"Keeper makes us look good."

Highlights:

• Using Keeper’s custom management reporting tools, McBride CPAs received high praise from their nonprofit clients’ board members, who loved the Executive Summary and noted the overall increase in clarity and professionalism.
• McBride CPAs saves 10+ billable hours per month thanks to the ability to ask transaction questions—and send automated reminders for those requests—directly from the Client Portal.
• McBride CPAs transitioned from disconnected Google Sheets and Asana workflows to Keeper, where the team benefits from visibility, enhanced quality control and smoother internal communication.

Supporting local nonprofits

Kala McBride founded McBride CPAs in 2020 fueled by a specific mission: to provide high-quality bookkeeping and tax services to Indianapolis-area nonprofits and women- and minority-owned businesses. Today, the firm manages monthly bookkeeping for over 35 clients and has quickly grown from a solo practice to a busy team of four.

As the team continued to focus on the nonprofit niche, Kala recognized the unique needs within this important sector, specifically when it came to reconciling accounts and financial reporting. Nonprofit boards rely heavily on clear, digestible financial data, particularly to understand cash positions and budget variances. Kala knew that certain aspects of her month-end close process needed optimization, so that she could stay organized and provide an even higher level of service to her clients. So, she started looking into Keeper.

Searching for a better month-end close system

Before adopting Keeper, McBride CPAs struggled with fragmented systems that lacked the structure needed for sustained firm growth. Kala recalled starting out with one other bookkeeper on board, where the month-end close process involved a Google Sheet template and Asana to track tasks. “That was our process, and it wasn't very good. And as we planned to add more teammates, that absolutely would not have been doable," she said.

This exceedingly manual system meant that Kala’s team had to spend tons of valuable time combing through the GL—making sure that errors or inconsistencies in their clients’ books were caught and corrected. But shortly after adopting Keeper, it was clear that the Transaction Review Report significantly improved accuracy, automatically. The report instantly flagged inconsistent categorization and enabled Kala’s team to maintain quality control without the extensive manual reviews.

Saving 10 hours per month in follow-ups alone

Ultimately for Kala, the most attractive thing about Keeper was the ability to send a list of transaction questions to clients, straight from the bank feed. Prior to using Keeper, Kala’s team still relied heavily on those age-old Google Sheets plus manual emails to make client inquiries—a process ripe with delays and frustration. But Keeper’s client communication features made this aspect of the bookkeeping process a smoother and more efficient one.

“It automatically sends reminders to the repeat offenders who just won’t get their responses to us. That alone probably saves us 10 hours a month, and it’s providing so much clarity now that there are more of us on the team,” said Kala.

Clients find Keeper’s portal intuitive, because it offers a centralized place for them to upload documents, answer questions, and access previously published financials. This straightforward hub for communication drastically reduced internal bottlenecks and client frustrations, giving Kala’s team more time to focus on meaningful client interactions.

Making clients look good, and their bookkeepers look even better

While workflow improvements and client communication are crucial to running a successful firm, Keeper’s custom management reporting feature was what truly elevated McBride CPAs’ client relationships and satisfaction, especially for those within the nonprofit niche.

The Indianapolis nonprofit network is relatively small, so the organizations and boards are well connected. Case in point: one of Kala’s clients sits on the Board for a different client’s nonprofit organization. After a board meeting, he wasted no time in sharing the board’s praise about the financial reports they were reviewing that day.

"Everyone went on and on about how professional these reports were, and how easy they were to understand. All of the important information was highlighted,” he told Kala.

Nonprofit boards seem to exceptionally love the Executive Summary. This well-loved Keeper feature allows Kala’s team to present critical financial information clearly, highlighting key metrics like cash-on-hand and budget-to-actual variances. After reading through the Executive Summary’s highlights, the rest of the package contains digestible reports that provide boards with newfound confidence in the financial health of the organizations they advise.

"For nonprofits, we're not helping them make money—so the value we provide lies within making sure they can communicate to the board about how things are going." Kala explained.

While Keeper’s reporting tools did save the team time, it also helped to simplify even the most complex financial reporting packages. One of their nonprofit clients has 15 separate credit card accounts, and before Keeper, the McBride CPAs team had to manually collapse each individual account in QuickBooks. After all, the team just needed to know the total amount of credit card spend in a given period of time. But now, they can generate the exact same report, in seconds.

“We just hit a button and collapse them all. Depending on the client, that feature can save us at least 30 minutes to an hour every time we run those reports,” said Kala.

Scaling a practice with Keeper

Kala also had great things to say about Keeper’s client-based pricing model, which allows her team to scale effortlessly without worrying about seat-based costs.

"The price feels like an inconsequential amount for what we're getting. With other tools, pulling the trigger on paying for new seats is a big hurdle," Kala remarked. "Keeper lets us use the features fully as a team without that barrier."

Since adopting Keeper, McBride CPAs has comfortably added new clients and expanded internal capabilities, exploring even more advanced Keeper features like the new integrated email system–Keeper Emails—as well as Keeper Receipts.

Future growth and peace of mind

When asked about the value of Keeper overall, Kala had this to say:

"We are 100% completing our tasks faster than before. But even if we weren't doing it faster, we have peace of mind knowing things aren’t slipping through the cracks."

For Kala, this integrity paired with a reinforced confidence in her team’s work product is priceless. Keeper not only improves efficiency and accuracy, but also empowers McBride CPAs to consistently deliver the same level of professional, reliable service their clients trust.

Now, as McBride CPAs continues to expand and grow, Keeper remains central to the team’s operational strategy. "It's apparent to our clients: Keeper makes us look better and helps us deliver a better-quality product. And it’s at a really reasonable price,” Kala concluded. “So… I’m a Keeper fan forever!”

Curious to see what Keeper can do for your practice? Book a personalized demo today.

The post How McBride CPAs Saves 10+ Hours Per Month and Nails Nonprofit Board Reporting with Keeper appeared first on Keeper.

When Linda Spinale launched Honeycomb Bookkeeping in 2021, she set out to provide two things: exceptional service to a handful of clients, and a better work-life balance for herself.

What she didn’t anticipate was how quickly her firm would grow. Within just four months, she hired her first employee, and soon, she was leading a fast-growing team. To maintain the high level of service her clients had come to expect, Linda knew she needed systems that could scale with them. That’s when she heard about Keeper.

Implementing Systems for Growth

Initially hesitant about adopting an entirely new platform right before the busy season, Linda was won over by Keeper’s Prepare 1099s Report. She found that it eliminated a notoriously painful part of the bookkeeping workflow by automatically excluding credit card spend from 1099 payments. But what started as a solution for 1099 season quickly evolved into a complete practice management overhaul.
With Keeper, the Honeycomb Bookkeeping team could now:

• Track team progress in real-time, ensuring tasks were completed consistently without micromanagement.
• Automate reporting and analytics, providing clients with tailored insights beyond standard financial statements.
• Standardize onboarding, allowing for immediate client integration that makes way for efficient scaling.

A 30% Time Savings Per Client

With Keeper in place, Linda’s team saved approximately 30% of their time per client. This efficiency gain translated into significant firm-wide growth—Honeycomb Bookkeeping added three new bookkeepers and over 50 clients in just 18 months.

[Keeper] has transformed our firm into what I feel is a truly legitimate business... My bookkeepers can handle more, and I feel very strongly that Keeper has allowed us to become the firm that we are.

Curious to see what Keeper can do for your practice? Book a personalized demo today.

The post How Honeycomb Bookkeeping's Team Reclaims 30% of Their Time Each Month with Keeper appeared first on Keeper.

Ever get stuck waiting on missing receipts or scrambling to reconcile uncategorized transactions at month’s end? Most accounting professionals have been there, juggling multiple apps, and sending clients endless follow-up emails. But what if a single, integrated tool could streamline every stage of your monthly close—from task management to real-time collaboration with clients?

In a recent Earmark Expo, Andy from Keeper demonstrated how one cloud-based practice management platform can tackle the monthly close in a streamlined, client-friendly way.

1. Streamlined Task and Project Management

A smooth month-end close starts with effective planning. Instead of juggling spreadsheets or generic project tools, Keeper lets you create recurring monthly tasks alongside ad-hoc projects (e.g., onboarding, payroll processing, sales tax). You can:

• Set Custom Frequencies: Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly tasks with specific due dates.
• Create Checklists & SOPs: Store all the instructions, links, and passwords your team needs.
• View Firm-Wide Progress: A central dashboard shows each client’s close status, from pre-close tasks to account reconciliations.

From an owner’s perspective, this holistic view helps ensure junior staff follow standardized procedures. No more scattered checklists; everything is tracked and auditable in one place.

2. Intelligent Review: Direct Ledger Integration

Keeper integrates with QuickBooks Online or Xero, analyzing the general ledger for anomalies and inconsistencies. It flags potential issues, such as:

• Vendors with Inconsistent Categories: If a vendor was previously coded to “Software " but ended up in “Advertising " this month, the system notifies you.
• Missing Payees or Transactions: Instantly spot missing or incomplete vendor info.
• Auto-Added Bank Rules: Verify that automated rules are accurate, reducing errors.

Changes can be made from Keeper itself—no toggling between platforms. When you recode a transaction or add a vendor, it updates QuickBooks or Xero in real-time. This ensures everyone from the bookkeeper to the reviewer is working with up-to-date financials.

3. Consolidated Client Communication

If you dread sending 40 emails to a single client each month, modern platforms offer a better way. Keeper consolidates client questions—uncategorized expenses, missing statements, etc.—into a single, branded portal. When you’re ready, you notify the client.

“Rather than sending the client 40 messages throughout the month, we wait until all our questions are ready and then let them know they have new items,” explained Andy from Keeper.

Clients click a magic link—no password needed—and land in a portal with your firm’s branding. There, they see only the transactions or questions that need attention. They can respond by typing an explanation or uploading documents. Communication remains organized with a clear audit trail, so your team can finalize the books faster.

4. Proactive W-9 Collection & 1099 Prep

The year-end 1099 season can be a scramble when you haven’t collected W-9s in advance. Keeper automates the process by:

• Tracking Thresholds: Once a vendor exceeds $600 of reportable spend, the system flags them.
• Sending Branded W-9 Requests: Vendors get a link to fill out or upload their W-9 electronically.
• Syncing Data: Submitted forms are attached to the vendor record in QuickBooks Online (or Xero).

By converting 1099 tracking into a recurring monthly task, you can avoid the January rush of incomplete or missing vendor details. Firms can even export data directly to a 1099-filing solution, turning W-9 collection into a year-round routine.

5. Receipt Management on Your Client's Terms

Receipts are one of the most common pain points in bookkeeping. Keeper’s receipt capture tools offer multiple ways for clients to submit documents:

• Dedicated Phone Number for Texting: Clients can snap a picture and text it directly.
• Magic Link Portal: They drag and drop files from a desktop or mobile device.
• Email Upload: Optionally forward digital receipts to a dedicated inbox.

Once in the system, OCR technology extracts key data and either creates new transactions or matches receipts to existing ones. This eliminates redundant steps like re-keying or reconciling bank feed entries separately.

6. Additional Features: Time Tracking, KPIs, and More

Beyond communication and transaction reviews, Keeper offers tools to centralize your entire CAS practice:

• Time Tracking & Budgeting: Set budgets per client or project. Track time with built-in timers.
• Advanced Reporting & KPIs: Customize monthly financial reports with real-time variance analysis, graphs, and even non-financial metrics (e.g., headcount).
• Inter-Company Transfers: For multi-entity clients, Keeper can sync due-to/due-from accounts across different QuickBooks or Xero files.

The result is a single source of truth for all monthly close tasks, collaboration, and data oversight.

A New Era of Month-End Efficiency

Platforms like Keeper reimagine not just client communication but the entire month-end process—reducing the back-and-forth between email threads, spreadsheets, and accounting files. From automated anomaly detection to text-based receipt collection, these solutions let accountants focus on higher-value advisory work.

Ready to streamline your month-end and client collaboration? Watch the complete Earmark Expo session featuring Keeper. You can also earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit for learning how integrated software simplifies your workflow—giving you time back to serve your clients at a higher level.

The post Earmark Expo - Keeper: Transforming Client Communication in Accounting appeared first on Keeper.

When Tyler Otto set out to grow his accounting firm, he quickly realized that managing day-to-day operations was a bottleneck in and of itself. Without a clear system for organizing tasks and workflows, his team relied heavily on him to stay on track—a challenge that only grew as his client list expanded. He knew his firm needed structure and efficiency to scale.

As an early customer of Keeper, Tyler could see that this tool had the potential to revolutionize his operations, starting with tracking his clients’ month-end close progress. Keeper’s task management tools provided the structure his team needed to take ownership of their work, freeing him to focus on bigger-picture goals. By viewing tasks across all clients in one place, his team could easily identify snags and ensure no deadlines slipped through the cracks.

One standout item for Tyler’s firm was Keeper’s 1099 management capabilities. Keeper simplified W-9 collection by allowing the team to send vendor requests with a single click, turning what used to be a tedious process into an automated routine. This efficiency not only saved time but also demonstrated added value to clients, showing that Tyler’s firm was proactively taking work off their plates each time they paid a new vendor.

Another key differentiator for Tyler is Keeper’s commitment to its users. Whether through responsive support, active user communities, or transparent product roadmaps, Keeper’s focus on customer collaboration made a significant impact. Tyler also appreciated Keeper’s client-based pricing model, which allowed his firm to scale without the burden of increasing software costs.

We can actually see what [features are] coming up, weigh in, vote on it… it makes it so much easier for us to feel like we have a sense of ownership of the product.

Today, Tyler’s firm has grown into a 17-person team with systems in place that foster efficiency, collaboration, and growth. Keeper played a pivotal role in helping Tyler achieve the structure and scalability he needed to turn the vision for his practice into reality.

Curious to see what Keeper can do for your practice? Book a personalized demo today.

The post Tyler Otto Streamlines Operations and Scales His Firm with Keeper appeared first on Keeper.

Here’s an easy-to-follow lead generation strategy that gives you step-by-step tips on how to build your firm from the ground up.

How to Get Leads for a Bookkeeping Business

Consistently generating quality bookkeeping leads requires a strategic mix of industry research, networking, and marketing to attract new clients.

Ideally, lead generation will involve tapping into existing resources while experimenting with proven marketing techniques to build your client base.

With that said, here are seven bookkeeping lead generation strategies you can follow to drive qualified leads to your accounting firm.

1. Start with People You Know

The first phases of launching a bookkeeping business are often the most difficult. At this point, you have minimal credibility and momentum, and you’re simply looking to get the ball rolling with your marketing and lead generation.

Often the best way to gain initial traction is to leverage your current network of people you know, such as family, friends, and old classmates and colleagues. Because you have built-in rapport, many of these people will be willing to take a chance on you when a stranger may not.

And because many people need help with their finances, you may be surprised at how receptive they will be to any bookkeeping services.

Typically, the best way to go about this is with systematic outreach where you let people you’re still in contact with know that you’ve started an accounting business and that you’d love for them to become your bookkeeping client.

For those who you’ve lost touch with, spend some time reconnecting with them to rebuild some chemistry, and let them know that you’re searching for bookkeeping clients.

If all goes well, this can help you generate your very first accounting leads, with a decent percentage converting.

2. Pick an In-Demand Niche

Being a generalist bookkeeper where you work with clients across a variety of industries increases the size of your potential client pool. However, this makes it harder to stand out, which can make it trickier to generate quality leads and grow your bookkeeping business.

That’s why it often makes more sense to “niche down” with lead generation and place your focus on in-demand bookkeeping niches in the accounting industry. While you won’t likely have the same volume of potential clients, this can be beneficial for four main reasons.

1. There’s less competition
2. It’s easier to market your accounting services to prospects
3. It’s easier to build trust with a business owner
4. You can often earn higher rates because of your expertise

The key is to carefully research different industries and narrow it down to one or two that have high demand and that you’re knowledgeable and passionate about.

According to 2024 research, some of the most profitable industries were:

• Real estate
• Healthcare
• Construction
• E-commerce
• Restaurant and hospitality
• Non-profits

It’s important to perform your own research in this stage of lead generation, but these industries should serve as good starting points.

3. Ask for and Get Referrals

No matter how advanced your marketing efforts are, word-of-mouth referrals continue to be one of the best ways to generate high quality leads.

For perspective, of accounting firms surveyed, 80.9% said referrals were their main source of client leads.

Further, “leads generated from referrals boast a conversion rate 30% higher than those from other marketing avenues.”

This means you’ll want to make it a habit of asking for and getting referrals from your existing clients, as it can be a major contributing factor to the growth of your bookkeeping business.

But what’s the best way to go about getting client referrals?

First, focus on consistently offering excellent client service that goes above meeting expectations. That’s a precursor.

To get your first batch of client referrals, it’s usually best to reach out to your most satisfied clients.

Ask for referrals at strategic times, such as after a client is delighted with your service or after a project has been successfully completed. Timing is critical for 1) getting referrals and 2) ensuring bookkeeping clients speak highly of you.

Also, it’s important to make the referral process as simple as possible. For example, you would want to give clients a straightforward online form with only a handful of questions rather than a long-winded form that takes 10+ minutes to complete.

4. Publish Advice on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

When it comes to accounting marketing channels, social media is one of the most tried and true. Bookkeepers who use social media see an average ROI of 250%, and it’s the perfect place to gain exposure while also building credibility.

In particular, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are some of the best networks for accounting lead generation, as they all have massive user bases and are perfect for professional networking.

While there are several ways to leverage these platforms, publishing free advice directed toward business owners is one of the best techniques because it organically grabs a user’s attention and gets them to engage without being pushy about it.

Some examples could include:

• Strategies for organizing tax receipts
• How to automate repetitive accounting tasks
• A breakdown of different tax deductions

This allows you to provide valuable content to build initial rapport and get your foot in the door with a prospective client.

Once a person is comfortable with you and a base level of trust has been established, you can then point them to the next steps of the lead generation process where they can learn more about your accounting firm and become a potential customer.

From there, they can check out your services and officially hire you as their accountant.

5. Do a Local SEO Campaign

Would you believe that 97% of bookkeeping clients search online to find local accounting firms?

It’s true. Whether a client is looking to hire a remote bookkeeper or find someone in their local area, nearly all begin their research with a search engine.

To ensure your accounting firm gets in front of the largest percentage of users, it’s smart to launch a local SEO campaign for lead generation, which includes the following.

First, begin by claiming and optimizing your Google Business profile.

It’s completely free, and you simply fill out your contact information, add photos, and link to your website. That alone can have a tangible impact on your search engine exposure within Google.

Next, tailor your bookkeeping website specifically for local clients.

Some strategies include incorporating your city and state names into website URLs, headers, and keywords. You may also want to create an “About Us” page that strategically targets local users by explaining where you’re located and highlighting your role within your community.

Also, be sure to create local-centric content on your blog and social platforms to pull in targeted local prospects in your area.

Of course, if you don’t have the time or feel comfortable using local SEO for client acquisition yourself, you can always hire SEO services and use their expertise for generating leads.

6. Run Search Engine Ads

Organic SEO where users find your business by optimizing content for search engines is an excellent way to generate quality leads. The only downside is that it typically takes three to six months to see tangible results, which can slow down your lead generation efforts.

If you’re looking to leverage search engines to generate accounting leads but want dramatically quicker results, running search engine ads is a great option.

For this strategy, you focus on targeted keywords to find your ideal client, concentrating on your niche and city. If, for instance, your main niche was real estate and you were located in Miami, you might run search engine ads for “Real estate bookkeeper in Miami.”

The goal here is to get your ads in front of exclusive leads, where a sizable percentage of prospects who click on your ads go on to convert and become clients.

Note that running search engine ads in the bookkeeping industry comes with a considerable cost of around $3 per click, which is higher than many other industries.

Therefore, it’s important to set a budget and use caution as you go through the learning curve. But once you get a feel for which ads are working and resulting in a solid ROI, you can steadily increase your budget to capture more accounting leads and optimize your sales funnel.

7. Launch an Email Marketing Campaign

When it comes to ROI, email marketing is hard to beat. Results vary, but on average, a lead generation company earns a staggering $36 for every $1 spent on email marketing.

The process is simple. Offer your audience incentives for signing up for your newsletter. Some ideas include free guides, checklists, and eBooks.

Once someone has subscribed and become a new lead, start by sending them a welcome email to introduce yourself and the specific bookkeeping services you offer.

Then, send a steady drip of email content with valuable insights, such as accounting tips, resources, case studies, and success stories.

Keep nurturing your list, gradually building trustworthiness until a lead is ready to become a client. Also, be sure to include well-placed calls-to-action so subscribers know exactly what action they should take (e.g. contacting you for a free consultation).

Get Keeper to Grow Your Bookkeeping Business

A big part of making your bookkeeping business reach its peak potential is using the right tools to streamline and automate. One particular platform that can help in nearly all aspects is a bookkeeping practice management software like Keeper.

Keeper integrates with both QuickBooks Online and Xero and helps you achieve seamless communication with clients and team members, automates file review, efficiently gathers W-9s and 1099s, produces in-depth financial reports, and much more.

Get a full overview of Keeper’s robust capabilities here.

The post The Blueprint for Attracting and Converting Bookkeeping Leads appeared first on Keeper.

The thing is, if you want to stand out as a professional bookkeeper, then your credentials need to be in tip-top shape. And, a certification can help with that.

Here’s the lowdown on the subject, including the best bookkeeping certificate programs worth pursuing.

Do You Need a Bookkeeping Certificate?

The quick answer is “no.” You don’t actually need a bookkeeping certificate to be successful. And, you’re not legally required to have one, either.

That’s not to say that becoming a certified bookkeeper isn’t worth it, though.

Having a bookkeeping certification will definitely boost your prospects and give you a competitive edge. Especially if you’re just starting out and want a way to jumpstart your career.

If you’re applying for a job and you’re up against bookkeepers with similar experience, employers will likely pick the one who has the best credentials. So, if you have a certification, it’s going to help you stand out.

This is especially true if you want to work within certain industry niches.

For instance, the healthcare industry has complex billing systems and compliance regulations. Having a certification shows you know how to handle sensitive data properly.

In all, we recommend looking at the industries you want to work in and researching how valuable a certificate will be in helping you land your perfect bookkeeping job.

Even an experienced bookkeeper who has racked up a few years in the industry can benefit from a bookkeeping certification (though it matters less if they don’t have one).

Common Bookkeeping Certifications

Two professional bodies provide what are considered the best online bookkeeping certificate programs.

First is the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

This bookkeeping certificate program (each with a certification exam) is split into five parts:

1. Accounting Fundamentals
2. Bookkeeping Certification
3. QuickBooks Online Fundamentals
4. Payroll Fundamentals

Once you have completed the above courses and have at least a year’s worth of bookkeeping experience, you can then go for the Certified Public Bookkeeper License – The leading license in the US.

The total cost is $1,400 with a 28% discount given to NACPB members.

Second is the Certified Bookkeeper Designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

However, this certification program is for those who already have plenty of bookkeeping experience – it is not for beginners.

To become an AIPB-certified bookkeeper, one needs to have been working as one for at least two years or amassed 3,000 hours working part-time or as a freelancer.

The 99-hour self-study course costs $1,495 for all the materials.

Other affordable options include:

• The Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate gives you bookkeeping basics. This online bookkeeping course costs $39/month and takes about four months to complete.
• For basic and advanced knowledge, the US Career Institute Bookkeeping Certification takes four months. It costs $589 and you get access to a career coach advisor.

Bookkeeping Certification Pros

Demonstrates You Have the Right Skills

Skilled bookkeeping clerks will always be in higher demand.

Newbie bookkeepers who don’t have years of experience can use a bookkeeping certification to prove they’ve put the effort in and taken the time to learn bookkeeping skills and accounting concepts.

If you’re experienced, then a bookkeeping certification serves as a way to enhance your credibility and willingness to stay on top of industry changes.

Essentially, if you can hit the ground running in a new role, then that’s going to work massively in your favor. Employers would prefer not to spend time and money training you and getting you up to speed.

Stand Out in a Crowded Market

It’s estimated that there are over 1.7 million bookkeepers in the US. So, you have a lot of competition!

You need to prove your value and your commitment to the role, and gaining a bookkeeping certification will help you do this.

Additionally, you can use the certification to expand your capabilities, such as offering payroll, tax preparation services, or fraud prevention.

Even an accounting administrative assistant or auditing clerk can increase their employability prospects with a bookkeeping certification.

In short, getting certified will help you stand out above the rest and catch the eye of potential employers.

Higher Earning Potential

According to Indeed, the average bookkeeper rate is $22.60. However, with experience, this can go as high as $31.65.

Payscale states that the average salary for a certified bookkeeper is $59,000/year which is a jump from the median rate of $52,652 as stated by salary.com.

While your bookkeeping career may start at the lower end of the pay scale, you can quickly raise it with a bookkeeping certification.

Holding a bookkeeping certificate gives you more leverage when negotiating your rate because it demonstrates you have advanced knowledge on the subject.

Bookkeeping Certification Cons

Upfront Cost and Time

Let’s be real here. Getting a professional certification isn’t a quick win.

You need to be prepared to put in the time and effort, which can be challenging to fit around a busy life.

For example, the NACPB Accounting Fundamentals certification will take you 13 weeks – and that’s just one of its five certifications. Then there’s the continuing education aspect of it, which takes up even more time.

The cost can create a barrier, too. NACPB and AIPB are well over $1,000 each.

True, it’s not as expensive as enrolling in your local university, but if you’re earning an entry-level bookkeeping salary, this may not be an immediately affordable option.

It’s Not Always Necessary or Recognized

As noted, many industries don’t require you to have a bookkeeping certification and prefer you to demonstrate a strong portfolio and practical experience.

Before you go down the bookkeeping certification route, perform plenty of research to determine whether it’s really going to be worth your time and money.

Check out the various bookkeeper job openings to see if they insist on a certificate or if they emphasize other skills or industry experience instead.

Often, familiarity with specific software (such as QuickBooks) is prioritized over a certification, so this may be where you need to concentrate your efforts.

Ongoing Maintenance and Renewal

Gaining a NACPB or AIPB bookkeeping certification is not a one-and-done thing.

You have to continuously maintain your certification and ensure your professional development remains up-to-date with industry changes.

• The NACPB bookkeeping license must be renewed annually. Renewal requires at least 24 continuing professional education (CPE) credits and a fee of $25.
• AIPB requires renewal every three years. You need to provide 60 CPE credits and pay a $3 fee to register each of them ($180 total).

This doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can feel like a burden when you’re balancing work and personal commitments.

Bookkeeper Skills Needed

If you decide that a bookkeeping certification is not the right path for you, what bookkeeping skills are you going to need to highlight on your resume?

Besides possessing a basic knowledge of accounting principles and tax regulations, you’ll need to know how to perform:

• Accounting concepts (double-entry bookkeeping, general ledger management, financial statement preparation, etc.)
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Bank, credit card, and financial transaction reconciliation
• Vendor tracking and 1099 management
• Financial report creation
• Accurate data entry with close attention to detail
• Payroll accounting and management

You’re going to need several soft skills, too. Employers will want to see that you can:

• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and vendors
• Organize financial records and workloads efficiently
• Successfully troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Display excellent time management skills

You also need to be adaptable and a problem-solver. When challenges arise, organizations want someone who actively looks for solutions, not a person who dwells on the issue.

But above all, employers need to know that they can trust you with their sensitive financial data. Therefore, your ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity at all times is key.

Common Bookkeeping Tools

A huge bookkeeping skill to learn is how to navigate the various accounting platforms.

Believe us, there are a lot of them out there, but fortunately, some are more popular than others.

We recommend learning:

• QuickBooks Online: This should be the first place you start since it’s the most used financial accounting platform out there. It’s worth getting certified to use the software – courses are free if you sign up for the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program.
• Xero: Another widely-used bookkeeping and accounting platform. It also offers free certifications for its software.
• Other platforms include FreshBooks, Wave, ZohoBooks, and Sage 50cloud.

Let’s not forget good old Microsoft Excel, either. This tool is commonly used alongside accounting platforms for advanced data manipulation and analysis.

Believe it or not, some organizations still solely rely on Excel for bookkeeping.

You should also learn how to use bookkeeping practice management software. Platforms like Keeper will enable you to better manage client communication and streamline your workflows (making you super efficient!).

Other tools you are likely to find yourself using include:

• Project management platforms like Trello and Asana
• Communication software such as Slack or Zoom
• You may also rely on customer relationship management (CRM) platforms like HubSpot or Zoho CRM

Get Keeper to Help Run Your Bookkeeping Business

If you’re just getting started, a successful bookkeeper launch begins with the right tools.

This is where Keeper, the bookkeeping software for bookkeeping business owners, steps in.

Keeper’s features are designed to help you close the books in half the time. How? Find out by booking a free demo.

The post Is a Bookkeeping Certificate Worth It? appeared first on Keeper.

It just boils down to choosing the right niche market with enough demand to match your unique skill set.

Factors for Picking a Good Bookkeeping Niche

First, an accounting niche should have enough demand to warrant outsourcing bookkeeping services. This is a necessary precursor to anything else.

You should be confident that there will be a genuine need among prospective clients to justify concentrating on a particular niche.

Next, the niche should be big enough that you can find a reasonable number of clients.

By default, you won’t have access to as many clients as you would if you were running a generalist bookkeeping business. But your market research should indicate a sizable number of clients to ensure it’s profitable.

Third, choose a bookkeeping niche that caters to your specific skills and background. For example, if you used to work in real estate and have a passion for it, that would likely be a good choice for your accounting practice.

Note that many Keeper customers mainly focus on the following niches:

• eCommerce
• Nonprofits
• Real estate
• Dental/orthodontics

While focusing on a specific industry that matches this criteria won’t necessarily guarantee success, it can be a lucrative niche for many bookkeepers.

With that said, here are our 21 top accounting niches.

1. Construction

The construction industry has a reputation for having strict, complicated accounting requirements. Companies need to understand things like subcontractor management, job costing, and capital gains tax, which is why many prefer to outsource.

That, combined with high demand and the need for specialized knowledge, sets the stage for higher accounting fees than many other industries. If you have the expertise, you can command top dollar for serving this specific niche in your bookkeeping business.

2. Real Estate Brokerages and Agents

As we mentioned before, real estate is one of the more popular niches that Keeper customers specialize in.

Like construction, there’s plenty of demand for professional accounting services for real estate brokerages and agents. And in many high-growth markets, demand is continually increasing.

Real estate also requires a high level of accounting expertise that many brokerages and agents lack, which means many feel more comfortable outsourcing to a niche accounting firm.

3. Real Estate Title Companies

This is one of the more complex and involved bookkeeping clients, where you need to have an understanding of things like property transfers and escrow accounts.

But if you’ve got the knowledge, real estate title companies can be one of the more profitable clients for a bookkeeper.

4. Fix and Flip Real Estate Investors

These clients have a different set of accounting needs than traditional real estate inventors. As a result, many require a highly specialized bookkeeping service.

As long as you partner with high-value investors who are bringing in large amounts of income from their flips, this can be an ideal client.

5. Restaurants

The restaurant industry is one of the biggest, with total sales exceeding $1 trillion in 2023.

From small mom-and-pops to large-scale chains, restaurants of all sizes need reliable, accurate bookkeeping, as it’s an integral part of effective business management.

Because of the extensive bookkeeping services list, this industry requires areas like food cost analysis and tips reporting, many restaurant owners prefer to outsource, which means there’s plenty of demand.

And with a high transaction volume, many accounting professionals stand to earn big profits from this chosen niche.

6. Janitorial Services

Compared to most of the other industries on this list, janitorial services is fairly straightforward with its accounting requirements.

That said, many of these clients lack the in-house expertise to handle accounting and would rather outsource it to a professional bookkeeper. This is especially true for a smaller business owner with a heavy workload.

Considering how ubiquitous this profession is, there’s a good chance you can produce a steady income from it.

7. Landscaping

While you should be aware that landscaping often has seasonal fluctuations because of the varying workload, it’s still a stable niche overall, with high demand throughout most of the country.

While larger companies often have an in-house bookkeeping team, many small businesses can benefit from the expertise of a bookkeeping firm.

8. eCommerce

The size of the eCommerce industry is staggering and had a value of $25.93 trillion in 2023. And with a CAGR of 18.9% from 2024 to 2030, it’s not slowing down.

With tax complexities common in eCommerce and a high demand for skilled bookkeepers, this type of niche client should be on the radar of many accountants.

9. Law Firms

This mainly applies to smaller law firms that lack an in-house accounting team.

Because of the large scale of this industry and the inherently complex nature of law firm reporting, it has high demand and often commands large profits. 1099 preparation is extremely important for law firms because they have so many vendors, and it can usually become important in litigation and their corresponding settlement talks.

10. Medical Doctors and Small Clinics

This also applies primarily to small-scale doctors and clinics, as opposed to large hospitals.

Financial reporting can be complex and requires a high level of accuracy. With medical doctors and small clinics in nearly every corner of the country, bookkeeping in this specific industry can yield high profits and plenty of business.

11. Optometrists

Insurance and Medicare don’t cover most of these services, so optometrists must run a smarter business than most medical practitioners.

This means that many seek the services of a professional bookkeeping business to handle their accounting software and manage their financial records.

Whether virtual bookkeeping or physical bookkeeping, the complexity involved with a potential client in this niche makes it potentially lucrative.

12. Dentists

Dentists are located in every nook and cranny of the country, generate consistent revenue, and most have a steady customer base. That, combined with the expertise it requires for dental-specific medical coding, means a bookkeeper can often charge a significant rate.

13. Veterinarians

The pet industry is a big one. It was valued at $320 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to around $500 billion by 2030.

When you consider the difficulties of managing accounting, especially for small veterinary offices, it’s easy to see why many turn to a bookkeeping service.

14. Software/SaaS

This industry has experienced monumental growth in recent years. In 2024, it was valued at $317 billion and has future projections of reaching over $1.2 trillion by 2032.

With this growth comes plenty of opportunities for specialization in software/SaaS. Because these companies often face challenges like reporting for subscriptions and customer churn and need robust accounting, it can be a profitable niche.

15. IT Companies

Like other areas of tech, the IT industry is experiencing rapid growth. And because of unique accounting needs like software development and managing remote employees, many seek the services of accounting firms.

While this can be a competitive field, there’s plenty of potential if you have strong expertise.

16. Engineering Firms

When it comes to revenue potential, engineering firms can be extremely high-value clients. Accountants have to navigate difficult revenue reporting rules and have a clear understanding of industry nuances.

If you have the skillset, you can bypass many competitors and partner with steady clients.

17. Marketing Agencies

Marketing agencies can have multiple forms of revenue, such as project-based deals, retainers, and bonuses. Because most are so focused on business growth, customer service, and landing new clients, they’re often quick to partner with an accounting firm to ensure accurate reporting.

18. HVAC Companies

These companies have a lot of moving parts, including service contracts, inventory, and employee payroll. Because of the inherent complexity, many prefer to outsource bookkeeping to a professional.

If you’re an accountant with plenty of expertise in this niche, you should be a frontrunner for winning their business.

19. Plumbers

The vast majority of small business plumbers lack a dedicated in-house accounting staff. This, combined with intricate reporting practices on service contracts, inventory, labor, and more, makes them a prime candidate for professional bookkeeping services.

And because plumbers are located in nearly every city and town, there should be no lack of potential customers.

20. Nonprofits and Churches

First, note that many nonprofits have sizable assets and incomes, so this isn’t pro bono work.

Offering bookkeeping services in this niche requires specialized knowledge. If you possess the right skill set, it should be fairly easy to win over these types of clients.

Not to mention, your work can have a meaningful impact.

22. Trucking Companies

This last niche idea applies specifically to trucking companies, not individual truckers.

Accounting can be incredibly complicated and requires reporting things like hours of service, truck maintenance, and fuel tax, making it something many companies would rather outsource.

Streamline Operations with Keeper

Regardless of the specialized niche you choose, it’s important to use the right bookkeeping practice management software to streamline operations and improve client service. One of the best platforms that assists in nearly every area of bookkeeping is Keeper.

It can be used to facilitate seamless communication with clients, perform comprehensive task management, automate file review, produce professional financial reports, and much more.

Keeper is also the first tool that integrates directly with QuickBooks Online and Xero to close the books in as little as half the time. Book your demo today.

The post Finding Your Perfect Fit: 21 Bookkeeping Niches for Bigger Profits appeared first on Keeper.

But to make things simple, we chose the seven best online bookkeeping certificate programs based on curriculum, time commitment, price, and overall certification impact.

If you’re interested in becoming a certified bookkeeper and need direction, read on.

Top-Rated Online Bookkeeping Certificate Programs

• 1. NACPB Bookkeeper Certification
• 2. Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate
• 3. ACCA: Introduction to Bookkeeping
• 4. University of Virginia - Financial Accounting Fundamentals
• 5. Penn Foster Career School - Bookkeeping Training Program
• 6. AIPB Certification Program
• 7. Universal Accounting School - Professional Bookkeeper Program

Best Online Bookkeeping Certificate Programs Compared

1. NACPB Bookkeeper Certification

The National Association of Certified Bookkeepers (NACPB) is a widely recognized and highly respected organization in the US.

Enrolling in a bookkeeping course and getting certified by the NACPB is an excellent way to build your bookkeeping skills and become more reputable in clients' eyes.

This bookkeeping certification program offers a robust curriculum, covering all the essential topics needed to launch your career as a public bookkeeper or enhance your continuing education.

We like that the NACPB is currently offering a bookkeeping certification bundle deal in that by taking the bookkeeping classes and completing the Bookkeeping Certification exam, you can save 26%.

And you can even take a free practice test with no commitment to see if it’s the right bookkeeping course for you.

As for drawbacks, the time commitment of 13 weeks is longer than some other courses, and the pricing ($369 for members and $449 for nonmembers) is higher than some other options.

Also, to maintain your bookkeeping certification, you’re required to complete continuing education courses.

While this is helpful for staying on top of industry trends and improving your bookkeeping knowledge, this admittedly, can be a turn-off for some experienced bookkeepers, as it can result in further costs and time commitment.

Learn more about NACPB Bookkeeper Certification and request more information.

2. Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate

This bookkeeping certificate program, completed through Coursera, is perfect for beginners looking to learn the ropes of computerized accounting.

If you’re just starting out and want to build foundational knowledge to springboard your career, a Bookkeeping Professional Certificate can be a great choice.

The time commitment of two months is relatively low, and the cost of $160 makes it more affordable than many related programs.

And because of the weight that Intuit’s name carries, completing this bookkeeping certification should improve your reputation and help you stand out among the competition.

This, along with using the right bookkeeping practice management software, can be instrumental in acquiring new clients and growing your business.

The main downside is that this course isn’t as comprehensive as some other certificate programs, and it only focuses on QuickBooks (as compared to other accounting software like Xero).

If you’re wondering why, it’s because Intuit was developed by QuickBooks. So it only makes sense that they would strictly want to feature their own software and offer a QuickBook certified user exam.

Also, it should be mentioned that there is no continuing education available with this certificate. While this won’t be an issue for some people, it does limit your ability to keep expanding your accounting knowledge and stay up-to-date on industry trends moving forward.

Learn more and enroll here.

3. ACCA: Introduction to Bookkeeping

Taken through the digital education platform edX, this online bookkeeping certification program from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) teaches everything you need to know about fundamental accounting concepts.

Unlike any other programs on this list, the course itself is completely free (you just have to pay $99 to get a certificate).

Like enrolling in a similar budget-focused online bookkeeping course like Mt San Antonio College, this is perfect if you only need to learn bookkeeping basics and don’t want to spend a lot in the process.

In terms of course completion, it’s self-paced. If you devote just five to eight hours a week to it, you should be able to finish it in around six weeks, which is much shorter than many comparable courses.

We also like that the ACCA is globally recognized, which means receiving certification can help you stand out from the pack.

As for downsides, ACCA: Introduction to Bookkeeping isn’t quite as comprehensive as some other certificate programs, as it’s more on the 101 level. But it should still be sufficient for many bookkeepers who are looking to launch a business or advance their careers.

Get the full details and request information here.

4. University of Virginia - Financial Accounting Fundamentals

This is another bookkeeping certification course offered through Coursera — one of today’s leading online learning providers.

One of the biggest benefits is that it’s from The University of Virginia, which means you’re getting a university-level education. It offers five different modules that cover most of the essentials of running an accounting practice.

Here are the details:

Module 1 - Intro to Finance Accounting, the Financial Statements, and the Balance Sheet
Module 2 - Intro to Recording Transactions
Module 3 - The Income Statement, Revenue and Expense Transactions, and Adjusting Entries
Module 4 - The Statement of Cash Flow and Financial Statement Preparation
Module 5 - More Transactions, Auditing Clerk Analysis of Financial Statements, and an Annual Report

While this bookkeeping certification isn’t as in-depth as some other programs, it’s more than adequate for learning accounting basics. And getting a bookkeeping certificate from The University of Virginia can greatly increase your credibility.

With only around 13 hours to complete this bookkeeping course, it’s a minimal time commitment. Not to mention that only having a cost of around $80 is far less than many alternatives.

The only downside is that it’s not as comprehensive as some other certificate programs, and additional certifications may be necessary to get firmly established as a bookkeeper.

Get the full details on course objectives and enroll here.

5. Penn Foster Career School - Bookkeeping Training Program

One of the main things accounting students like about the Penn Foster Bookkeeping Training Program is its flexibility. It’s designed in a way that you can learn the essentials while going at your own pace.

This program covers a wide range of topics, allowing you to gain a fundamental grasp of accounting so you’re fully prepared once you enter the industry.

Penn Foster has a reputation for employing highly experienced instructors. This means you have access to comprehensive online learning with educators who can guide you from start to finish, along with a career center and excellent student services.

Another perk is that after enrolling Penn Foster gives you a free one-year subscription to QuickBooks, which is a nice plus. If you’re already using bookkeeping software for accountants like Keeper, you can easily sync up QuickBooks Live to significantly up your efficiency.

As for pricing, $789 is on the more expensive end of the spectrum. It’s not as high as some other online bookkeeping certification programs like AIPB and the Universal Accounting School, but it’s still a considerable investment.

In terms of time commitment, Penn Foster states that students can finish this course in as little as six months, depending on how much time they devote to it. However, it can take as long as one year if you’re only able to move at a slow pace.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a course that can be completed quickly, this probably isn’t the best choice. But if you’ve got the time, it’s definitely an option to consider.

Find out more about the Penn Foster Career School - Bookkeeping Training Program.

6. AIPB Certification Program

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers is one of the most well-respected organizations in the country. So becoming an AIPB certified bookkeeper is a great way to prove your professionalism and dedication to potential clients.

This certification program offers an incredibly rich curriculum, covering critical areas like accounting foundations, financial statements, payroll processing, and much more to develop strong bookkeepers.

If your goal is to build a solid foundation in the bookkeeping field and have a firm grasp of the essential areas needed to start and grow your business, this program is hard to beat.

The AIPB even offers quantifiable numbers on how big of an impact the program can have, with 37% of bookkeepers saying it helped them earn new clients and 48% reporting that it allowed them to raise their rates.

If you’re using bookkeeping workflow software, this combined impact can be immense and help dramatically expedite the growth of your accounting firm.

As for the cons, the biggest is the cost. At $1,495, this makes it one of the more expensive bookkeeping certificates on this list and may be more than some people are willing to spend. Also, the three to four-month time commitment can be a bit arduous as well.

But if you’re looking to reach your peak potential and are willing to put in the time and money, this bookkeeping certificate can pay dividends in the long run.

You can find out more about the AIPB Certification Program and what it has to offer here.

7. Universal Accounting School - Professional Bookkeeper Program

One of the biggest pros of these online bookkeeping courses is the curriculum depth. It’s one of the more comprehensive curriculums on this list and you can go from knowing virtually nothing about bookkeeping to operating your own successful business.

The other main benefit is the hands-on education you receive.

“You will actually do books for 11 different small businesses from different industries as you go through the course and learn the unique aspects of accounting for each — things people usually only learn by actually working for those particular businesses,” the school writes.

If you want to dive in head first and go beyond theoretical to real-world application of accounting techniques in a field like home office management experts, this program is highly recommended.

Once completed, you officially earn the title “Certified Bookkeeper,” which can go a long way in advancing your career and helping you win over more clients.

As for the cons, pricing will certainly be an issue for many people. At $3,091, this is the most expensive professional bookkeeping program on our list. Therefore, you’ll need to be willing to make a sizable investment into your education before enrolling in this career institute.

And while 60 hours isn’t as big of a time commitment as some other courses, it’s still significant, which should also be taken into consideration.

Here’s more Universal Accounting School program information.

Accelerating Your Bookkeeping Career

Is a bookkeeping certificate worth it?

Absolutely! Research indicates that becoming a certified public bookkeeper can help you earn more money and land more clients.

It’s just a matter of choosing the right program that matches your needs, budget, and availability.

By comparing the pros and cons of each program on this list, you should be able to pinpoint which is the best fit for your career path so you can build and expand your bookkeeping practice.

The post Best Online Bookkeeping Certificate Programs appeared first on Keeper.

Here are the top bookkeeping and accounting conferences to mark on your calendar for 2025. And be sure to stop by the Keeper booth and say hello, because we’ll be at many of these this year!

1. Digital Accountancy Show By Xero

Date: April 1st - 2nd

Location: Battersea Park in London

With over 200 speakers and 150 exhibitors across eight stages, Xero’s Digital Accountancy Show promises to be one of the biggest and best bookkeeping conferences of the year.

During this two-day event, there will be educational talks from today’s top digital CPA experts, updates on the latest accounting technology trends, how-to sessions, demo sessions, and much more.

This event features eight stages, with each concentrating on different areas of improving your accounting practice.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with a wide variety of other accounting professionals from all over the world.

If you’re committed to expanding your accounting education and want educational insights from some of the world’s brightest minds, this is a can’t-miss event.

2. GrowCon 2025

Date: May 5 - 7

Location: Provo, UT

GrowCon 2025 bills itself as “the conference exclusively for owners of bookkeeping, tax, and accounting companies.”

During this three-day event, each attendee gains access to insightful presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities to accelerate business growth and strategically scale to become a successful bookkeeper.

Besides teaching accounting professionals the ins and outs of the industry, one of the main highlights of this conference is providing a valuable network so they can form partnerships and collaborate with others who have found success.

The GrowCon2025 annual meeting will also feature the latest accounting tools and technologies to help you build your perfect tech stack and will offer advice on how to grow your business organically using a proven methodology.

3. AccountingWEB Live Summit 2025

Date: May 6 - 10

Location: San Diego, CA

The Accounting WEB Live Summit will be loaded with plenty of activities to gain valuable insights and fuel professional growth.

This four-day event will feature some of today’s top accounting professionals, finance professionals, and software innovators.

Like previous events in years past, you can expect a heavy emphasis on technology at this annual meeting, such as accounting data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud-based systems, and AI.

If one of your main focuses as a business owner is utilizing technology to increase the operational efficiency of your accounting practice, you can gain a ton of practical advice from this conference.

AI, in particular, will be widely discussed. So if you’ve been wanting to see its numerous applications in the accounting industry and how to practically implement it into your operations, this is a live summit you’ll want to be part of.

There will also be numerous workshops with hands-on activities and extensive networking opportunities.

4. Accountex London 2025

Date: May 14 - 15

Location: ExCel London

This is the other London event on this list and will be taking place a month and a half after Xero’s Digital Accountancy Conference. Accountex London 2025 will be a large-scale affair, featuring over 300 exhibitors and 160 seminars, across 12 theatres.

And with an expected turnout of over 11,000 attendees, there will be networking opportunities abound.

Some of the focal points of this accounting business expo will be 180+ CPD-accredited seminars led by some of today’s top experts. It’s free to visit, and you can get up to 16 CPD points by simply showing up.

There will be a lot going on. But one of the highlights is the software that will be showcased.

Here, you’ll also have the chance to try out over 300 bookkeeping and accounting software solutions, with live demos from company reps.

This will provide a great opportunity to try before you buy, and you can ask reps live questions for instant feedback to find the perfect software to run your accounting firm more efficiently.

If you’re committed to using technology to get your firm firing on all cylinders and want to rub elbows with some of the most innovative tech companies, Accountex is a must.

5. World Conference on Financial Accounting

Date: June 2 - 3

Location: Zurich, Switzerland and Online

The World Conference on Financial Accounting in the summer of 2025 will be a hybrid event, taking place in Zurich, Switzerland, and virtually. So if you can’t make the physical count conference, you can still get all the great sessions online.

This accounting conference runs the gamut with its subject matter, and you can expect “meaningful discussions focusing on solutions, future scope, and ongoing trends to acquire knowledge, learn, and improve.”

Speakers and academicians will be presenting original research and creative ideas surrounding the current state and future of accounting. And there will be endless opportunities to engage and ask questions to fully extract their insight.

Attending in person is ideal, as there will be numerous chances to form connections with speakers and fellow participants. But much can still be gained by joining the event virtually through the digital CPA conference.

6. AICPA and CIMA Engage 2025 - June 9 - 12

Date: June 9 - 12

Location: Las Vegas, NV and Live Online

Like the World Conference on Financial Accounting, AICPA and CIMA Engage 2025 will be a hybrid event, where attendees can participate in-person or online.

If you have the chance, it’s highly recommended to attend in person because it’s one of the accounting industry’s biggest annual events and allows you to earn CPE credit from The National Registry of CPE sponsors.

But if you can’t make it, you can still get the experience online.

There’s a ton of buzz around AICPA Engage, with many bookkeepers and accountants considering it to be a must attend accounting conference.

In their own words, “No other event comes close to the breadth and depth of our programming. With nine overlapping tracks seasoned experts curate, you can discover exciting new facets of your field and explore new ones.”

Here are the specific conference details that will be covered.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the full spectrum of accounting and gain detailed insights to help your business thrive, this is an excellent event to attend.

7. ACS Financial Accounting and Reporting Update 2025

Date: June 11 - 12

Location: Virtual

Unlike every other count conference on this list that will be held at a physical location, the ACS Financial Accounting and Reporting Update 2025 will be entirely virtual.

While there won’t be the same level of networking opportunities for finance professionals, the event will still be loaded with insightful information that can help a bookkeeper in several key areas.

A big part of the first day’s agenda is examining recent updates that impact how an accounting professional runs their business, with key points being the recent financial accounting update, cybersecurity update, and tax update.

Speakers will be discussing the new role generative AI plays in accounting and will show practical use cases so finance professionals will know how to leverage this technology properly.

There will also be an in-depth discussion on financial accounting fraud, along with practical advice on how to reduce the chances of it happening.

8. Scaling New Heights

Date: June 22 - 25

Location: Orlando, FL

With a primary focus on accounting technology, the four-day Scaling New Heights events will be jam-packed with everything you need to know to implement tech into your accounting practice.

Some key areas that will be covered include:

• AI
• Automation technology
• Mobile tools
• Collaboration platforms

If you’re looking to transform your firm with professional technology and provide your clients with the best possible experience, this is an event to have on your list.

There will also be comprehensive bookkeeper business coaching and seminars from numerous industry experts, with one of the top being keynote speaker David Allen, who’s partnered with multiple Fortune 500 companies.

9. NATP Taxposium

Date: July 21 - 23

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Here’s another accounting conference that will be held in person and online.

Most of today’s important topics will be covered at the NATP Taxposium, including up-to-date tax laws to maintain compliance, practice management to keep your firm running efficiently, strategies for enhancing client service, and techniques for resolving common tax issues.

At the time of this writing, this conference has yet to still mention any specific speakers, but you can expect insights from a wide range of industry experts and robust networking opportunities if you attend the physical event in Las Vegas.

10. Xerocon Brisbane 2025

Date: September 3 - 4

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Xero Brisbane 2025 is another accounting conference held by Xero and is poised to be a fantastic follow-up to the sold-out Xerocon Sydney in 2023.

The event is “a unique opportunity to celebrate Xero’s collective achievements, connect, and explore the latest innovations on the platform.”

During the event, you can expect in-depth discussions from world-class speakers, insights on the most innovative bookkeeping technology, and potentially career-changing networking opportunities.

If you’re a die-hard Xero user and want to learn how to get the most from the platform and improve your bookkeeping business, this is the event for you.

11. Accounting Summit Dusseldorf

Date: September 3 - 4

Location: Dusseldorf, Germany

This is another of the international accounting conferences that should be on your radar. The Accounting Summit Dusseldorf primarily revolves around discussions on digital transformation and how to leverage advancing technology to become an industry leader.

Two particular forms of technology that speakers will discuss are AI and robotic process automation, and how they can be used to make nearly every aspect of accounting more productive and efficient.

There will also be talks on cybersecurity, sustainability, future tech trends, and related posts.

Besides that, there will be hands-on consulting services for a smoother shift to digital transformation and a range of exhibition booths for a highly interactive experience.

And to top it all off, this event will feature the Accounting Summit Dusseldorf Start-Up Awards, which celebrates the achievement of some of the newest, most innovative companies in the field.

12. CPB Canada IGNITE 2025

Date: September 9 - 25

Location: Calgary, Alberta

If the 2025 conference that’s set to take place in Calgary is anything like the 2024 Winnipeg Conference, attendees are in store for an enriching experience that can help fine-tune their skills and keep them up-to-date on accounting industry trends.

At CPB Canada IGNITE 2025, there will be talks on tech advancements, with a heavy focus on AI, automation, and cybersecurity. Experts will discuss changes in legislation and regulations that will impact accounting firms moving forward.

There will also be a variety of workshops and seminars for hands-on training around topics like client communication and building a more efficient practice.

Beyond that, attendees can expect exhibitions, showcasing cutting-edge accounting products, with networking opportunities abound.

13. REFRAME 2025

Date: October 16 - 19

Location: Hollywood, FL

“Influential conversations for accountants” is the tagline for REFRAME 2025. This four-day event is centered on the transformative power of language to crystalize your company’s identity, build a stronger business structure, and create a tighter, more collaborative culture.

There will be a lot of similarities between the Women Who Count Conferences of recent years and this conference. For instance, like the Women Who Count Conferences, this event focuses heavily on communication.

One of the main discussions will be the “Exactly What to Say” Methodology by keynote speaker and thought leader Carlos Garcia.

During this talk, he’ll educate accounting professionals on how to use persuasive language to better communicate with key stakeholders and provide optimal client service.

Also like the Women Who Count Conferences, there will be a lot of attention placed on adaptability, where leaders can learn how to adopt new perspectives, technologies, and strategies to not only meet client expectations but blow them out of the water.

In an ever-changing accounting profession, this is vital for continually providing value and standing out from the competition.

14. Thriveal Deeper Weekend

Date: October 22 - 24

Location: Greenville, SC

Held in the heart of the south, the three-day Thriveal Deeper Weekend event will consist of accounting firm owners who are passionate about being their best and making the improvements to stand out in their industry.

Armed with research and education, speakers will deliver discussions on how to help leaders reach their peak potential while maximizing productivity and profitability.

There will also be a lot of talks on how to intelligently scale a firm without growing so fast that it compromises the client experience.

If one of your main goals in 2025 is to build a team of dedicated accounting professionals and connect with like-minded individuals, this is a highly recommended conference.

15. Intuit Connect 2025

Date: Late October

Location: Las Vegas, NV

As of the time of this writing, the exact date of Intuit Connect 2025 hasn’t been announced. But based on previous conferences, it’s expected to be held in late October.

If you’re a passionate QuickBooks user, you’ll definitely be interested in this event, as it’s the place to learn all about new product updates, features, and innovations. By staying up-to-date on QuickBooks and other Intuit products, this puts your accounting practice in a position to thrive and stay ahead of the competition.

While there’s no concrete outline of the specific events that will happen at the 2025 conference, you can expect:

• Product announcements
• Product exhibitions
• Intuit expert-led discussions
• Educational workshops

And, of course, there will be abundant networking opportunities to connect with others in your field.

16. DCPA25

Date: December 7 - 11

Location: Washington DC

In 2024, the AAA Annual Meeting took place in America’s capital. In 2025, this final count conference will be held there as well. It’s specifically for any certified public accountant who wants to stay at the forefront of the accounting field in the digital age.

Like many other events on this list, there’s a big emphasis on technology and how to strategically use it to make operations more efficient while simultaneously elevating the client experience.

Some specific topics of discussion at DCPA25 will be cybersecurity, accounting analytics, AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology.

There will also be the chance to check out exhibits from top technology companies and plenty of opportunities to network with digital CPA leaders.

Use Keeper for a Faster Month-End Close

As we’ve mentioned throughout this annual meeting list, incorporating the right technology is key to helping financial professionals operate at their best. One type of tech that can provide immense value is bookkeeping practice management software like Keeper.

Keeper integrates with both QuickBooks Online and Xero and offers an extensive bookkeeping services list, including client/team communication, task management, W9s/1099s, receipt management, and custom reporting.

By leveraging powerful automation and robust features, this platform can result in a dramatically faster month-end close, with many accountants closing the books in half the time.

Learn more and book a demo today.

The post Accounting and Bookkeeping Conferences in 2025 appeared first on Keeper.

It’s a great idea – bookkeepers are in hot demand!

After checking out tons of bookkeeper jobs, we’ve uncovered the top 9 skills that employers most want to see on your resume.

1. Quickbooks Online Proficiency

Quickbooks is the most widely used accounting and bookkeeping software in the US. The company dominates with a market share of over 80% across its products. Therefore, knowing the platform is one of the most essential bookkeeping skills you can possess.

Check out current bookkeeping job postings. You’ll find that most of them want professional bookkeepers who know and can use QuickBooks Online.

Why do organizations love this accounting software so much?

Well, it’s because:

• The platform offers a complete range of bookkeeping and accounting features (really, there’s a lot!)
• It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes
• The features are scalable in line with business growth

QuickBooks is also well-known for its automation capabilities, making data capture and processing seamless. So, as part of your proficiency in this area, you should be able to demonstrate your skill in optimizing accounting workflows.

In all, for a budding bookkeeping career, QuickBooks is 100% one of the best places to start.

Tip: It’s worth getting certified in QuickBooks. Adding official certifications is a great way to establish yourself as a pro and prove you know your stuff. Plus, having this level of expertise will make it even easier to score new clients or positions.

2. Xero Proficiency

If you stop at QuickBooks, you’ll be selling yourself short. Even though it’s the most widely used accounting software, it doesn’t mean it’s the only one you should learn.

For us, the second on the list for bookkeeping software is Xero. It’s similar to Quickbooks in terms of feature set but is designed specifically for the small business. 

Xero hails from New Zealand and although it has a presence in over 180 countries, most of its users are based in the UK, Australia, the US, and its home country.

Since many organizations are global, adding Xero proficiency to your resume will help you appeal to them. Being proficient in Xero will also help you obtain Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and Accounting – a recognized vocational qualification in Australia.

Like QuickBooks, Xero offers certifications. They’re free of charge and take a matter of hours. So, obtaining these is a quick win.

Tip: Did you know that you can integrate Quickbooks Online and Xero with Keeper? 

Keeper assists you with your bookkeeping tasks so you can close out the month in half the time. And its 2-way sync ensures that any changes made in Keeper instantly update in Quickbooks Online and Xero, so you don’t have to toggle back and forth between different software and Excel sheets.

3. Basic Spreadsheet Skills

Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are still the firm favorites of many organizations.

And, it’s easy to understand why.

While spreadsheets certainly aren’t the most efficient way to perform bookkeeping, they are low-cost and relatively easy to use. Therefore, you often find that this method is favored by smaller businesses and freelancers who lack accounting know-how.

So, if you’re looking to capture these types of clients, then a basic knowledge of spreadsheets is a must-have on your list of bookkeeper skills.

What do we mean by basic, exactly? 

You must understand how to manipulate the data to create balance sheets, income statements, financial reports, and so on. Which includes the following skills:

• Setting up and organizing worksheets for multiple financial aspects
• Formatting columns, rows, and cells appropriately
• Basic financial formulas, such as arithmetic operations, SUM, AVERAGE, etc.
• Highly detail-oriented data entry (it’s a manual process so you have to be hot on accuracy)
• Creating tables, charts, and graphics
• Linking data between multiple sheets
• Creating and using pivot tables

And, of course, you must be adept at sorting and filtering all the data to perform basic analysis and spot discrepancies.

4. Creating Financial Reports

A core part of any bookkeeping job description will be the ability to generate all types of financial reports, including:

• Income statements
• Balance sheets
• Cash flow statements
• Statement of earnings
• Budget vs actual
• And more

Although most accounting software can generate these reports for you, it’s still necessary to possess high attention to detail. Even more so if the employer uses manual spreadsheets.

Your ability to spot discrepancies and errors is key. So is verifying the data that goes into the reports. 

Additionally, your analytical skills must extend beyond simply showing the numbers. 

You certainly won’t be expected to perform an in-depth analysis like an accountant would, but you still need to be able to identify trends, patterns, and data anomalies. Your ability in this area is what enables stakeholders to make an informed decision about finances.

Speaking of accounting, knowledge of accounting principles also matters. Understanding Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), etc., will ensure your reporting adheres to best practices.

We all know that reports are time-sensitive. Getting them out on time requires serious organizational skills plus soft skills like time management.

One way to impress your clients is to use a tool like Keeper to generate polished financial reports in a few clicks. They’re presented in an easily digestible, readable format which your clients will appreciate.

5. Managing Invoices and Accounts Payable

Processing and paying invoices is one of the key bookkeeping tasks. Employers want successful bookkeepers who are savvy enough to pay vendors on time and accurately. 

Doing so establishes their business as trustworthy and reliable and helps maintain solid client relations.

Your bookkeeping skills in this department include the ability to:

• Understand differing payment terms (Cash in advance, cash on delivery, letter of credit, and so on)
• Review and approve invoices
• Record invoices in the accounts payable account within the general ledger
• Assign general ledger (GL) codes to invoices
• Add the debit entry to the appropriate account
• Match invoices with purchase orders and receiving documents
• Schedule and facilitate payments before the invoice deadline

Often, you will be juggling multiple invoices at once, each with its own set of payment terms and deadlines. So, you must be efficient at handling these simultaneously. 

If one slips through the cracks, it can quickly damage vendor relations so your skills need to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Insider Tip: Organizations are always looking for ways to streamline these types of functions. If you can bring optimization ideas to the table (like automation), then you’ll stand a much better chance of landing your dream bookkeeper job.

6. Managing Payroll

Although payroll is not strictly a core function of a professional bookkeeper, it’s a great skill to have, especially if you want to become a full-charge bookkeeper. It’s also a role frequently carried out by accounting firms and is a valuable addition to any firm’s bookkeeping services list.  

Since both are financial functions, it’s natural that bookkeeping and payroll go hand-in-hand. And, because of this, many organizations expect you to possess both skills.

What does the job of a payroll expert involve, exactly?

First, you need an extremely strong understanding of federal and state labor laws and tax regulations. Anywhere the business operates and has employees – you have to know the laws inside out.

Proficiency with payroll software is also necessary. For example, ADP Run and Gusto are two popular payroll platforms (QuickBooks and Xero also include this function). 

Then, the main payroll skills, include:

• Tracking and calculating employee pay 
• Applying deductions and taxes
• Spotting discrepancies and errors – and correcting them
• Handling sensitive financial information securely

A payroll expert must also possess many expert-level soft skills, such as:

• Project management
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Conflict handling

You’re responsible for ensuring that staff get paid properly and on time, which means the pressure is always on. It’s on you to effectively address pay concerns and disputes with staff. 

Keeping a cool head is a must!

Reconciling Bank and Credit Card Records

Another core bookkeeping skill, reconciling bank and credit accounts also requires high levels of efficiency and (you guessed it) accuracy.

A skilled bookkeeper will fully understand and know how to apply double-entry bookkeeping and abide by GAAP accounting principles. They will also know the different types of transactions and how to record them properly.

Skills in this area also include:

• Analyzing each journal entry with keen eyes. Tiny discrepancies can have a big impact if missed
• Looking into the discrepancies and resolving them
• Knowing the reasons for any differences such as timing problems, fraud, or error
• Using software and spreadsheets effectively to record transactions
• Performing precise calculations to adjust balances and ensure reconciled amounts match across records

Excellent communication skills are crucial here because you will be liaising with stakeholders to report your findings. You may also need to speak regularly with banks and credit card institutions to flag and resolve issues.

Also, you must have a deep understanding of banking and credit card processes. This will heighten your ability to spot fraudulent transactions, monitor cash flow properly, and maintain that all-important accuracy.

7. Track Vendors and Manage 1099s

One skill we find that pops up frequently in a bookkeeper job description is the ability to manage and handle the 1099 tax form.

Specifically, employers want a certified public bookkeeper who can:

• Request and obtain the W-9 form and taxpayer identification number (TIN) from contractors and vendors
• Track vendor payments and transactions throughout the tax year
• Identify which vendors do – and don’t – require the 1099 form based on the monetary thresholds
• Request and collect the W-9 for any services that were provided by your client or employer
• Recognize which version of the 1099 form to use (and when) must also form part of your bookkeeping skill set
• Know the latest IRS 1099 requirements (and keep the knowledge up-to-date)
• Navigate the 1099 electronic filing system properly

Overall, 1099s are a complicated, time-consuming aspect of business administration that requires a lot of attention. Therefore, employers are keen to find ways to optimize this process.

Using Keeper to track and prepare 1099s is one way to do it. The platform quickly identifies vendors that meet the reporting requirements and flags if a W-9 is missing. 

Then a request for the form can be sent in a matter of clicks and saves your employer the hassle.

8. Pay Bills and Manage Accounts Receivable

As for money coming in (accounts receivable), you must be on the ball to ensure the business maintains a healthy cash flow.

This means you need to keep on top of multiple customer accounts and their respective due dates. And, of course, track and record the payments correctly.

Beyond invoice management, one big thing we also want to highlight is that you should be able to analyze financial data and spot areas where money can be saved.

Having the talent to find cost-saving opportunities is a skill that most businesses are eager to acquire. So, if you can add this as a resume example, then you’re onto a winner.

Also:

• Soft skills like effective negotiating and communication skills will help you greatly
• Time management matters

Why?

Because often, a discount is applied if a payment is made well ahead of its deadline. It also becomes easier to get better payment terms or deals.

9. Bookkeeping Practice Management Software Proficiency

All in all, there are tons of skills that will make your resume stand out and help you land the perfect bookkeeper position.

And, if your talents aren’t quite up to scratch then there are ways to get yourself there.

For instance, consider investing in a bookkeeping course to increase your talents and even become certified. Or, if you’re already experienced, the next step could be advancing to a certified public accountant.

Before we finish, we’ve got one more big piece of bookkeeping career advice to share.

Bookkeeping practice management software is your biggest ally when it comes to demonstrating a strong skill in efficiency and optimization.

Keeper’s extensive suite of features takes care of time-consuming task management and client communications. 

Plus, as we already mentioned, it integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online and Xero – two of the most popular accounting and bookkeeping platforms around.

The result?

Your work is accurate and fully compliant with accounting principles and regulations. And, you’ll dramatically speed up the month-end close.

So, if you want to impress potential employers, consider adding Keeper to your list of bookkeeper skills.

To learn more about why our customers love Keeper, check out these related articles or book a demo.

The post 9 In-Demand Bookkeeper Skills Your Resume Needs appeared first on Keeper.

If not, now is the time to start.

By offering specialized accounting services, you can target ideal niche clients more effectively, stand out in the competitive accounting industry, and find your lucrative niche faster.

Here’s how to get started.

What to Consider When Picking a Niche

Choosing the right industry niche can position your firm for sustainable growth. 

Here are the critical factors you should consider.

• Demand: Evaluate market needs. High-demand niches, like forensic accounting or cryptocurrency accounting, offer significant opportunities for growth. Studies have shown that employment for accounting professionals is projected to grow 6%1 by 2033, driven by evolving financial trends.
• Personal Interest: Align your chosen niche with your passion or expertise. Enjoying the work will help you deliver better results and attract ideal niche clients who value your skills.
• Profitability: Consider niches with lucrative billing opportunities. For example, working with smaller firms in private equity or law firms often comes with premium rates for specialized services.
• Expertise: Leverage your existing knowledge in a specialty accounting niche. If you have experience in real estate accounting, this expertise will help you stand out in a crowded accounting profession.

You should also evaluate your current clients for patterns that align with profitable niches. Check if there are underserved industries or services they need, such as specialized client accounting services. 

Balancing these needs with market trends, like the growing demand for cryptocurrency accounting, ensures your accounting practice stays competitive.

Pro-tip: Leverage tools like Keeper to streamline your bookkeeping processes and support niche growth.

Here are the 28 top accounting niches for you to know.

1. IRS Audit Assistance (Service)

The IRS closed nearly 583,000 tax return audits in FY 20232, recommending $31.9 billion in additional taxes. 

Providing IRS audit assistance helps your prospective niche clients meet compliance requirements while navigating these complex processes. 

This specialized accounting service is essential for small businesses and high-income earners.

2. Back Taxes Assistance (Service)

Unresolved back taxes can lead to penalties and legal action, making prompt resolution essential. 

In FY 2023, the IRS collected over $104.1 billion in unpaid assessments3 on returns filed with additional tax due, netting about $68.30 billion after credit transfers.

A niche accountant specializing in back tax assistance can help small businesses and individuals negotiate payment plans and avoid further complications. 

3. Estate and Trust Advisory (Service)

Collaborating with estate planners and high-net-worth individuals offers opportunities to manage substantial assets and complex financial structures. 

In 2022, U.S. financial institutions held approximately $127.2 trillion in assets4, reflecting significant wealth management needs.

This growing niche is where staying on top of financial statements and optimized asset management is a huge priority. 

4. Forensic Accounting (Service)

Forensic accounting plays a vital role in fraud detection, legal cases, and dispute resolution. 

Fraud costs businesses over $4.7 trillion annually5 worldwide. 

Accountants in this niche support investigations and litigation with expertise in financial data analysis.

5. Nonprofit Accounting (Service)

Many nonprofit organizations manage significant assets and resources. Working with them is far from doing pro bono work.

In 2022, U.S. nonprofits contributed $1.4 trillion to the economy6, comprising 5.6% of GDP. 

Specializing in this niche accounting practice enables you to optimize compliance and financial reporting while helping drive charitable causes through cost-saving initiatives. 

6. Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets (Service)

With the global cryptocurrency market cap reaching approximately $3.05 trillion during mid-November 2024, mastering cryptocurrency and digital assets has become an indispensable skill in the accounting domain.

Specialization in this niche can help you navigate your clients' complex compliance and valuation challenges in different industries.

7. Bookkeeping and FinOps (Service)

Did you know that organizations lose 5% of their revenue7 annually to fraud, amounting to $117,000 per case before detection?

Efficient bookkeeping services can combat this through accurate financial management in a bookkeeping business.

Keeper’s bookkeeping practice management software streamlines workflows with features like an intuitive client portal, automated file reviews, automated w-9 requesting and tracking, team task management, and so much more. 

8. Internal Auditing (Service)

Internal auditing is key to strengthening an organization’s internal controls and risk compliance practices.

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, 29% of fraud cases8 occur due to insufficient internal controls. 

Choosing to specialize in internal auditing and niche accounting services helps mitigate risks and improve operational efficiency.

9. Merger and Acquisition (Service)

Merger and acquisition services require robust financial due diligence and precise valuation. 

In 2023, global M&A deals reached $3 trillion9. 

By specializing in this niche, you can help your clients identify risks and opportunities based on the prevailing trends.

10. Transaction Advisory (Service)

Transaction advisory services help businesses structure their financial transactions while ensuring compliance with regulations. 

Accountants specializing in this niche accounting area can provide critical insights to optimize deal terms, mitigate risks, and align with business goals. 

11. Risk Management (Service)

Risk management services are critical for identifying and mitigating financial threats. 

According to PwC’s Global Risk Survey 2023, 37% of organizations feel highly exposed to cyber risks, second only to inflation. 

An accounting firm providing expert assistance in this niche often focuses on safeguarding assets and ensuring compliance.

12. Financial Planning and Analysis (Service)

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) services are essential for budgeting and forecasting to drive strategic growth. 

According to Deloitte's Global Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting Survey, over 60% of organizations plan to change their FP&A processes to enhance decision-making and resilience. 

An accounting firm providing services in this niche often gives valuable insights for creating informed business strategies.

13. Financial Controller (Service)

A financial controller streamlines accounting tech stack operations for SMBs, promising accuracy and compliance. 

Research indicates that 82% of small businesses10 fail due to poor cash flow management. 

Experts and accountants in this role can help attain stability and obtain insights for growth.

14. Fractional CFO Services (Service)

Fractional CFO services offer small business owners access to high-level financial expertise on a part-time basis. 

These services provide strategic guidance without the cost of a full-time executive. 

This allows companies to benefit from seasoned financial leadership tailored to their specific needs and budget constraints.

15. eCommerce (Industry)

The eCommerce industry demands careful handling of inventory costs, sales tax, and digital payments.

With global eCommerce sales projected to reach $6.3 trillion this year, specializing in this niche market opens opportunities for accountants to deliver vital support and drive success.

16. Real Estate (Industry)

The real estate industry relies on tailored tax strategies for investors and agents to maximize returns. 

In 2022, the U.S. commercial real estate market witnessed transactions totaling $752 billion11.

This is an indicator of the substantial opportunities for accounting firms in this industry.

17. Law Firms (Industry)

Law firms rely on accurate trust accounting and expense management to ensure compliance. 

The American Bar Association’s Rule 1.15 mandates meticulous handling of client funds, as mismanaging trust accounts or misusing client funds constitutes a violation. 

Accountants specializing in this specific niche can help firms mitigate such risks.

18. Medical Doctors and Small Clinics (Industry)

Managing insurance reimbursements and financial planning is crucial for medical doctors and small clinics to maintain profitability while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. 

According to the American Medical Association, 51.8% of physicians12 worked in practices with 10 or fewer physicians in 2022.

This highlights the prevalence of small medical practices and the opportunities that lie there.

19. Software/SaaS (Industry)

The SaaS industry requires precise revenue recognition and scalable financial operations to comply with ASC 606 standards. 

In 2023, the global SaaS market was valued at $197 billion and is estimated to reach $247 billion13 by the end of this year. 

By specializing in the SaaS/software niche, you can provide guidance on optimizing subscription billing and give strategic financial and growth insights to your clients.

20. IT Companies (Industry)

IT companies often grapple with challenges like managing project-based billing, allocating costs across multiple projects, and handling intricate payroll systems for diverse teams.

The global IT services market is expected to reach $1,420 billion this year14. 

Accountants can deliver significant value by implementing efficient cost-tracking systems, optimizing resource allocation, and managing tax compliance for international teams. 

21. Engineering Firms (Industry)

Engineering firms must adeptly manage project cost allocation and adhere to regulatory compliance to maintain profitability and avoid legal issues. 

In 2021, the U.S. engineering services industry generated approximately $373 billion in revenue, underscoring its significant economic impact.

22. Marketing Agencies (Industry)

Global digital advertising spending is projected to reach $740.3 billion15 by the end of this year, underscoring the importance of precise financial management in this sector.

Marketing agencies require meticulous ad spend and client billing tracking to ensure profitability and transparency. 

23. Private Equity (Industry)

Private equity firms rely on accurate reporting and financial analysis to support portfolio companies. 

In 2021, the global value of private equity deals crossed the threshold of $1.1 trillion16. 

Tip: Accountants can use tools like Keeper to help track metrics and monitor compliance while specializing in this niche.

24. HVAC (Industry)

The HVAC industry requires precise seasonality and equipment cost management to maintain profitability. 

The U.S. HVAC systems market was valued at $16.54 billion in 202117 and is expected to grow at a 5.6% annual rate through 2030, driven by energy-efficient solutions. 

Accountants provide value by helping track seasonal costs and optimize finances. 

25. Plumbers (Industry)

To maintain profitability, plumbing services require accurate cost tracking for supplies and seamless customer invoicing. 

The U.S. plumbing services market was valued at $124.2 billion18, reflecting steady demand. 

Accounting services in this specific niche focus on optimizing cash flow and transparency.

26. Electricians (Industry)

The U.S. electrical contracting market generated revenue of $202 billion in 202119, highlighting the importance of precise inventory management and cash flow tracking to sustain small businesses. 

By getting expert help from accountants, electricians can optimize your financial processes for growth.

27. Manufacturing (Industry)

In 2023, the U.S. manufacturing sector contributed $2.3 trillion to the nation's GDP20, accounting for 10.2%. 

This underscores the importance of effectively managing the “cost of goods sold” (COGS) and meeting compliance standards within the industry.

28. Trucking Companies (Industry)

In 2023, the U.S. trucking industry generated $987 billion in gross revenue21, reflecting its critical role in freight transportation. 

Effective mileage tracking and fleet management accounting are essential for optimizing operations and maintaining profitability in this industry niche.

Use Keeper to Streamline Operations

Now that you know the best accounting niches to specialize in, you need a tool to level up your game. 

When it comes to managing your accounts, Keeper is the comprehensive solution. 

Our bookkeeping practice management software streamlines workflows with advanced tools like automated reviews and management reports. 

Keeper can make your life easier by:

• Reducing the risk of errors
• Widening the scope for growth and strategic development
• Streamlining niche specialization

Learn how Keeper can transform your accounting firm’s services and help your business gain a tactical advantage in accounting.

Book a demo today!

References

1. “Accountants and Auditors.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29 Aug. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm.  
2. “IRS Releases 2023 Data Book Describing Agency’s Transformation through Statistics.” Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-2023-data-book-describing-agencys-transformation-through-statistics   
3. “Data Book, 2023”, Internal Revenue Service, www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p55b.pdf 
4. Statista Research Department, and Jan 31. “U.S. Assets of Financial Institutions 2022.” Statista, 31 Jan. 2024, www.statista.com/statistics/421697/financial-institutions-assets-usa/ 
5. Examiners, Association of Certified Fraud. “Organizations Worldwide Lose Trillions of Dollars to Occupational Fraud.” ACFE Press Release, www.acfe.com/about-the-acfe/newsroom-for-media/press-releases/press-release-detail?s=2022-RTTN-launch 
6. “Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector.” Independent Sector, 22 Mar. 2024, independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/ 
7. Katz, Allison. “2022 ACFE Report to the Nations: Fraud Trends and Key Takeaways.” Withum, 8 Dec. 2023, www.withum.com/resources/2022-acfe-report-to-the-nations-fraud-trends-and-key-takeaways/. 
8. Buckey, Tammara. “How to Use Internal Controls to Prevent Fraud, Waste and Abuse While Improving Auditability.” BDO, 12 Sept. 2022, www.bdo.com/insights/industries/government-public-sector/how-to-use-internal-controls-to-prevent-fraud%2C-waste-and-abuse-while-improving-auditability 
9. 2023 Annual Global M&a Report, pitchbook.com/news/reports/2023-annual-global-ma-report 
10. Desjardins, Jeff. “Here’s Why Small Businesses Fail.” Business Insider, Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com/why-small-businesses-fail-infographic-2017-8?r=US&IR=T 
11. Statista Research Department, and May 3. “U.S. Commercial Real Estate Transactions Forecast 2024.” Statista, 3 May 2024, www.statista.com/statistics/245103/real-estate-capital-flows/ 
12. Policy Research Perspectives, www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2022-prp-practice-arrangement.pdf 
13. Vailshery, Lionel Sujay. “Saas Market Size Worldwide 2025.” Statista, 10 June 2024, www.statista.com/statistics/505243/worldwide-software-as-a-service-revenue/ 
14. “IT Services - Worldwide: Statista Market Forecast.” Statista, www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/it-services/worldwide 
15. “Digital Advertising - Worldwide: Statista Market Forecast.” Statista, www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/digital-advertising/worldwide 
16. Randall, Steve. “Private Equity Has Smashed the $1 Trillion Buyout Deal Threshold.” Wealth Professional, Wealth Professional, 8 Mar. 2022, www.wealthprofessional.ca/news/industry-news/private-equity-has-smashed-the-1-trillion-buyout-deal-threshold/364683 
17. “HVAC Industry Trends to Watch out for in 2022.” ZERO HVAC Technologies, 11 Sept. 2023, www.zerohvacr.com/hvac-industry-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2022/ 
18. “Plumbing Statistics.” WebFX, 11 Oct. 2024, www.webfx.com/industries/home-repair/plumbers/statistics/ 
19. Electrical Industry Outlook - BBB, www.bbb.org/content/dam/iabbb/marcom-assets/industry-reports/Industry%20Report_Electrical-CA.pdf 
20. “U.S. Manufacturing Economy.” NIST, 15 Nov. 2024, www.nist.gov/el/applied-economics-office/manufacturing/manufacturing-economy/total-us-manufacturing 

“Economics and Industry Data.” American Trucking Associations, www.trucking.org/economics-and-industry-data

The post 28 Accounting Niches to Boost Your Firm’s Revenues in 2025 appeared first on Keeper.

Marketing, scaling, client management, and operational improvements are crucial to your success and growth. 

If you want to avoid cash flow uncertainties and experience growth, here’s how to grow your accounting practice effectively. 

1. Consider Picking an Industry Niche

Some accounting firms thrive on being a jack-of-all-trades. Others, not so much. 

Selecting an industry niche can help you narrow down your ideal clientele. It can help you hone your skills within said industry to offer effective, bespoke service. 

For many smaller practices, this makes getting customers and streamlining operations easier. 

But this prompts the question, which industry niche should you be considering? Every accountant is different, but there are some ideas to consider.

Some of the most lucrative industry niches worth looking further into include:

• SaaS: The SaaS industry is booming, estimated to be worth around $273 million and growing. They may require fractional CFO services, wealth management, and similar advisory services. 
• Real Estate: Real estate is an obvious industry niche for an accountant who wants a steady stream of clients. They may need specialized support such as lease accounting and financial reporting. 
• Dental/Medical: Dental and medical practices often need extensive accounting support. This may include managing patient billing and insurance reimbursements. 
• Hospitality: Hospitality shares some overlap with real estate. However, it offers unique opportunities such as working with hotels and travel companies. They often need support with compliance and cost and inventory management. 
• Construction: The construction industry is an industry niche that’s in demand and requires comprehensive accounting support. Construction companies often need help with compliance and specialized support with overhead expenses. 

2. Establish Effective Marketing

Securing new clients to grow your accounting practice requires a marketing strategy. 

Fortunately, your accounting practice is not unlike other businesses out there. The tried-and-true methods can be applied in your accounting firm. That is, as you have a developed brand and targeted messaging for your ideal client. 

Some effective marketing strategies to boost awareness and client acquisition include:

• Running advertisements, focusing on social media platforms and Google Ads. 
• Incentivizing current clients to refer you to companies in their network. Word-of-mouth marketing and incentivization can be extremely effective. 
• Developing an automated email marketing system for nurturing leads. You should also establish a dedicated sales team that helps you convert leads faster. 
• Enhancing your website with on-page and off-page SEO practices to drive more traffic. 
• Networking to actively secure more clients or partner with companies who can direct clients to you. 

Your marketing plan is integral to your success as an accounting practice. Take your time developing it to avoid potential setbacks. This includes digital marketing practices and other common marketing strategies. 

Consider looking at successful accounting firms to see the approaches they’re taking to secure clients and how you could emulate that yourself. 

3. Look for Cross-Sell and Upsell Opportunities

Growth for accounting firms doesn’t stem solely from onboarding more clients. Every new client certainly helps. However, you will also need to focus on cross-selling and upselling existing clients. 

Cross-selling and upselling promote growth by maximizing the profits coming from existing clients. 

For example, let’s imagine you’re working with a tech startup that hired you for basic bookkeeping. 

If they lack an accounting team, you could offer fractional CFO services. This would provide them with more comprehensive support while helping you generate more revenue. 

Clients may welcome an additional or upgraded accounting service they didn’t initially consider. Accounting outsourcing means they’ll likely need extra support without wanting to pay for a dedicated in-house team. 

Of course, there's a key to making this work. You have to offer enough client accounting services to make cross-selling and upselling possible. We’ve covered some of the most common client accounting services before here at Keeper. 

Some services to offer in your accounting practice to boost firm growth include: 

• Bookkeeping
• Tax Preparation and Planning
• Payroll Management 
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Financial Statement Preparation
• Cash Flow Forecasting
• Accounting Advisory Service and Consulting
• Controller Services
• Virtual CFO Services
• Business Valuation 
• Wealth Management

4. Streamline Operations to Free Up Time

Operational efficiency determines how many clients your practice can manage. 

If your accounting practice is inefficient, growth will be difficult to achieve. You can’t get to the next prospective client if you’re unable to handle your current workload.

One way to effectively manage your workflow and free up time is with the support of Keeper. 

Keeper is the leading Quickbooks Online and Xero-integrated bookkeeping practice management software that helps you streamline your operations so you can save time for things like tax and advisory. 

The tool offers a wealth of features to support your accounting practice management needs. With Keeper, you will:

• Communicate More Effectively: Our custom-branded client portal and project management features allow you to communicate with your team and manage client relationships in one place. 
• Manage Projects With Ease: Our CRM is built with accounting practices in mind. Manage client work, organize your accounting workflows, and track progress using one dedicated tool.
• Review Files Rapidly: Identify errors faster and correct them swiftly with our integrated file review tools.
• Upload and Manage Receipts Seamlessly: Receipt management can be a pain point in accounting. We simplify it. Our receipt management tool makes managing receipts as simple as having your accounting clients upload them remotely. Then, our OCR processes them, and you post them to your client’s ledger. 
• Track and Prepare 1099s: Collecting W-9s shouldn’t be a hassle. Our accounting software identifies vendors who meet the reporting threshold. All you have to do is request them and update them in our system. Then, you can export them quickly when tax season rolls around. 
• Produce Custom Management Reports: Your client’s financial health is paramount. We help you produce the comprehensive custom management reports your client needs in just four clicks. 
• Supercharge Your Work With Integrations: Keeper is powered by a two-way sync with Xero and QuickBooks Online. Need to add additional tools to the mix? You can also customize your experience through Zapier. 

We help you build strong client relationships, meet client expectations, and transform your accounting business into one of the high growth firms in your target market. Now’s the time to see what Keeper can do for your accountancy firm!

5. Get Good at Hiring Employees

Employees are the lifeblood of any successful accounting firm. 

The more experienced hands you have on deck, the easier it will be to achieve accounting firm growth. 

But where do you start as an accounting firm owner? 

Hiring accounting professionals for your new business is a multifaceted process. 

Finding the right job platforms is your first order of business. There are numerous options out there, and posting jobs on all or most of them is a solid way to start. You should also consider listing job openings on your practice’s website. 

The next step involves identifying what type of support you need. Do you need more accountants or specialists such as controllers? Would you benefit most from additional administrative staff? Identify your needs to get the support your practice demands. 

The interview process is arguably the most difficult aspect of hiring employees. 

The more refined the process, the better your team will be. 

6. Train and Delegate to Employees

Businesses such as accounting practices often face two challenges that can stunt or reverse their growth: a lack of training and an inability to delegate. 

Investing in your employees is a must for a small business looking to grow. While they need to come in with an existing education and an understanding of their role and industry, things will change. The accounting industry is always evolving. 

Investing in their continued education and providing them with the support they need to grow within your organization is critical to their success as well as yours. 

Delegating is another problem that smaller practices will run into. It’s very easy to want to oversee most things or manage most projects. After all, your accounting practice has gotten this far because of the hard work you’ve put in. 

But you can’t grow an accounting practice all by yourself. Being able to delegate to employees and trust that they can get the job done right is the only way to scale. 

If you can master training and delegating, you can pave the way for successful growth. 

7. Budget for Growth

An accounting firm is well-equipped to provide clients with financial services. Fortunately, you’re well-equipped to support your own too. 

Budgeting for growth will ensure that you have the funds needed to expand your operations. You’ll want to actively save money for hiring additional employees, advertising activities, and further expenses that you’ll need to take on as your accounting practice takes off. 

Make sure to:

• Establish clear goals to guide your growth and determine how much funding will be needed to hit those milestones. 
• Properly allocate funds to each activity, taking into account the average spend for practices like yours and more cost-effective routes or services you could take advantage of. 
• Avoid overspending, which could set your growth back substantially if you overshoot and don’t see the success you initially anticipated. 
• Create a contingency fund so your firm has resources you can fall back on. 
• Continuously return to your budget to make adjustments as needed. Sustainable growth is the goal!

Use Keeper to Streamline, Automate, and Delegate More

Keeper is your partner in accounting. 

Our bookkeeping software for accountants makes it possible to scale your accounting firm with ease. 

Utilize our accounting practice management software to streamline, automate, and delegate more so that you can save more time for advisory and business growth. 

Are you an accountant looking to take your practice to the next level?

Book a demo with us today to learn more about what Keeper can do for your practice!

The post How to Grow Your Accounting Practice appeared first on Keeper.

Let’s explore some of the best ways to speed up the process so you can focus on providing more valuable services to your clients.

What Are Uncategorized Expenses?

Uncategorized expenses are expenses that appear in bookkeeping or accounting software but haven’t yet been matched with a category from the chart of accounts, like office supplies, travel, or direct labor.

While they may be immaterial individually, uncategorized expenses can quickly become significant in the aggregate, adding an element of uncertainty to your records that must be resolved before you can close the books.

The Soul-Crushing Time Waste of Manually Categorizing Expenses in QBO and Xero

Accounting software like QuickBooks Online (QBO) and Xero can streamline some routine aspects of bookkeeping, but they’re not very efficient when it comes to manual categorization of expenses.

Even if you follow a month-end close, minimizing the time uncategorized expenses have to accumulate, it can take anywhere from several hours to a few business days to resolve them each period, depending on transaction volume and complexity.

For one thing, QBO and Xero put the onus on the accountant to seek out and correct uncategorized transactions instead of flagging them when they occur. 

They often fly under the radar until you run a profit and loss (P&L) report only to discover thousands of dollars in uncategorized costs.

Once identified, you have to drill down into each expense transaction and reassign it individually. Even when they're multiples of the same transaction type—like a recurring subscription—you can’t adjust them in batches.

The process becomes even more time-consuming when the proper categories for the expenses aren’t immediately apparent, and you have to cross-reference your supporting documents to try and figure them out.

In the worst-case scenario, you may have to ask your client for help. That’s often the most significant delay of all since you have to:

• Draft a professional email explaining the issue
• Wait for a response, which isn’t always prompt
• Follow up if your client takes too long to answer
• Clarify incomplete responses when you need more details
• And more often than not, edit client spreadsheets on their behalf

As powerful as QBO and Xero can be, they’re just not well-suited to manually resolving unknown transactions. If you do all your bookkeeping work in those tools, you’re sure to spend more time on the process than you’d like.

How To Speed Up Expense Categorization and Reconciliation

Let’s explore how you can use software like Keeper to speed up the expense categorization and reconciliation process, shorten your month-end close, and free up time to focus on more valuable and rewarding work.

1. Use Software To Identify Expense Inconsistencies

One of the most effective ways to streamline the expense categorization process is to use software that automatically identifies potential inconsistencies, saving you from having to track them down yourself.

By connecting to your clients’ ledger files, Keeper analyzes your client’s previous financial activities and flags expenses that receive contradictory treatment, giving you the opportunity to determine if their expense category was entered incorrectly.

For example, if your client typically records purchases from a vendor as Office Supplies but a recent payment to them was unexpectedly categorized as Miscellaneous, Keeper can recognize that and bring it to your attention.

These types of inconsistencies are much harder to recognize than an uncategorized expense. Instead of being consolidated in one obvious place, they may be scattered throughout your client’s financial records, blending in with correctly categorized transactions.

You might not even suspect there’s an issue unless you notice a variance in your business expense totals compared to previous periods, and even then, narrowing it down to specific transactions requires a painstaking manual review.

Using software to flag all of the potentially problematic transactions streamlines the process significantly. Instead of manually comparing your expense categories to your historical records each period, you automatically get a list of expenses to review at once before sending them all off to the client.

2. Use Software To Flag Other Common Transaction Errors

In addition to identifying expense categories that differ from established patterns, Keeper can highlight other common transaction issues and further streamline your month-end close. 

For example, some of the other potential problems it can flag for you include:

• Missing transaction detail: Expenses may have a category assigned but lack other critical transaction details, such as a class, location, customer, or necessary attachments, like receipts. Keeper makes it easy for you to add in whatever’s missing.
• Transactions above cash value: Transactions above a certain dollar amount may constitute multiple expenses that should be separated into different categories, such as a $1,000 Amazon purchase that contained Office Supplies and Raw Materials. Keeper can highlight these to streamline splitting them up.
• Transactions auto-added by a bank rule: Sometimes, bank transactions are auto-coded by preexisting rules, such as all payments to a legal vendor being categorized as professional services. Keeper can flag these to help you double-check that no exceptions are needed.
• Transactions coded to a parent account: Transactions sometimes get categorized to broader parent accounts rather than more specific accounts. For example, Keeper can highlight all expenses coded to Advertising rather than Social Media to help you decide if they need to be in a more appropriate account.

Ultimately, Keeper significantly reduces the hours you need to spend combing through financial transactions for all kinds of potential problems. You can also customize the types of transactions it flags for you to avoid wasting time on things that aren’t actually an issue.

3. Batch Categorize Transactions

One of the most time-consuming and repetitive aspects of bookkeeping with tools like QBO is the need to edit each individual transaction. When you have a high volume of changes to make, the process can easily take hours, even if the corrections you’re making are relatively simple.

For example, say you notice that fifty transactions with the same vendor have been miscategorized as Supplies when they should be under the Cost of Goods Sold. 

To correct the issue in QBO, you’d need to click on each transaction, manually update the category, click back out, and repeat the process dozens of times.

With Keeper, you can select all of the transactions from the same page and assign the new category simultaneously. Instead of spending ten minutes clicking back and forth, you could have accurate financial records in a few seconds.

In addition to speeding things up, batch categorization also ensures that all the transaction updates you make are handled consistently, reducing the odds that you’ll make a mistake. Without it, you’re much more likely to categorize a transaction differently or forget one altogether.

4. Ask Clients Questions In-Portal

Identifying and resolving improperly recorded transactions by hand can be incredibly time-consuming, but trying to get answers from your clients via email may be even worse.

Small business owners are busy, and your messages to them often get buried, forgotten, or flat-out ignored. Even when clients do respond quickly, their answers might be incomplete or unclear, which only prolongs the back-and-forth.

With Keeper, you can finally stop emailing spreadsheets to your clients. Keeper lets you give your clients direct access to the platform instead, allowing you to communicate with them in the same place where you do your work.

That provides several significant benefits, including:

• Clearer communication: You can attach your questions directly to a client’s bank account feed, putting everything in context and making it much easier for them to understand what you’re referring to.
• Seamless workflows: Instead of having to switch between apps or tabs, you can assign questions, leave notes, and instant message with your clients on the Keeper platform. When you get answers, you can also immediately make adjustments in the same location.
• Automated reminders: If your clients ever neglect to answer you in a timely manner, you can schedule automated email or text messages that will remind them to respond to your outstanding questions. 

Keeper’s centralized system isn’t just convenient for bookkeepers. It’s also beneficial for your clients, giving them a single hub for communication and support. It even comes with magic links that allow them to sign in without a password.

5. Use Project Management Software for Quicker Management Review

Management review is an essential step in the month-end close, ensuring everything is approved by a supervisor before being finalized. While that can be cumbersome with traditional systems, project management software can streamline the process significantly.

The downside to most project management solutions is that they’re entirely separate from the software you use to actually do your bookkeeping work. For example, there’s no project management tool within QBO or Xero. You have to rely on something external to stay organized.

However, Keeper has built-in project management features that allow your team to keep track of everything they’re working on without ever leaving the app. They’re also more powerful than you might expect, capable of:

• Creating workflow templates: Keeper’s bookkeeping workflow software lets you create reusable templates for month-end closes, automatically creating, organizing, and tracking tasks and subtasks.
• Assigning and categorizing tasks: You can add tags and categories to tasks within Keeper, making them easy for your team to filter and prioritize at a glance.
• Facilitating collaboration: Keeper doesn’t just help you communicate with your clients. It also lets you chat with and leave localized comments for your team.

Keeper makes the management review process simple and efficient. Managers are automatically notified when the books are ready for them, and with everything organized and consolidated, it’s easy for them to make necessary changes, provide feedback, and sign off.

Speed Expense Categorization With Keeper

Keeper’s file review tools can streamline the expense categorization process and help you close the books each month in record time. 

We designed them to help you tackle all the most time-consuming parts of the process, from identifying problematic transactions to reminding clients to answer your questions.

But Keeper’s capabilities don’t stop there. Our goal is to provide bookkeepers and accountants with a single platform where they can do all their work, so it also includes features that support:

• Form W-9 and 1099 management
• Receipt capture and organization
• Customer relationship management
• Bookkeeping and accounting practice management
• Two-way syncing with QBO and Xero
• Customizable integrations with Zapier

Schedule a demo with one of our experts to test drive the comprehensive bookkeeping practice management software trusted by thousands of accounting firm owners.

The post The Definitive Guide to Uncategorized Expenses appeared first on Keeper.

Having the resources you need to ensure you’re keeping up with it is crucial to your success. 

Fortunately, there is a wealth of websites that you can leverage to improve your knowledge base and stay on top of new bookkeeping developments. 

We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 websites for bookkeepers that will help you hone your skills and keep your finger on the pulse of bookkeeping news. 

1. Jason Staats

Jason Staats (found at JasononFirms.com and rlz.io) is a former CPA firm owner who has since turned to content creation. 

His mission is to help others launch and run calmer and more sustainable accounting firms. However, you don’t have to be an accountant to get something from his content.

Jason’s approach to content makes it easy to find something that works for everyone. Whether you’re a freelance accountant or a bookkeeper, there’s something here for you.

If you prefer video content over written, he runs a YouTube channel with many subscribers.

Some of the content he covers involves topics like managing clients, app reviews, and utilizing modern-day technology like AI for your bookkeeping business. 

He also has a weekly newsletter for the accountant and bookkeeper who wants updates sent directly to their inbox. This newsletter features actionable content for accounting firms and bookkeeping professionals. 

Jason Staats is one of the top experts in the space worth following. You can also keep up with him on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn for more announcements and content. 

2. Bookkeepers.com

Bookkeepers.com is a comprehensive and helpful resource for those wanting to operate a virtual bookkeeping business or those who are currently in the middle of running one. 

This bookkeeping website focuses on helping you: 

• Start your 100% virtual bookkeeping business and make it profitable fast. 
• Grow your virtual bookkeeping business and learn how to land high-paying clients. 
• Scale your business to make it more efficient. 
• Optimize and systematize your business as well as your products and services. 
• Transform your business to add more value. This will effect positive change for each potential customer. 

Bookkeepers.com is a solid resource no matter where you may be in your bookkeeping business journey. They offer a free masterclass to help you get started as well.

3. Keeper's Blog (us!)

Keeper isn’t just one of the most comprehensive bookkeeping solutions designed to help you speed up your month-end close. We also have our own blog that you can leverage to improve efficiency and streamline operations. 

Our content is broken down into several convenient categories. Whether you’re located in the US or Canada, you can search for content that is relevant to your organization. 

We make it easy to find content based on size as well. There are resources for enterprise-level bookkeeping businesses, mid-market businesses, and small businesses. 

Some of our recent posts covered topics such as essential bookkeeping services, dealing with capacity restraints, and how and why to raise your prices as a dedicated bookkeeper. 

Don’t think of us as just your bookkeeping practice management software. Take advantage of our blog to gain even more value as you grow and develop your bookkeeping company. 

You can also join our Facebook Group. It’s very active and isn’t just limited to questions about the product. Many bookkeepers post questions related to the running of their business and support each other with ideas and advice.  

You can subscribe to our email newsletter to keep up with new Keeper updates and articles as well! 

4. QuickBooks Blog

QuickBooks is arguably one of the most well-known financial management and accounting software solutions out there today. 

Its blog is broadly tailored to nearly everyone who might utilize its software. However, this can be a major benefit for those seeking knowledge across the board. 

If you’re strictly looking for bookkeeping content, you’ll find it here. QuickBooks covers everything from beginner bookkeeping guides to lists of courses a bookkeeper can take. It also covers more complex topics like accrual bookkeeping. 

If you’re looking to understand the pain points of your client base, you’ll find help here too.

QuickBooks’ online content is designed to suit the needs of a wide range of business sizes, helping new and experienced business owners start, run, and grow their businesses seamlessly. 

This could include everything from business planning and how to create a professional website to social media and digital marketing.

They may also discuss accounting topics like CFO advisory and CFO services.

QuickBooks offers numerous insights and resources that can help your bookkeeping business thrive.

5. Xero Blog

Xero is a name brand in the bookkeeping world. It’s synonymous with accounting and bookkeeping. As such, it’s no surprise that they have their own blog. 

The Xero blog covers a host of topics that will be relevant to bookkeepers, not just accountants. Some of these topics include:

• Internal changes made to Xero software that will improve functionality
• Company news, Xero events, and similar updates
• How to leverage emerging technologies in bookkeeping services and accounting services
• Small business insights and consumer trends (to learn more about potential clients)
• Data reports

They also make it easy to find what you’re looking for with an “accountants & bookkeepers” tab.

If you use Xero in your bookkeeping business, you’ll find their blog to be a useful resource in helping you navigate your business and the various changes that Xero makes to their platform along the way. 

6. Beginner Bookkeeping

Beginner Bookkeeping sounds exactly like what you’d expect it to be. It’s a bookkeeping website targeted at those who are fairly new and looking to expand their knowledge base. 

If you’re just getting started, you’ll find Beginner Bookkeeping to be beneficial to your journey. 

Their focus is on providing you with a strong foundation from which to grow. 

Are you currently looking into which bookkeeping software will support your growing business? They have lists of paid and free software reviews to help you get up to speed on what your options are. 

Are you interested in ensuring the services you offer are done without fail? Their many how-to guides will give you helpful tips and insights that you’ll be using moving forward. 

You can even utilize their forms and templates to help you hone your approach to bookkeeping.

It is tailored to beginners who are just starting out. Still, there are likely some tips here that more experienced bookkeepers can take advantage of. 

The website design is a bit more outdated than others on this list. However, it’s functional and a good source of information for any beginner bookkeeper. 

7. FreshBooks Blog

FreshBooks is an accounting software company that’s been around since 2003. It’s designed for small to mid-size businesses. It places a strong emphasis on supporting all of its client base. 

Much like with QuickBooks, there’s a lot of small business content here. While it may not be relevant to you specifically, it can help you see what challenges a client may be facing. 

This can make you more effective at identifying and addressing issues while working with small business owners. 

They also have plenty of content targeted specifically at accountants and bookkeepers. Content is separated into blogs, eBooks, product news, and case studies. You can find that in the blog section dedicated to the Accounting Partner Program.

You can keep up with them by signing up for their newsletter. 

8. Xendoo Blog

Xendoo is a tax, accounting, and online bookkeeping service. They can be easy to gloss over because they’re a competitor rather than a software solution. But you might find more than a few nuggets of wisdom on their accounting website. 

The Xendoo blog produces resources designed for, “companies and teams who want to get ahead on their bookkeeping and taxes.”

Because they are a bookkeeping service, there’s a lot to learn from them. This encompasses content offering helpful bookkeeping tips to new regulations that impact bookkeeping methods and affect small businesses. 

If you haven’t taken a closer look at Xendoo, now’s the time. You might find helpful insights into how to offer better online bookkeeping services. 

9. Bookkeeping Essentials

Bookkeeping-Essentials.com is a comprehensive resource for those looking to learn more about and have a career in bookkeeping.  

They make it clear that this is not only for those looking to learn bookkeeping. Instead, it’s an ultimate guide for those who want active support in their career or business. Freelancers and business owners who need extra support will find this site useful.

Their resources include:

• Cheat sheets for bookkeeping tasks like financial reporting to help you quickly process and learn more new information. 
• Blog posts and discussions about monthly bookkeeping practices that expand beyond traditional knowledge and guidance. 
• Closer looks into systems and practices your business operates on. Examples might include catch up bookkeeping, which could help you as you seek to become the best online bookkeeping service.
• Important compliance information that influences your approach to bookkeeping. 
• Bookkeeping and accounting service resources like e-books. 

The publisher has since retired from bookkeeping. However, the website will still be restructured and updated moving forward. 

10. 5-Minute Bookkeeping

CPA Veronica Wasek’s 5-Minute Bookkeeping is a stellar bookkeeping website for those looking to start their own bookkeeping business. 

5-Minute Bookkeeping has a strong emphasis on QuickBooks. It’s worth noting this before you dive in should you use other software. However, there’s still plenty to find on this effective website outside of QuickBooks-related discussions. 

5-Minute Bookkeeping’s resources include articles, video tutorials, online training, and live webinars. This extensive list of resource types will help you find a learning system that works best for you and your team. 

If you’re feeling disconnected and need further support, you can always join their free Facebook community. 

You can also stay up-to-date and learn more by signing up for her newsletter. 

Start Bookkeeping with Keeper

Bookkeeping businesses thrive with the support of additional resources and solutions. If you’re looking for additional help in your business, start here with Keeper. 

Keeper is the first QuickBooks and Xero-integrated tool to help you speed up your month-end close. 

Our bookkeeping workflow software helps you communicate with your team and manage your projects more effectively. 

More than that, Keeper offers a myriad of useful features like receipt upload and management to more easily track financial records, custom financial reports in just a few clicks, and further integrations with tools through Zapier. 

If you’re looking to streamline your bookkeeping operations, get started with Keeper today!

The post 10 Must-Follow Websites for Bookkeepers appeared first on Keeper.

In this bookkeeping services list, we’ll highlight eight of the most essential bookkeeping services across the board, and explain the details of how bookkeepers serve their clients.

1. General Ledger Management

This is one of the most fundamental yet important parts of online bookkeeping services and can include several different tasks.

• Recording and organizing financial transactions, such as payroll processing, business purchases, and sales into a general ledger
• Recording debits and credits a business owner makes to maintain an accurate balance of the ledger
• Preparing the books for the month-end close to ensure client information is accurate
• Preparing financial statements
• Performing financial reporting to generate graphs that provide a detailed overview of things like income statements and balance sheets
• Ensuring that client financial records comply with relevant federal, state, and local regulations

And if business owners are ever audited, a virtual bookkeeper will use their accounting software to help with both internal and external audits to streamline the process and get the situation under control.

Outsourced bookkeeping services can go beyond these bookkeeping tasks and are tailored to the specific needs of each client, but these are the fundamentals that are critical for core business operations.

2. Transaction Classification

Another critical part of running a business that can benefit from accounting services is breaking transactions into different categories, as it serves two main purposes.
One, it helps business owners maintain accurate financial reporting, which is crucial for tax filing.

Two, it streamlines financial analysis, because a bookkeeper can see exactly how the business is generating revenue and where they’re spending money for an overarching viewpoint.

Having this perspective allows them to better understand financial trends so they can make better decisions moving forward.

In terms of specific types of transactions, a bookkeeper may categorize them into:

• Income that can include money earned from the sales of products or services, as well as interest
• Monthly expenses that can come from employee payroll, building rent, equipment, inventory management, utilities, and other overhead costs
• Assets which can include things like property or equipment owned
• Liabilities are any debts business owners owe, such as a commercial mortgage or outstanding invoices owed to vendors or supplier

Because transaction classification can be confusing for many business owners and transactions need to be continually reviewed, outsourcing bookkeeping to a certified public bookkeeper or a certified public accountant often makes more sense than handling this area of accounting in-house or paying for an expensive CFO service.

3. Bank and Credit Card Reconciliation

This is the part of bookkeeping where a professional looks at a business’s financial records to compare bank and credit card statements with internal records to see if they match.

If there are any discrepancies, a bookkeeper accounting service will pinpoint exactly what the differences are, how much, and the dates on which they occurred.

From there, a bookkeeping service will investigate further to see what caused the discrepancies and figure out what needs to be done to resolve them.

Besides that, these business services document the bank and credit card reconciliation process from start to finish to make sure the information is properly documented.

This is necessary in the event of an audit or if a financial institution like a lender wants to see the details.

It’s also important to identify fraudulent activity because the quicker discrepancies are caught, the quicker action can be taken by an accounting firm to figure out what was the cause and how to prevent it from happening again.

Because many businesses are continually making credit card transactions, it’s usually best for this to be a monthly bookkeeping service. Otherwise, if there’s a lengthy gap with statement comparison, they may not catch it in time.

4. Track Vendors and Manage 1099s

Most vendors, like freelancers and independent contractors, who reach a $600 threshold annually are required to receive 1099s at the end of the year for tax filing.

Another core part of accounting services involves:

Ensuring the appropriate vendors are identified
Vendors are set up to receive 1099 forms
1099s are properly prepared and sent out to vendors
Vendors fill out 1099s correctly and file them on time by the IRS deadline

This ensures that each vendor’s financial records are accurately reported and IRS compliant. Otherwise, there may be penalties and/or audits.

This aspect of accounting services is, admittedly, one of the more frustrating ones for many bookkeeping service providers. Requesting, tracking, and asking for revisions on 1099s can be a major headache for even the best online bookkeeping service.

A helpful tool for streamlining this part of accounting is 1099 tracking software from Keeper, which allows a bookkeeper to see which vendors may require 1099s according to the reporting threshold and conveniently request them.

Once a vendor has successfully filled out their information, Keeper automatically syncs it to QuickBooks Online or Xero, which can save a bookkeeping service a ton of time. The end result is accounting services spending far less time chasing down 1099s and a consistently high level of accuracy.

5. Process Payroll

Process payroll handles all aspects of payroll, which can include:

• Calculating employee wages
• Deducting taxes
• Reporting taxes
• Setting up employee payment methods like physical checks or direct deposit
• Issuing payments
• Keeping track of paid time off and benefits
• Preparing W-2 forms
• Creating payroll reports

Due to the number of moving parts involved with payroll processing, it’s easy to understand why many business owners prefer to use professional accounting services. Just look at what’s involved.

Even small business bookkeeping with just a handful of employees can be difficult to handle. And for those with numerous employees, payroll can be incredibly difficult to manage with DIY bookkeeping.

Not to mention, accurate payroll reporting is essential to maintaining compliance and is vital for getting employees successfully paid on time and without unnecessary friction. That’s why it’s common to offer payroll service as a central part of bookkeeping packages.

6. Send Invoices and Manage Accounts Receivable

There are three main components involved with sending invoices and managing accounts receivable with an online bookkeeping service.

The first is creating customer invoices, which can include the products or services sold, the total amount, when payment is due, and any specific payment terms.

Second is tracking payments, which is typically done through an accounting system. Here, bookkeeping services monitor when an invoice is sent out, whether it’s been paid or not, and how much longer a customer has to pay if it hasn’t been paid.

Third is identifying overdue invoices so reminders can be sent. Besides getting invoices to customers, many accounting services will assume responsibility for hunting down late payments.

With sending invoices and managing accounts receivable being so critical to cash flow management and building strong customer relationships, it’s an area of accounting that many businesses only entrust to a professional tax services provider.

Whether it’s someone with a physical office that a client interacts with directly or a virtual bookkeeping service, this is critical to keeping the cash flowing so a business can grow and expand.

Doing it efficiently requires using the right accounting software, automating tasks like identifying overdue invoices, and having an effective collections strategy in place to get business owners paid as quickly as possible.

7. Pay Bills and Manage Accounts Receivable

While sending invoices and managing accounts receivable involves collecting money that’s owed to a business, this area of accounting services involves paying money a business owes.

One of the core parts is vendor management where a bookkeeper maintains an up-to-date list of vendors that a business purchases from and ensures invoices are consistently paid on time.

Given that many vendors report to business credit bureaus, maintaining a positive payment history is integral to raising a business credit score.

By making payments on time and having them reported to bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax business, this creates momentum that’s instrumental in building business credit.

Another aspect of this area of accounting services is categorizing business expenses, which is important for simplifying tax preparation and generating financial reports.

If, for instance, a small business owner wanted a bird’s-eye view of where their money is going when paying bills, this would provide them with the information they need to eliminate any guesswork.

And if discrepancies ever arise, such as an incorrect invoice amount or a dispute over a bill being paid on time, bookkeeping services will often communicate with vendors on behalf of the client to resolve the issue and strengthen the relationship.

8. Create Financial Reports

Whatever the industry, having long-term success almost always requires data-driven decision-making. Having access to quantifiable data is what gives business owners big-picture insights, allowing them to identify trends on both the micro and macro levels.

And financial reports are certainly no exception in accounting services and CFO services. The last task on our bookkeeping checklist is creating financial reports, which can include a wide variety of data, including:

• Overall sales
• Cash on hand
• Total expenses
• Spend by category
• Assets
• Liabilities

Comparing reports from different time frames using the best accounting software helps business owners see what their overall trajectory is and where they’re heading.

A bookkeeper plays an integral role in generating these reports, and they leverage their accounting software to paint a clear picture, which they can share with clients.

For business owners who are data-focused, they’ll almost always want accounting services that can provide detailed financial reports.

Looking to ramp up your bookkeeping business? Check out the 10 Must-Follow Websites for Bookkeepers and How to Get Clients as a Bookkeeper.

Streamline Your Bookkeeping Services with Keeper

Providing top-tier bookkeeping services requires talent and skill. But it also demands that you use the right bookkeeping practice management software.

Keeper is the first one-stop-shop platform that integrates with QuickBooks Online and Xero. It can help you run your business more efficiently, dramatically improve the client experience, and most importantly, speed up your month-end close.

Learn more about how Keeper works here.

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Client reception and engagement

After REI Bookkeepers introduced Keeper to their clients, the feedback and reception was overwhelmingly positive. “We had 90% of our clients using Keeper’s Client Portal within the first week,” said Greg. Compared to previous portal interfaces which required yet another set of login credentials, Keeper’s use of one-click Google Magic Links proved attractive to their less tech-savvy accounting clients. With enthusiastic support from those clients as well as the bookkeepers who were using the app, Dave was ready to take the leap. “I started to love Keeper, and we decided to go all in.”

Steering clients away from email and onto Keeper has been REI Bookkeepers’ number one priority.  Greg found Keeper’s Client Portal easy and straightforward to use – and his clients agreed. The bookkeeping team also loves the option to set up automated reminders for clients, which get sent twice a week until the client responds to the questions in their portal. Today, all of REI Bookkeepers’ clients are up and running on the new communication system.

“We’ve seen higher response rates across the board, and no one misses the old system of using Google Sheets and sorting through email inboxes.”

Leveraging Keeper as a whole

Keeper has quickly become the single source of truth for Greg and the team. Beyond the overall benefit that the Client Portal provides from a communication standpoint, Greg’s team also relies on the many review tools that Keeper offers.

One of the favorites amongst the team is the uncategorized transaction report. Greg and his bookkeepers no longer have to go through the effort of downloading uncategorized transactions into Excel, tidying up the file, and sending the questions one-by-one via email. Keeper’s two-way integration with QuickBooks gives Greg’s team the ability to mark and edit transactions in the app, and add any questions or comments straight to the Client Portal for his clients to review and respond to.

“Keeper makes it easy for me to do my work where I review my work,” said Greg.

“I would not be able to manage this workload as well as I do without it. Paying to have Keeper on our team is a no-brainer.”

What the future holds for REI Bookkeepers

After buying REI Bookkeepers and assuming the role of CEO, Greg admits that his team has only scratched the surface with Keeper. Their next undertaking is to explore the management reporting packages that Keeper offers. “We still send manual reports out of QuickBooks to do reviews. I am well aware that using Keeper will make our reporting that much more valuable to our clients.”

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