To become a bookkeeper, learn the basics of recording income and expenses, learn a bookkeeping software like QuickBooks, practice with sample companies, and then get experience through an entry-level role, volunteering or small clients. Many bookkeepers start without a degree. Our 12-hour QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials class is a practical first step, online or in person.
What a bookkeeper does
A bookkeeper keeps a business's financial records accurate and up to date. Day to day, that can include:
- Recording sales and creating invoices
- Entering bills and tracking what the business owes
- Recording payments in and out
- Reconciling bank and credit card accounts each month
- Running reports like the profit and loss statement and balance sheet
- Keeping receipts and records organized for the owner and the tax preparer
It suits people who like order, details and steady routines.
Step 1: Learn the basic ideas
You do not need advanced math. You do need to understand a few ideas: income versus expenses, what the business owns versus what it owes, and why every transaction needs to land in the right category. Learn what a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet show. These basics make software much easier to learn.
Step 2: Learn QuickBooks hands-on
Many small businesses use QuickBooks, so it is a smart place to start. Focus on the everyday workflow: setting up a company, adding customers and vendors, creating invoices, entering bills, recording payments, reconciling the bank account and running reports. That is exactly what our QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials class covers.
Step 3: Practice until it feels routine
Bookkeeping is a skill built by repetition. Practice a full month for a pretend business: invoices out, bills in, payments, then a reconciliation and reports. Repeat until you can do it without notes. Accuracy matters more than speed.
Step 4: Get real experience
- Apply for entry-level roles like accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk or office assistant with bookkeeping duties.
- Offer to help a small nonprofit, church or community group with their records.
- Help a family member or friend with a small business, with clear boundaries and written agreements.
Put the skills on your resume with specific tasks, like "reconciled monthly bank statements in QuickBooks."
Step 5: Consider a certification later
A credential can help you stand out. QuickBooks Certified User exam prep is part of our Industry Certifications launching in 2027, taught by certified partner instructors. Join the interest list on our enroll page. Strong Excel skills help too; see our Excel & Office class.
Class details
- Class: QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials, 12 hours total.
- Evening cohort: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 to 9:00 PM Pacific, November 30 to December 9, 2026.
- Saturday cohort: January 23 and 30, 2027, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific.
- Format: in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Price: $297.
- What you get: hands-on practice with company setup, customers and vendors, invoices, bills, payments, bank reconciliation, the profit and loss statement, the balance sheet and other reports.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the QuickBooks Bookkeeping Essentials pay link or see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Not sure yet? Join our free Info Session & Orientation, online every Monday from 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific. Register on the enroll page to get the link.
FAQ
Do I need a degree to become a bookkeeper?
Many bookkeepers start without a degree. Employers care most that you understand the basics, know the software and work accurately.
Is bookkeeping a good career change?
It can be a good fit if you like detail and structure. It is also flexible, since many businesses need help and some bookkeepers later work for themselves.
Can the county pay my tuition?
Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county. For now, tuition is $297.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076.