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How to Become A Bookkeeper Assistant

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What is a Bookkeeper Assistant

A Bookkeeper Assistant is a great way to kick-start a career in finance and accounting. In this role, you help a business keep its financial records in order. You enter data, process invoices, and reconcile accounts. It’s an ideal fit if you love numbers and want hands-on experience in the finance world.

Day to day, you’ll use software such as MYOB or Xero to track transactions. You’ll also manage accounts payable and receivable, help prepare financial reports, and support payroll tasks. These duties give you a solid grounding in how a business manages its money.

You’ll work closely with accountants and finance teams, picking up skills from experienced professionals. Liaising with clients and suppliers is also part of the job, so good communication goes a long way. Many roles offer part-time or flexible hours, making this a great option for students and career changers alike.

Starting as a Bookkeeper Assistant opens doors to roles such as Bookkeeper, Accounts Officer, or even Accountant over time. With the right qualifications and some experience, career progression in the finance sector is very achievable. It’s a rewarding path for anyone who enjoys order, accuracy, and the satisfaction of balanced books.

Career Outlook for Bookkeeper Assistant

The bookkeeping field offers a stable and steady future for Bookkeeper Assistants in Australia. Around 90,100 people work as bookkeepers nationally, with future demand rated as stable (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The median age in this field is 52, and 89% of workers are female. This shows the career has long been a strong choice for women at all stages of working life.

Bookkeeper Assistants typically work between 20 and 40 hours a week. Many roles are available on a part-time or casual basis, with around 40% of bookkeepers in full-time work (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This flexibility suits people who want to balance work with study or family. As small businesses keep growing across Australia, the need for bookkeeping support is expected to remain strong.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Bookkeeper Assistant

Step 1: Build a Strong Foundation in Secondary Education

Focus on maths, business studies, and computer skills during secondary school. These subjects build the numeracy and data skills you will need in bookkeeping. A Year 10 completion is the minimum starting point for most VET pathways in accounting and bookkeeping.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30122)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Accounts Administration (FNS30122) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification takes around 6 to 12 months full-time and covers core bookkeeping tasks, payroll support, and accounting software use. It is the ideal starting qualification for an entry-level Bookkeeper Assistant role.

Step 3: Complete a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222)

Complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222) at a TAFE or RTO, available online or face-to-face. This takes 12 to 18 months and covers financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, and business activity statements (BAS). This qualification also meets the education requirements for BAS agent registration with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience in an Entry-Level Role

Apply for entry-level positions in accounting firms, small businesses, or corporate finance teams. Practical experience lets you apply skills in MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks and learn real bookkeeping workflows. Aim for at least 12 months of experience to build your confidence and job-readiness.

Step 5: Register as a BAS Agent if Providing BAS Services

If you plan to provide BAS services for a fee, you must register with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). To qualify, you need a relevant qualification and a TPB-approved course in GST/BAS principles. You also need at least 1,400 hours of relevant bookkeeping experience. Check current requirements at tpb.gov.au.

Step 6: Join a Professional Body

Consider membership with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) or the Association of Certified Bookkeepers (CBK). Membership provides professional recognition, ongoing training, and access to industry resources. It can also help you meet continuing professional education requirements for BAS agent registration renewal.

What does a Bookkeeper Assistant do?

A Bookkeeper Assistant is right in the middle of a business’s daily financial activity. They enter transactions into accounting software, process invoices, reconcile bank statements, and help with payroll. They also prepare financial reports and track expenses, keeping everything organised and accurate. Communication is key too, as they deal with clients and suppliers to sort out financial queries. It’s a hands-on role that gives real insight into how businesses manage money.

Tasks

A Bookkeeper Assistant supports the financial health of a business through a variety of day-to-day tasks. If you enjoy working with numbers and keeping things in order, this role delivers real variety and practical finance experience.

  • Data Entry – entering financial transactions into accounting software to keep records accurate and current.
  • Bank Reconciliation – comparing bank statements with internal records and fixing any differences found.
  • Accounts Payable – processing invoices and making sure suppliers get paid on time.
  • Accounts Receivable – tracking incoming payments and chasing up overdue invoices.
  • Payroll Support – helping prepare and process employee pay each pay cycle.
  • Financial Reporting – helping produce monthly financial reports and summaries for the team.
  • Filing and Organising – keeping financial records tidy and easy to find when needed.
  • Client Communication – working with clients, suppliers, and internal teams on financial questions.
  • Audit Support – providing documents and records to help the team during audits.
  • Software Use – using accounting tools such as MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks every day.

Skills for Success

To do well as a Bookkeeper Assistant, you need a good mix of technical skills and personal qualities. Confidence with software such as MYOB or Xero is a must. You’ll use it every day to manage financial records. A basic grasp of accounting concepts, like debits and credits, will also help you stay on top of the numbers.

Strong attention to detail is key because small mistakes in financial data can cause big problems later. You’ll need good time management skills to handle tasks like payroll, invoicing, and bank reconciliation at the same time. Being a clear communicator helps too, as you’ll deal with clients, suppliers, and your team regularly. A positive attitude and a commitment to keeping data private will set you apart. These qualities make a great Bookkeeper Assistant.

Skills & Attributes

  • Attention to detail
  • Numeracy and basic maths
  • Proficiency in accounting software (e.g. MYOB, Xero)
  • Organisational skills
  • Time management
  • Understanding of basic accounting principles
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Ability to work in a team and independently
  • Adaptability to new software and systems
  • Discretion and integrity with confidential data
  • Customer service awareness

Average Salaries

A Bookkeeper Assistant in Australia typically earns between $55,000 and $75,000 a year. The average for an entry-level bookkeeping role is around $65,000 a year (ICB, 2024). Pay rises with experience, added qualifications, and greater responsibility.

min $55 K

max $75 K

av $65 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.