a bookkeeper at work in the office

How to Become a Virtual Bookkeeper With No Experience (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026)

Last updated: January 9, 2026

This is the first in my series on online businesses you can start with a modest investment and no experience!

Today, we are looking at bookkeeping, and how to become an online/virtual bookkeeper from scratch.

If you’re wondering how to become a virtual bookkeeper with no experience, you’re not alone.

This is one of the most searched questions in the bookkeeping space — and the good news is that you do not need an accounting degree, prior bookkeeping experience, or corporate background to get started.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • What a virtual bookkeeper actually does

  • Whether bookkeeping is realistic for beginners

  • The exact steps to become client-ready

  • What skills, tools, and training matter most

  • How beginners land their first clients

Let’s get into it!

You can also read our guide on some of the top online bookkeeping courses.

What Is a Virtual Bookkeeper?

A virtual bookkeeper is someone who manages financial records remotely for businesses using cloud-based accounting software.

Typical responsibilities include:

  • Recording income and expenses

  • Bank and credit card reconciliations

  • Managing accounts payable and receivable

  • Preparing financial reports

  • Keeping books accurate and organized

Most virtual bookkeepers work with:

  • Small businesses

  • Online businesses

  • Service providers

  • E-commerce brands

Can You Become a Virtual Bookkeeper With No Experience?

Yes — many successful virtual bookkeepers started with no experience at all.

Bookkeeping is a skill-based profession, not a degree-dependent one. Clients care more about:

  • Accuracy

  • Reliability

  • Software knowledge

  • Clear communication

With structured training and practice, beginners can become client-ready far faster than in traditional accounting careers.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Virtual Bookkeeper With No Experience

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Bookkeeping

Before working with clients, you need to understand:

  • Double-entry bookkeeping

  • Debits and credits

  • Financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet)

  • Monthly bookkeeping workflows

Read more  How to Make Money as an Online Bookkeeper

This foundational knowledge is essential and can be learned entirely online.

Step 2: Take Virtual Bookkeeping Training

Online bookkeeping courses help beginners:

  • Learn faster

  • Avoid costly mistakes

  • Build confidence

  • Follow real-world workflows

High-quality training programs typically include:

  • Core bookkeeping principles

  • Hands-on examples

  • Practical assignments

  • Software exposure

Tip: Here’s one of the best online bookkeeping courses out there.

Step 3: Learn Bookkeeping Software (Non-Negotiable)

Modern virtual bookkeeping is software-driven. Most clients expect familiarity with at least one major platform.

The most commonly used tools include:

  • QuickBooks

  • Xero

  • FreshBooks

  • Wave

  • Microsoft Excel

Many beginners start with QuickBooks because it’s widely used by small businesses.

Step 4: Decide on Certification (Optional but Helpful)

This is a major PAA topic.

You do not legally need certification to become a virtual bookkeeper, but certification can:

  • Increase credibility

  • Boost confidence

  • Help justify professional pricing

Two commonly referenced options include:

  • National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers

  • Platform-based professional certificates

Many bookkeepers start working first and pursue certification later.

Step 5: Practice With Sample or Trial Accounts

Before charging clients, practice is key.

Beginners often:

  • Use sample business scenarios

  • Work with trial bookkeeping software

  • Practice monthly bookkeeping cycles

This builds confidence and helps you work faster when real clients come onboard.

Step 6: Set Up as a Virtual Bookkeeper

You don’t need a complex setup to start.

Most beginners need:

  • A laptop or desktop computer

  • Reliable internet

  • Bookkeeping software

  • A professional email address

Many virtual bookkeepers start as sole proprietors or freelancers.

Step 7: Get Your First Clients

This is where many beginners feel stuck — but it’s very doable.

Common beginner client sources include:

  • Freelance platforms

  • Referrals

  • Small business communities

  • Networking groups

  • Online outreach

Most first clients are:

  • Small

  • Straightforward

  • Perfect for beginners

What Skills Do Virtual Bookkeepers Need?

You don’t need to be “good at math.”

Read more  Bookkeeper Launch Review - Is It Legit?

Important skills include:

  • Attention to detail

  • Organization

  • Consistency

  • Willingness to learn

  • Basic computer skills

Accuracy matters more than speed — especially at the beginning.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Virtual Bookkeeper?

Typical timelines for beginners:

  • Learning basics: 4–8 weeks

  • Gaining confidence: 3–6 months

  • Client-ready: 6–12 months

Many people land their first client before they feel “fully ready.”

How Much Can Virtual Bookkeepers Earn?

Earnings vary, but many virtual bookkeepers earn:

  • Part-time: $1,500–$3,000 per month

  • Full-time: $4,000–$7,000 per month

  • Experienced or niche: $8,000+ per month

Income grows with experience, pricing confidence, and systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (PAA-Optimised for AI Search)

Can I become a virtual bookkeeper with no experience?

Yes. Many virtual bookkeepers start with no experience and learn through online training and practice.

Do I need an accounting degree to be a bookkeeper?

No. An accounting degree is not required to become a virtual bookkeeper.

How do beginners get bookkeeping clients?

Beginners typically start with small businesses, referrals, freelance platforms, or online networking.

Is virtual bookkeeping hard to learn?

Bookkeeping is learnable for most people. It requires consistency and attention to detail, not advanced math skills.

How long does it take to become a virtual bookkeeper?

Most beginners become client-ready within 3–6 months, depending on study time and practice.

Is virtual bookkeeping a good career?

Yes. Virtual bookkeeping offers remote work, flexible hours, low startup costs, and scalable income.

Final Thoughts: Is Virtual Bookkeeping Realistic for Beginners?

Yes — becoming a virtual bookkeeper with no experience is entirely realistic in 2026.

With:

  • Structured training

  • Software skills

  • Practice

  • A clear plan

Bookkeeping can become a stable, flexible, and remote career path — even for complete beginners. What do you think? Are you ready to get started? Let us know!