Being a bookkeeper may be one of the most time-consuming jobs in any company.
It takes a certain type of person to handle the responsibilities that come with the role.
However, while online bookkeeping jobs are plenty, competition is now tough as everybody is eager to work online.
So how do you stand out from the crowd? We’ve listed several ways below to help you out.
Know What Your Client Needs
Bookkeeping entails a lot of work.
Besides processing receipts, it also involves reconciling sales and purchase ledgers, preparing VAT returns, and creating monthly reports.
Yet, all these tasks don’t always provide you with an insight as to what your client needs.
So, start asking the right questions.
It will give you an idea of what their business goals are, how you can help achieve them, as well as areas where they require support.
Put a Lot of Thought Into Your Suggestions
Once you understand your client’s pain points, you can then create plans that specifically target their issues.
For example, your client may be having trouble managing their cash flow.
Having you on board to keep track of the finer details of the bookkeeping process gives them a more accurate view of how their business is doing – allowing them to be more secure in achieving opportunities as they come.
This way, you get to prove your value as a bookkeeper – by giving the client your money’s worth (and then some).
Optimize Your Processes
There are standard procedures at work may no longer be the most effective way of doing things.
Thus, if you want to be more efficient, you need to regularly evaluate your bookkeeping process.
Ask yourself if there’s a better, faster way to achieve the same results. Experiment, and then evaluate.
It also helps to figure out systems or templates for getting tasks done ahead of time.
Learn Transferable Skills
Master transferable skills to add value to yourself.
Of course, you can hone other essential bookkeeping or accounting competencies as well.
However, having a wide range of skills also expands your career options.
For example, if you can provide administrative support on top of your bookkeeping tasks, then you can probably apply for virtual assistant jobs.
Or, say, you have a passion for writing. Then, you can combine the two and look for online writing jobs for bookkeeping services or website content.
Whatever your interests are, don’t limit yourself, and always look for opportunities to grow.
Don’t Be Afraid of Technology
Almost everyone says that AI will replace most jobs.
While there may be some truth to this statement, you really shouldn’t panic.
AI won’t entirely replace humans but can make jobs easier and faster (which is, again, part of your goal to optimize).
It’s best to think of AI (and any technology for that matter) as a tool, rather than an enemy.
For example, AI lets you easily automate your bookkeeping tasks without having to manually input huge numbers.
The key is knowing how to use it to get more done better and faster.
Becoming a Sought-After Online Bookkeeper
Adding value to yourself requires commitment and grit.
You need to continuously expand your knowledge and skill set to put yourself a step ahead of others.
However, being a sought-after bookkeeper pays off because it can always land you a job elsewhere.
Ready to start your online career as a sought-after bookkeeper? Head on to Remote Staff’s job listings. It’s always updated and has bookkeeping roles in several industries.
Register now!