Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers
(NOC 1311)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationAccounting technicians and bookkeepers maintain complete sets of books, keep records of accounts, verify the procedures used for recording financial transactions, and provide personal bookkeeping services. They work throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 40% of Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,881. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$20.00
Median$26.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$3,790
Minimum$24,895
Median$54,509
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$27.85
Median$38.46
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Accounting technicians and bookkeepers maintain complete sets of books, keep records of accounts, verify the procedures used for recording financial transactions, and provide personal bookkeeping services. They work throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Accounting technicians and bookkeepers:
- Keep financial records and create, maintain and balance accounts using manual and computerized bookkeeping systems.
- Post journal entries and reconcile accounts, prepare trial balance of books, maintain general ledgers and prepare financial statements.
- Calculate and prepare cheques for payrolls and for utility, tax and other bills.
- Complete and submit tax remittance forms, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms and other government documents.
- Prepare tax returns and perform other personal bookkeeping services.
- Prepare other statistical, financial and accounting reports.
Sample job titles
- accounting bookkeeper
- accounting technician
- bookkeeper
- bookkeeping clerk
- budget officer
- finance officer
- finance technician
- senior bookkeeper
Skills
You need good mathematical skills and your work must be accurate. Good interpersonal and communication skills are important. Knowledge around manual and computerized accounting systems and software programs is needed. You should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A college program in accounting, bookkeeping or a related field or completion of two years (first level) of a recognized professional accounting program (e.g., Chartered Accounting, Certified General Accounting) or courses in accounting or bookkeeping combined with several years of experience as a financial or accounting clerk are required.
Other considerations
Bookkeepers should be prepared to keep abreast of changing practices and technology. Movement to professional accounting jobs is possible with additional training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Health care and social assistance
Construction
Retail trade
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
65+
35-44
15-24
25-34
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$25,314 median annual incomeHigh school
$20,227 median annual incomeBachelor
$35,138 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$24,659 median annual incomeLess than high school
$13,978 median annual incomeCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Accounting technology/technician and bookkeeping
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. These programs include courses in posting transactions to accounts, record-keeping systems, accounting software operation, and general accounting principles and practices.
Institutions providing this program
800 Sackville Drive
Lower Sackville, NS B4E 1R8
(902) 463-6700
6960 Mumford Road, Suite 155-1st Floor Mumford Professional Centre
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
(902) 455-3395
222 George Street, Suite C
Sydney, NS B1P 1J3
(866) 446-5898
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Finance - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyse the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. These programs include courses in principles of accounting; financial instruments; capital planning; funds acquisition; asset and debt management; budgeting; financial analysis; and investments and portfolio management.
Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
Human resources management and services - Other
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Human Resources Management and Services.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
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There are currently no job postings for this occupation.