bookkeepers

[jim s]

I just join this association to become a certified bookkeeper, but I have to purchase, study and take a test to become certified, I'm in the market for second hand books to see if I wish to continue this adventure my address is jj_silvestro@lycos.com, if anyone wishes to part with some second hand books, I wood be grateful for this...jim s

[AZ-Tax]

What is the name of this Assoc.?

Jim, what is the name of this certified bookeeping assoc? Can you disclose a website link?

[Matt Sova]

Fake license

So you join an association, pay them money, take a test administered by them to call yourself a certified bookkeeper? Why not just state you are a certified bookkeeper and call it a day?

As far as I am concerned EA, CPA and Tax Attorney are the only designations that should be allowed in our industry. Some association decides to come up with "certified bookkeeper" probably with the idea that it is kind of like "Certified Public Accountant" except there is no oversight, no regulations and no education.

Good luck in duping the public into believing that you are something you are not.

[taxmandan]

Bookkeeper credentials can be valid

AIPB is a very well run national association that has a certification process that validates knowledge in the bookkeeping field. I don't know if that's the association the OP is referring to or not, but I find value in their certification. It at least shows that the person knows more about bookkeeping than how to open QB. Unfortunately, it's my experience that biz owners don't really care about that kind of stuff, they just want the cheapest bookkeeper they can find.

[gkaiseril]

The Other EA

Some accounting and tax tasks can not be done by the CPA, EA, Tax Attorney. They require the certification of the FSA, and they can also be enrolled to practice before the IRS and as such are subject to circular 230.

[BOB W]

I say, anything that gives you an education is always better that none. I have never found anyone that calls themselves a bookkeeper really useful. Take some college accounting credits, say about 20- 30, then you can call yourself a bookkeeper.

[taxxcpa]

Certified by whom?

Most of these so-called certifications are given by some organization that has no official standing. There is an official, legally-recognized standing for a CPA or EA, but 'Accredited' or 'certified' designations by private organizations are just gimmicks to imply expertise.
You can probably call yourself a certified bookkeeper whether you take a course or not--just certify yourself--unless that designation has been registered and restricted to some private organization.

[geekgirldany]

Go to your local community college or technical college. I go about every two years and retake their accounting classes. Its a good way to stay up on the accounting procedures that you may not use all the time. I believe the last time it cost me $400

[jim s]

Bookkeepers

Jim, what is the name of this certified bookkeepers assoc? Can you disclose a website link?

the name of the association AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) I find that the books are rather expensive just to pass the text to be certified

[snowbird]

I would believe that the Quickbooks Pro-Advisor certification would be the most useful. This would demonstrate a know of both accounting and software.

[Snaggletooth]

God Complex

As far as I am concerned EA, CPA and Tax Attorney are the only designations that should be allowed in our industry.

Sova, you are an absolute dork. And you wonder why some people feel CPAs look down their nose at everyone else??

I'll go beyond name-calling. If you have a CPA practice, how many times have wished for an assistant who could help you do write-up work, or someone who even without knowing debits and credits could at least keep legible payroll journals or simply enter data into a spreadsheet? It is not unusual for my CPA friends to have to go through five people to find a good one! We all have fallen into the trap of being suckered by a slick resume, only to find out the substance does not match the image.

There is a need in our circles for all kinds of people at all levels of training and expertise. My air conditioning broke down last August. The guy who fixed it could barely read or write. The guy who stands beside the piano and turns the page for the lady playing might not be "macho" enough for Miller time, but I'll bet she's glad to have him around.

Brad will probably delete this, as I can appreciate not allowing name-calling on the board. But maybe you will read this before he gets around to it.

BTW, if I get back to Michigan this summer, I'll look you up and we can have our own "Miller time."

[Black Bart]

Snag's right, Sova.

...Good luck in duping the public into believing that you are something you are not.

Your response is a bit much. Read the original post -- the guy's simply trying to buy some used books. He wants some kind of certification to better himself. What's wrong with that? And how do you know AIPB is no good?

The search for second-hand books and a shoestring budget does not indicate he's out to "dupe the public" on a grand scale, but rather that he does not have the time, training, or money to take your advice and either become a (pick one) CPA/ EA/ lawyer or get out of Dodge. He's trying to make a little money doing a little bookkeeping "on the side," not take over accounting at General Motors.

That was a cheap shot. You owe Jim an apology.

[MariaR08]

So you join an association, pay them money, take a test administered by them to call yourself a certified bookkeeper? Why not just state you are a certified bookkeeper and call it a day?

As far as I am concerned EA, CPA and Tax Attorney are the only designations that should be allowed in our industry. Some association decides to come up with "certified bookkeeper" probably with the idea that it is kind of like "Certified Public Accountant" except there is no oversight, no regulations and no education.

Good luck in duping the public into believing that you are something you are not.

Just to throw my two cents in... but a knowledgeable and experienced CRTP can prepare a tax return just as good, if not better, than an EA.

So, in my opinion, add the designation of CRTP to the list

~maria

[DaveO]

I'm with geekgirldany on this. Check out your local community college and try to take courses online. Computer training, Quickbooks, Accounting, Business Law and other courses are available online and will all add to your knowledge.

[JCH]

Just to throw my two cents in... but a knowledgeable and experienced CRTP can prepare a tax return just as good, if not better, than an EA.

So, in my opinion, add the designation of CRTP to the list

~maria

I'm not familiar with the designation CRTP. What is it, and what's required to get the designation?