A good online bookkeeper should be keen to improve their skills.
After all, the remote working industry is more competitive now that everybody wants to work from home.
Upskilling is almost a necessity at this point if you want to gain an advantage over rookie and veteran remote workers alike.
However, if you’re not sure where to start, here are a few suggestions on how you can upskill effectively:
Master Accounting Software
One of the first things you should consider when upskilling is studying various accounting software on the market.
Some companies are very specific about their requirements for online bookkeeping jobs.
You might have a certification on how to use one accounting software (for instance, QuickBooks), but your target client might prefer to hire someone who knows how to use Xero, for instance.
If you learn how to use both programs, so much the better.
Embrace Artificial Intelligence
The recent boom of artificial intelligence (AI) disrupted plenty of industries.
If you want to be even more efficient at the job, learn how to use AI to automate specific tasks like invoicing and sending out reminders for payments.
You can also take it a step further and pair your bookkeeping expertise with other IT fields for a better chance of landing a remote job outside online bookkeeping.
Consider Diving Into Data or Finance Analytics
Online bookkeeping doesn’t end with merely tracking a business’s financial transactions.
As an online bookkeeper, you’ll most likely generate reports and analyze data to further maximize a company’s profitability.
Delving into data or finance analytics can be potentially more lucrative on top of your bookkeeping skills, especially if you already enjoy (and excel at) these fields.
Keep Up With Industry Regulations
Bookkeeping is critical to any business, so you’re not likely to run out of clients anytime soon.
Also, with bookkeepers in demand in the US and Australia, learning these countries’ specific tax laws can help you land a premium client abroad.
Brush Up On Your Communication Skills
Some people tend to overlook the importance of communication skills at work.
After all, writing emails and other forms of correspondence is just stringing words together, right?
Plus, you don’t need to strengthen your speaking skills if you don’t really participate during meetings.
Wrong.
Constantly improving your communication skills can help you find the right words to market yourself better, resulting in finding better-paying clients.
Further, this enables you to better explain concepts and reports to your clients, thus delivering more value when you make things clearer.
Bonus: Learn Management Skills!
Last but not least, if your ultimate goal is to lead a team of bookkeeping professionals, you might want to upskill and learn a few management skills.
You can look up online resources and earn micro-credentials.
Apart from becoming an expert in your field, you’d want to provide a healthy and productive environment for your future subordinates.
Keep A Growth Mindset to Upskill
The learning never stops, even when you’re already working and earning.
Upskilling as an online bookkeeper—or any practitioner in any field for that matter—expands your knowledge and increases your value as a professional.
Although it takes time and effort, the rewards you reap make upskilling worth your while.
Just keep at it.
On that note, if you’re ready to work online, check out Remote Staff’s job board. It’s always updated, so you’re sure to find a role that best fits your qualifications.
Remote Staff has also been in the industry for 16 years (and counting)! Apart from your salary, Remote Staff also offers additional benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.
Want to know more? Register with us today!
