Additional Information
You do not need a particular certificate or diploma to offer your services
as a bookkeeper or accounting technician. That's because these terms are not
regulated at this time. This means anyone can market themselves as a bookkeeper
or accounting technician.
"There is no 'common level of training,'" says Stephen Sahlein. He's co-president
of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. "Many bookkeepers [and
accounting technicians] have little or no technical training."
However, a certificate or a diploma in accounting from a community college
will give you a solid foundation as an accounting technician. It will provide
you with the necessary computer skills and accounting know-how.
Accounting firms and other employers will almost certainly require some
formal education in accounting.
"We're looking for strong analytical skills and quantitative skills," says
Ivan Desjardins. He's the coordinator of a two-year diploma program for accounting
technicians.
"Typically, we want people who have strong math-related courses," says
Desjardins. "You need a strong analytical mind and strong communication skills."