Become a Bookkeeper | Earn $18 to $70 per hour

Ready to transform your love for numbers and organization into a fulfilling profession from the convenience of your own home?

Make money managing accounts for businesses as a bookkeeper.

A bookkeeping career offers flexible hours, the potential to work with diverse clients, and a pathway to consistent income—while providing businesses with essential financial services.

What Is Bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping is the practice of methodically documenting, organizing, and managing a company’s financial transactions. This entails tracking income and expenditures as well as generating financial reports, account reconciliation, and verifying that financial data is accurate and up to date. Bookkeeping is critical for maintaining a company’s financial health, as it allows business owners to monitor their cash flow, assess financial performance, and prepare for tax filing.

While bookkeeping doesn’t require in-depth financial analysis (which is typically handled by accountants), it serves as the foundation for creating financial statements and other accounting tasks. Bookkeepers make sure that all transactions are accurately recorded and organized in a way that makes sense to business owners and accountants alike.

What Is a Bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper is a financial specialist who is in charge of the daily maintenance of an organization’s financial records. Bookkeepers keep track of expenses, manage invoices, document transactions, and balance accounts. They typically use accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks to keep everything in order. Some of their tasks may include:

• Recording sales and purchases
• Processing payroll
• Managing invoices and accounts payable/receivable
• Reconciling bank statements
• Generating basic financial reports
• Preparing books for accountants for tax preparation

Unlike accountants, who analyze and interpret financial data, bookkeepers focus more on data entry, organization, and ensuring that all transactions are properly documented. Bookkeepers are crucial to ensuring that business owners have a clear understanding of their financial situation at any given time.

Who Is a Bookkeeper Career For?

A bookkeeping career from home is ideal for individuals who:

• Enjoy working with numbers: If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy working with financial data, bookkeeping may be the perfect fit.
• Are organized and methodical: Bookkeeping requires keeping meticulous records, so being organized is key to success.
• Want flexible work hours: Bookkeeping is A flexible career that allows you to work from home and frequently choose your own hours. It’s great for parents, those seeking part-time work, or anyone who prefers working from home.
• Have basic accounting knowledge: While formal education isn’t always required, understanding financial principles and bookkeeping software will be beneficial. Many bookkeepers also take online courses or earn certifications to boost their credibility.
• Enjoy working independently: If you prefer working independently, managing tasks autonomously, and serving various clients, bookkeeping offers that level of freedom.
• Want a stable, in-demand career: Bookkeeping is a service that businesses of all sizes need. No matter how big or small the organization is, one thing remains constant-accurate financial recordkeeping is essential, ensuring a steady demand for bookkeepers.

How Much Can You Make?

A Bookkeeping Job Pays: $20 to $60 per hour

The income potential for a bookkeeper varies based on your level of experience, the clients you work with, and whether you operate independently or through an agency. Here’s how much you can make as a bookkeeper:

1. Entry-Level Bookkeepers: Those just starting out or with little experience typically make between $18 to $25 per hour. At this level, you may be working with smaller businesses or freelance clients.
2. Experienced Bookkeepers: As you gain more experience and expand your client base, your hourly rate can increase to $30 to $50 per hour. At this level, you may work with larger companies or have specialized knowledge of certain industries.
3. Certified Bookkeepers: If you invest in certifications (such as those from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers or the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers), you can charge higher rates, typically in the range of $40 to $70 per hour. Certified bookkeepers often handle more complex tasks and may provide additional services, such as payroll or tax preparation.
4. Full-Time Salary: Bookkeepers working full-time or with multiple clients can make a yearly salary of $40,000 to $60,000. Some experienced or certified bookkeepers earn over $70,000 per year if they handle multiple high-paying clients.
5. Freelance and Self-Employed: If you operate your own bookkeeping business, your income potential can increase significantly. Successful freelance bookkeepers with a steady client base can earn $50,000 to $100,000+ per year, depending on the complexity of their jobs and the number of clients.

Where to Find Jobs

1. Belay

Belay is a highly reputable virtual staffing agency that hires remote professionals for bookkeeping, virtual assistance, and administrative roles. Their clients are often small business owners, nonprofits, and executives in need of reliable financial tracking and reporting.

Payouts:

Belay bookkeepers typically earn $20–$30 per hour, depending on experience and client requirements.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of bookkeeping experience
• Proficiency in QuickBooks Online
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a relevant qualification preferred
• Located in the United States

Regions Available: U.S. only

How to Join:

1. Visit Belay Jobs
2. Apply for the open Bookkeeper role
3. Complete a multi-stage interview process
4. Get matched with clients and begin working remotely

2. Bookminders

Bookminders specializes in offering part-time, remote bookkeeping jobs that come with flexibility and autonomy. Their clients range from small businesses to nonprofits, and their team is composed of experienced accounting professionals who work from home.

Payouts:

Bookminders bookkeepers typically earn between $20–$25 per hour, with some potential for performance-based bonuses.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 5+ years of professional accounting or bookkeeping experience
• Ability to commit to a part-time schedule
• Strong proficiency with QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel

Regions Available: Primarily available in select U.S. metro areas, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

How to Join:

1. Visit Bookminders Careers
2. Choose your region and apply online
3. Complete skills assessments and interviews
4. Onboard and begin working with assigned clients

3. AccountingDepartment.com

AccountingDepartment.com is a full-service virtual accounting firm that provides remote W-2 positions to experienced bookkeepers and accountants. They offer long-term employment, benefits, and a team-oriented culture for professionals seeking stable remote careers.

Payouts:

Salarie typically ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 per year for full-time bookkeepers.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years’ full-charge bookkeeping experience
• U.S. citizenship
• QuickBooks Online and Excel proficiency
• Detail-oriented and self-directed

Regions Available: U.S. only

How to Join:

1. Go to the AccountingDepartment Careers Page
2. Select the “Remote Bookkeeper” job
3. Submit your resume and pass an interview process
4. Complete onboarding and become a full-time employee

4. Upwork

Upwork is a global freelancing marketplace where bookkeepers can create profiles and bid on short- and long-term projects from clients worldwide. It’s ideal for freelancers looking for flexibility and variety in their work.

Payouts:

Freelancers set their own rates; most earn between $15–$50 per hour depending on experience, reviews, and client budgets.

Requirements:

• No formal credentials required, but experience is preferred
• Solid communication skills
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, Xero, or other accounting tools

Regions Available: Worldwide

How to Join:

1. Sign up at Upwork
2. Create a detailed profile highlighting your skills and experience
3. Browse and bid on bookkeeping jobs
4. Complete contracts and receive payments through Upwork’s secure system

5. Intuit (QuickBooks Live)

Intuit hires remote bookkeepers for its QuickBooks Live team to provide expert bookkeeping services to small business clients. If you have a background in accounting and enjoy using QuickBooks, this is a great way to earn steady remote income as a W-2 employee.

Payouts:

Compensation varies from $20 to $30 per hour, based on experience and position level.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of bookkeeping experience
• Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor (or willing to become one)
• U.S. resident
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not mandatory

Regions Available: U.S. only

How to Join:

1. Visit the Intuit Careers Page
2. Search for “QuickBooks Live Bookkeeper”
3. Apply and complete the skills evaluation
4. Start training and work remotely with small businesses

6. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is an international platform that connects bookkeepers with businesses needing help with financial records, payroll, and tax prep. It’s great for both beginners and seasoned professionals looking to work freelance.

Payouts:

Freelancers typically earn $10–$35/hour, depending on project size and complexity.

Requirements:

• No mandatory degree or certification
• Demonstrable skills and experience preferred
• Ability to write compelling proposals to win projects

Regions Available: Worldwide

How to Join:

1. Sign up at Freelancer.com
2. Build a complete profile with relevant skills
3. Bid on projects and respond to client requests
4. Deliver quality work and build your reputation

7. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a UK-based freelancing platform that connects professionals with businesses in need of services like bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll management. It’s well-suited for experienced freelancers who want international clients.

Payouts:

Typical hourly rates range from $15–$50/hour, depending on expertise and client demand.

Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting principles
• Freelance experience preferred
• Excellent client communication and project management

Regions Available: Worldwide

How to Join:

1. Sign up at PeoplePerHour
2. Create a compelling freelancer profile
3. Submit proposals to bookkeeping jobs
4. Complete projects and receive payments securely

Whether you’re looking for freelance gigs or long-term remote employment, there’s never been a better time to start a bookkeeping career from home. From flexible side hustles to full-time salaried roles, these platforms offer real opportunities to put your financial skills to work—all without leaving your home office.

Start as a Freelancer

Join Fiverr

Fiverr is the largest marketplace for freelancers in the entire world for freelance work. By becoming a member of the Fiverr network, you will be able to advertise your services to people all over the world and discover hundreds of potential clients in need of your services.