Remote Bookkeeping Jobs Guide

Did you know that nearly one in four small U.S. businesses now hire external finance help for ongoing monthly records? That shift means more steady, legitimate opportunities for people who want flexible work in accounting and bookkeeping.

This guide is your practical, U.S.-focused roadmap to finding legit remote bookkeeping positions and knowing exactly what you’ll do once hired. You’ll learn day-to-day duties like bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, reporting, month-end close, and payroll support.

It’s written for beginners, career changers, and experienced bookkeepers who want remote or hybrid options without guesswork. We’ll show where openings appear, what tools employers expect (QuickBooks, Xero, Excel/Google Sheets), and how hiring teams screen candidates.

Quick promise: start with trusted job sources, match your skills, then tighten your resume and application checklist. You don’t always need a degree—but you do need clear proof of skills, strong process habits, and trustworthy handling of client records.

Key Takeaways

• This guide maps legit U.S. openings and typical role duties.
• Expect recurring monthly work, not one-off data entry.
• Key tools: QuickBooks, Xero, Excel, and good organization.
• No degree required in many roles—show skills and discipline.
• We cover salary ranges, certifications, scams, and resume tips.

Remote Bookkeeping Jobs: Where To Find Legit Openings In The U.S.

Find legitimate openings by focusing on trusted platforms and verified company pages. Start broad, then narrow with filters and employer checks so you spend time on real leads—not scams.

Best Job Boards and Marketplaces

Where to search now: Upwork, FlexJobs, Remote.co, LinkedIn, and targeted accounting firm career pages.

Use LinkedIn filters: set Location to Remote/Hybrid, search titles like Bookkeeper or QuickBooks Online, and sort by recent. Favor listings that name the company, list pay or range, and show clear tasks.

Staffing and Recruiting Firms

Robert Half and similar firms post contract, temp-to-hire, and permanent roles. Contract roles move fast and suit flexible schedules. Temp-to-hire can lead to benefits. Permanent work often has clearer pay and stability.

Company Career Pages and Firm Opportunities

Check accounting firm career pages for client-facing roles that repeat month-end workflows. These postings often require AP/AR, reconciliations, payroll, and QuickBooks experience.

Fastest path to legit openings

• Start with known platforms (Upwork for contracts; FlexJobs/Remote.co for vetted listings).
• Verify the employer: company website, LinkedIn profile, and Glassdoor reviews.
• Apply with role-specific keywords (AP, AR, reconciliations, QuickBooks).

Legit-opening checklist: clear responsibilities, realistic pay, formal interview steps, and no requests for sensitive data up front.

Do this today: pick 2–3 sources, set job alerts, and tailor applications to whether the role is contract, permanent, part-time, or full-time.

What Remote Bookkeeping Involves Day To Day

A typical workday centers on transactions, reconciliations, and clear client updates that prevent surprises at month end.

Bank and Credit Card Reconciliations

You match bank and credit card entries to the client’s records, clear differences, and document exceptions. This ties out balances so the month-end close goes smoothly.

Accounts Payable and Vendor Management

Managing accounts payable means logging invoices, routing approvals, and scheduling payments. You also answer vendor questions and keep vendor files tidy for audits and 1099 workflows.

Accounts Receivable, Invoicing, and Collections

Send invoices, apply customer payments, and post credits or adjustments. Follow up on past-due accounts with professional messages that protect client relationships.

General Ledger Maintenance and Journal Entries

Keep the general ledger clean by posting journal entries, correcting mis-postings, and recording accruals. A tidy chart of accounts saves hours during reconciliations.

Financial Reporting and Client Updates

Prepare simple reports—P&L, balance sheet, and short cash notes—and translate numbers into a one-paragraph update. Clients want clear statements, not jargon.

Month-end Close Support and Closing Checklists

Use a repeatable checklist: reconcile, review, adjust, lock accounts, and deliver reports. Document every step so your financial records stay consistent across months.

Payroll Support and Basic Compliance Tasks

Support payroll runs, coordinate with payroll providers, and help with basic compliance items like filing reminders and record retention. Escalate tax or complex filings to specialists when needed.

Weekly rhythm (example):

• Monday: clear bank items and handle urgent vendor invoices.
• Wednesday: process customer payments and catch up AR follow-ups.
• Friday: update the general ledger, run reports, and note items for month-end.

Common Remote Bookkeeper Roles And Work Arrangements

You’ll encounter a few common position types that shape how much time you spend on client work and what level of ownership you’ll hold.

Part-Time, Contract, and Temp-to-Hire

Companies hire part-time or contract staff to cover gaps, clean up records, or complete short projects. Typical contracts run 3–4 months, and temp-to-hire roles can turn permanent after a trial.

Long-term contracts usually mean steady weekly hours, clear deliverables, and an expectation you can start with minimal training.

Full-Charge Bookkeeper Responsibilities

Full-charge roles own the full cycle: AP/AR, reconciliations, journal entries, reporting, close, and payroll coordination. These positions pay more—often in the $90K–$110K range—and require independence and leadership.

Hybrid Versus Fully Remote Expectations

Hybrid often means some in-office days for team or client meetings; fully remote roles rarely require office visits. Confirm expectations before you accept an offer.

Ask in interviews: required in-office days, core hours, client meeting cadence, and who signs off on final statements. If you’re changing careers, start with part-time or contract to build experience and move into a larger role later.

Choose your lane: pick part-time if you need schedule flexibility, contract if you want fast starts, or full-charge if you prefer owning processes and higher pay.

Required Skills Employers Look For In Remote Bookkeepers

Employers screen for clear evidence you can keep financial records accurate, organized, and secure.

QuickBooks Online and Xero proficiency

Hiring managers expect hands-on ability: reconciliations, bank feeds, rules, reporting, and fixing mis-categorizations without breaking the file.

Note: QuickBooks Live roles often require 3+ years paid experience, an active QuickBooks Online Level 1 certification, and professional video communication.

Attention to Detail, Accuracy, and Deadline Management

Prove accuracy with clean reconciliations, few adjusting entries, and consistent on-time month-end closes.

Organization, Documentation, and Process Discipline

Use checklists, workpapers, and clear notes so anyone can follow your trail. Good documentation reduces rework and supports audits.

Confidentiality, Data Security, and Client Trust

Show safe handling of banking access, payroll files, and client documents. Trust is a required skill, not a nice-to-have.

Excel and Google Sheets for Reporting and Cleanup

Spreadsheets power tie-outs, variance checks, and cleanup workpapers. Include sample templates in your portfolio.

Communication Skills and Ability to Work Independently

Remote teams value concise written updates, proactive issue flags, and the judgment to ask smart questions early.

Quick self-check: Do you have live files you can show, a certification, tidy reconciliation samples, and a short note template for clients? If not, add one item to your learning plan this week.

Software And Tools Used In Remote Bookkeeping

The best toolset balances employer expectations with what you can reasonably learn on the job.

Accounting Platforms

QuickBooks Online is the industry standard for many small to mid-size U.S. firms. Expect daily reconciliations, bank-feed cleanups, and report generation.

Xero is common with tech-forward companies and firms that like clean bank rules and collaborative client access. Employers often expect invoice workflows and simple multi-currency handling.

Wave fits very small businesses and solopreneurs. It’s lighter on features but useful for basic accounts, invoices, and simple financial reports.

Payables and Spend Tools

Bill.com handles AP workflows: invoice capture, approval routing, and syncing to the general ledger. It creates an audit trail that managers value.

Expensify covers employee expenses and receipts. It posts expense data into the accounting platform, matches cards, and supports receipt attachments and policy controls.

Spreadsheets for Reconciliations and Work Papers

Excel remains essential for tie-outs, variance analysis, pivot tables, and transaction testing. Use spreadsheets to prepare clean workpapers you can attach to client reports.

• Integration patterns: bank feeds flow into QBO/Xero; Bill.com and Expensify sync expenses to the GL; invoices push into AR.
• Tool flexibility: learn core accounting logic—if you know accounts and processes, you can switch stacks faster.
• Resume tip: list tools plus what you did (e.g., “QuickBooks Online — reconciled 10 bank accounts monthly; Bill.com — managed AP approvals”).

Tool learning path: start with QuickBooks Online and Excel, then add Bill.com and Expensify for AP/expense support, and finally explore Xero or Wave as needed.

QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Roles: Requirements And What To Expect

A QuickBooks Live role blends structured client workflows with daily live support and set schedule windows. You’ll work from a private office, use company tools, and follow a tight process for month-end deliveries.

Minimum Qualifications From Intuit

Baseline: three or more years of paid small business bookkeeping experience and active QuickBooks Online Level 1 certification at start. Intuit also expects strong customer service and comfort with video interactions.

Client Communication Via Video, Messaging, And Portals

Your day includes scheduled video sessions, messaging threads, and updates in a client portal. Clear written notes and tidy reports keep work consistent across handoffs.

Set Schedule Windows And Remote Workspace Needs

Schedules run Monday–Friday, typically between 6AM and 6PM. You pick fixed windows and must keep them. A quiet, private office and reliable internet are required to meet client expectations.

Training, Support, And Equipment Provided

Intuit supplies an assigned laptop, VPN access via smartphone, camera, USB headset, and ethernet cable. Training is two weeks—self-led modules plus instructor-led sessions—and ongoing manager check-ins and support follow.

Am I a fit? You should enjoy video contact, follow repeatable processes, and manage multiple clients with tidy notes. Update your certification, refresh QBO reports, and practice explaining bookkeeping choices in plain language to prepare.

Salary Ranges For Remote Bookkeeping Jobs In The United States

Knowing typical pay ranges helps you evaluate offers and target the right roles. Below are clear bands so you can benchmark your experience and decide where to focus your search.

Entry-Level Pay: $45K–$55K

This band fits candidates with basic practical exposure, solid QuickBooks skills, clean reconciliations, and reliable communication. Employers expect you to handle daily tasks with supervision.

Experienced Pay: $55K–$75K

Move into this range by owning month-end close, running AP/AR independently, and producing consistent reports. Your experience reduces review time and adds measurable value.

Senior / CPA Pay: $75K–$100K+

Senior roles or CPAs earn this when they manage multi-entity books, lead cleanups, oversee teams, or partner with tax and finance leadership on strategy.

Hourly Rates In Contract Roles

Hourly rates vary by industry, complexity, and file cleanliness. Examples from listings:

What changes pay: industry (construction vs. nonprofit), payroll needs, and whether you’re full-charge. To negotiate, cite metrics—reconciliations completed, days to close, or error reduction—and compare total comp, not just base pay.

Certifications That Help You Get Hired Faster

Certifications turn vague claims on a resume into verified proof you can do the work. They reduce perceived risk for an employer who cannot see your process in person.

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

Why it helps: fast track for QBO-heavy roles. This cert signals hands-on QuickBooks skills and confidence with client-facing cleanup work.

Certified Bookkeeper (AIPB)

Why it helps: a respected credential for core accounting knowledge and process discipline. It shows you understand ledgers, reconciliations, and standards.

Xero Certification

Why it helps: valuable when firms standardize on Xero or manage multiple clients. It proves platform fluency and practical file management.

• Pick certs based on the role you want, not what sounds impressive.
• List certifications in a dedicated resume section and repeat key ones in your skills summary.
• Certs reduce hiring friction—but pair them with samples, metrics, and references to close the deal.

Simple plan: choose one certification to finish in 30 days, then update LinkedIn and your resume so employers and hiring managers see current proof of your skills and experience.

How To Become A Remote Bookkeeper Without A Degree

No four-year degree is required to start handling financial records if you can prove consistent, accurate work.

Reassurance: employers care about process, proof, and reliability more than diplomas. You can move into this field from other support roles by showing clear results.

Transitioning From Accounts Payable, Clerical, Or Data Entry Roles

If you currently handle invoices, payments, or spreadsheets, you already do bookkeeping outcomes.

Example mappings:

• Invoice routing → accounts payable workflow and vendor management.
• Payment posting → accounts receivable and cash application.
• Spreadsheet tracking → workpapers for reconciliations and month-end.

Online Bookkeeping And Accounting Courses To Build Skills

Choose courses with hands-on files, reconciliations, AP/AR practice, and a month-end simulation.

Focus on debits/credits, reading a P&L, and producing tidy reports. These practical skills translate immediately into entry work and help you pass tests in interviews.

Volunteer Bookkeeping For Nonprofits To Gain Experience

Volunteer roles are low-risk ways to get real experience and references. Robert Half listings often show nonprofits need help with tuition receivables, AP/AR, and reconciliations—tasks you can do as a volunteer.

Starter projects: one month catch-up, categorization cleanup, or a month-end checklist you can hand over.

Document work carefully: use redacted samples, process notes, and a short portfolio that shows reconciliations and before/after results without sharing sensitive data.

Three-step pathway: learn → practice → prove (build a portfolio, get references, then target job applications with specific examples of saved time or cleaner records).

Job Sources To Apply To Right Now

A short, focused application routine beats endless browsing—here’s a plan to act on now.

Upwork — Freelance and Contract Work

Apply with a tight profile, a short service menu (monthly close, reconciliations, cleanup), and quick reply times.

Tip: bid on smaller starter projects to build reviews, then raise your rates once you have client feedback.

FlexJobs and Remote.co — Vetted Listings

These boards reduce scam risk and surface listings from verified employers.

Use filters to find part-time or contract roles and focus on listings that name the company and list pay.

LinkedIn — Hybrid and Listed Roles

Search titles like Bookkeeper, Full-Charge Bookkeeper, or Accounting Specialist and set alerts.

Save postings, follow the hiring manager, and send a concise connection note that highlights your software stack.

Robert Half — Recruiters and Placements

Send a resume, your tools list, and availability. Be clear about office days or remote preference when you speak to a recruiter.

Robert Half posts contract, temp-to-hire, and permanent roles with a wide pay range—treat recruiters as allies in negotiation.

Accounting Firm Career Pages — Steady Client Pipelines

Firm pages often lead to repeatable month-end cycles and formal training. Apply directly for steady client-facing roles.

“Focus on platforms where employers list clear duties and pay—then apply with one tailored pitch per role.”

Tracking tip: keep a simple spreadsheet of listings, status, contact, and follow-up date so nothing slips.

Today: apply to 5 roles, message 2 recruiters, and set 3 alerts to start interviews this week.

Current Job Listing Examples And What They Tell You About Hiring Needs

Real postings show exactly what employers expect—tasks, tools, pay ranges, and the level of independence they want from a remote bookkeeper. The examples below highlight patterns you can mirror on your resume, in your samples, and during interviews.

Part‑Time Contracts With Reconciliations, AP/AR, and Close Support

Many part‑time and contract listings—often from companies like BELAY, Bookminders, Supporting Strategies, Robert Half, and Acuity—combine accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, and month‑end reporting. These roles frequently include invoice processing, GL entries, and clean tie‑outs.

Employers consistently look for:

• QuickBooks Online or similar cloud accounting tools
• Clear communication and organized workpapers
• The ability to complete reconciliations and close tasks with minimal supervision

These roles often pay in the $19–$38/hr range depending on complexity, industry, and whether the work is client‑facing.

Full‑Charge Positions Covering the Full Cycle and Payroll

Full‑charge roles—commonly posted by Intuit (QuickBooks Live), Two Roads, 1‑800Accountant, Pilot, and mid‑sized local firms—expect ownership of the general ledger, payroll coordination, vendor follow‑up, and preparation of financial statements. These positions often require running the full month‑end close and partnering with operations or leadership.

Salaries typically range from $55K–$110K, with higher pay for multi‑entity work, payroll ownership, or CPA‑track responsibilities.

What Employers Expect You To Handle In The First Month

Start your first month by stabilizing the numbers so you can stop firefighting and start improving processes. Employers want clear progress in four areas: tidy accounts, caught-up reconciliations, documented close steps, and steady communication.

Clean Up The Chart Of Accounts And Categorization Rules

Standardize account names, merge duplicates carefully, and set categorization rules. Good documentation here prevents recurring mis-postings and supports accuracy over time.

Catch Up And Reconcile Backlogged Accounts

Begin with bank and credit card accounts. Triage by age and materiality, log every adjustment, and attach receipts to financial records so you leave an audit trail.

Document Processes For Month-End Close And Recurring Tasks

Create a simple close checklist, list recurring entries, and note owner approvals and cadence for AP/AR. Share weekly status updates: done, blocked, and decisions needed.

“Focus on accuracy first—speed follows when records are reliable and processes are repeatable.”

Realistic promise: by month end you should hand over clean records, a repeatable close, and a communication plan that reduces surprises for operations and management. Compliance and audit readiness improve when attachments and approvals are organized from day one.

Resume Tips For Landing Remote Bookkeeping Jobs

Your resume should prove you tidy accounts and meet deadlines—quickly and clearly. Hiring screeners spend seconds on the top of a page. Lead with numbers, show the tools you use, and make it obvious you can manage records without hand-holding.

Lead With Metrics: Accounts Reconciled, Volume, And On-Time Close

Start bullets with results. Quantify routine work so a candidate’s impact reads instantly.

• Reconciled 10 bank/credit accounts monthly with 99% accuracy.
• Reduced month-end close from 10 to 4 days—regularized reports and approvals.
• Processed 150 invoices/week while maintaining high accuracy and vendor relations.

Highlight Software: QuickBooks Online, Xero, Bill.com, Expensify, Excel

List tools in a short, ATS-friendly line: Software: QuickBooks Online; Xero; Bill.com; Expensify; Excel.

Follow with short examples: “Bill.com — managed AP approvals; QBO — reconciled 8 accounts monthly.” That makes your software proficiency searchable and credible.

Show Remote-Ready Skills: Communication, Documentation, And Self-Management

Demonstrate how you work: attach redacted reconciliation samples, link a one-page close checklist, and note async updates you sent to managers.

Resume layout we recommend: summary → tools → core responsibilities → measurable wins → certifications. Tailor language to the posting—mirror terms like AP/AR, reconciliations, month-end close, payroll support, and reports.

“Lead with numbers and tools, then show the systems you follow.”

Application-ready checklist: updated LinkedIn, redacted portfolio samples, two references, and one short systems-cleanup accomplishment ready to cite in interviews.

How To Avoid Remote Bookkeeping Job Scams

Protecting client records and your own data starts with a few simple verification steps. Scammers target candidates who handle money and sensitive accounts, so a short checklist saves time and risk.

Red Flags: Upfront Fees, Vague Company Info, And Urgent Offers

Watch for these clear warnings before you reply or send any paperwork.

• Upfront fees: never pay to get an interview, training, or access to work.
• Vague company identity: no website, no LinkedIn, or few real employees listed.
• Pressure to act fast: urgent offers, secretive steps, or demands for immediate access to accounts.
• Unclear pay or duties: no written scope or mismatched responsibilities.

Verify Employers And Contracts Before Sharing Sensitive Data

Do a quick but thorough check: visit the company site, review LinkedIn pages, and confirm a public office or team members.

Insist on a professional interview and a written contract that defines scope of work, pay terms, who controls access to records, and management sign-off.

Safe Payment And Onboarding Practices For Contractors

Use secure invoicing and request written agreements before you start billing. Never share your Social Security number or personal banking details until the employer and contract are verified.

Protect logins with strong passwords and MFA, use separate work accounts where possible, and treat client data as if it will be audited tomorrow for compliance.

“If it feels rushed, secretive, or too good to be true, pause and verify.”

Final note: legitimate employers expect due diligence and will not penalize you for asking basic questions. Doing this protects your career and the clients you serve, and it preserves the real opportunity when it comes.

Application Checklist For A Faster, Cleaner Hiring Process

Get your application ready so hiring teams see you as a low-risk, ready-to-start candidate. A short, tidy packet saves everyone time and shows you understand client workflows.

Prepare Your Certifications, Portfolio Samples, And References

Gather certificates, a redacted reconciliation sample, a month-end checklist, and 2–3 references who can attest to accuracy and reliability. When redacting, remove names, bank numbers, addresses, and any identifying data but keep column headers, formulas, and totals intact.

Set Up A Secure Home Office And Reliable Internet

Use a quiet private office, a webcam and headset, and a stable connection. Run a speed test and have a backup hotspot plan. Protect client data with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

• Technical readiness: speed test, backup hotspot, and private call plan.
• Process readiness: calendar blocks for close week, a task tracker, and clear documentation habits.
• Communication: be ready for video calls, screen shares, and portal messages with quick replies.

Result: this checklist helps you present as a prepared candidate, speeds interviews, and leads to smoother onboarding and fewer missed opportunities.

Your Path Into Remote Bookkeeping

Breaking into remote bookkeeping works best when you turn what you’ve learned into a simple, focused action plan. Start by choosing the roles that match your current skills—entry‑level bookkeeping, AP/AR support, reconciliations, payroll assistance, or general ledger upkeep. Update your resume with clear examples of accuracy, organization, and reliability, and apply only to verified listings from reputable employers or staffing firms.

Highlight the core duties that matter most in bookkeeping: accounts payable and receivable, bank and credit card reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, reporting, and payroll support. When reviewing offers, compare hourly contract rates with salaried roles across U.S. pay bands, which range from entry‑level positions to senior or CPA‑track opportunities.

Your next step is simple: choose two trusted job sources, refresh your resume with metrics and software tools, and submit your first round of applications. Consistency wins here—track your applications, build one new skill at a time, and keep refining your samples. With steady progress, you’ll position yourself for the right remote bookkeeping role and long‑term growth.