to foresee them coming, stay calm, and solve them.

7. Multi-tasking

As a freelance virtual bookkeeper, you’ll most likely be working with more than one client. Being a natural multi-tasker will be essential for you as you’ll need to be able to switch between different clients and accounts quickly.

8. Maintain confidentiality

Bookkeeping and maintaining finances are confidential work. You need to make sure you’re handling your clients’ passwords and data securely. You also have to stay away from discussing information about your clients with others!

Get ready to start a life of freedom as a virtual bookkeeper

Online bookkeeping jobs can give you the freedom you’re looking for. You can do this kind of work from anywhere in the world as long as you’re connected to the internet.

Even if you’ve never done anything like this before, bookkeeping can give you the life you want to live.

Are you ready to take the leap and get started?

Let me know in the comments!

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