How did you become a new bookkeeper?

what a great question --- I have been in accounting since college (long ago) and worked for great companies that helped me learn the application of it --- but you are right, since COVID I have had to work on more learning of apps to add to QB or learn other software --- great question!

Figuring out what program to take was the most difficult until I stumbled upon Kristin Ingram's program. She is a mom, business owner and and CPA who truly loves helping other moms get into bookkeeping. She has weekly calls monthly coaching and even her husband helps out with the techy part of business. All in all I was so impressed at how the program was made from starting, time management, marketing and even when she starts talking about bookkeeping. This has boosted confidence in my business and has truly been an amazing journey! 

Yes, most are experienced bookkeepers, since the beginning of the shutdown last year, COVID birthed over 100k new bookkeepers by means of online programs that claim to teach them everything they need to know in just a few short videos and then promise them that with certification, they’ll be recognized as top of the bookkeeping food chain and the biggest, best clients will want them. The problem is that many companies do recognize these programs and refuse to work with them. 

Good Morning!  My employment career was in accounting working under CPAs in industry or business as Staff Accountant and Bookkeeper.  My most recent work was with a CPA firm where I worked directly with many clients in cleaning up their books for tax prep and reporting to banks, borrowing, etc.  Several years ago, my husband and I started a business based around his service skills; I took care of the business setup and accounting, and even the taxes.  Others asked me to help with their books along the way.  So when the opportunity arose to be more involved in our own business, I left the CPA firm.  Since then my services are often requested.  Much of what I needed to know about accounting for this venture was already in place.  The business admin part did surprise me at times, but that was not difficult to figure out. I do continue to keep my eyes and ears open to the new tax laws and the newest technology that helps business report finances.  Continuous learning is key to growth in business.   Currently, I'm focusing on profit ideas & methods so as business owners we can keep more of it.

I have provided bookkeeping services for over 32 years. But the industry is dramatically changing, and I see a future offering advisory services alongside Value+ packages/pricing for the business owner. This will allow owners to truly understand what they are getting and how to utilize the services of a Certified Cash Flow Strategist for their businesses.

Just graduated Bookkeepr launch. Going after Service businesses

I signed up for Bookkeeper Launch last year. Opened my business in October. I am certified with both Quickbooks and Xero for bookkeeping software.

I should clarify my original comment about purchasing Robin's course or similar.  When I took the course, I had a 4-year accounting degree as well as a second business degree and worked in corporate America for 20+ years in various accounting roles.  I took the course to learn the business side of running a bookkeeping practice.  So, yes you need to have a strong understanding of accounting principles to competently run and manage a bookkeeping practice, and this is something you will not get from a mini course.  That said, anyone with a business degree and 12 hours of accounting is probably in a good position to take a course like Robin's and be able to competently run a business as long as they are committed to researching topics when they're not sure of the best bookkeeping practice for one-off scenarios.  I partner with a CPA, so I also have that resource in my toolbox for any questions I have, and I also have more than one mentor who has been in the business and knows what they're doing.  The course is just a launching pad, but it's a good way to get started and saves you from spinning your wheels trying to vet things like technology stacks, sales  strategy, and pricing models.  

I have been a bookkeeper/accountant for over 15 years now and I agree with Nancy - it will not happen overnight and you will encounter situations that are not "run of the mill" or standard. 
There are many businesses that have a very simple business model that will be smooth sailing and there will be businesses that will challenge the most skilled. It is really important to have practical work experience under your belt and find a good mentor and join as many forums and support groups that you can.
I can't tell you how many client books that I have had to "clean-up" for an inexperienced bookkeeper or business owner that created a nightmare for themselves.

Working for another bookkeeper or CPA is great advice and there are many free training and instructional videos.

I took a bookkeeping course with Kristin Ingram, it's specifically geared toward moms with little kids. Kristin is an experienced CPA, online business owner and a mom. She doesn't only teach bookkeeping but also about business mindset, productivity and time management with kids. Also provides weekly coaching calls and all the tech stuff to run a bookkeeping business. She also has a podcast called the Small Biz mama.

 I really enjoyed her class and I think her's is the most affordable class I could find. I have a bachelors in business but have not worked since I had kids. Taking Kristin's class and meeting other moms who are in the same boat as me really helped me gain the confidence I needed to start my business.