In the accounting industry, bookkeepers are rarely considered professionals. Google defines a professional as an office worker. To give you a better understanding of the characteristics that make professional bookkeepers Adelaide like Darcy Services, I made a comparison of the main elements.
This table gives insight into how professionals are measured and where bookkeepers can transition to become representatives of the profession.
What’s the essence of a professional accountant?
A true professional is more than just meeting these criteria. It’s also being able and willing to adhere to certain standards. Referring to yourself as professional means that you are indicating to clients and yourself that your achievements, industry standards, and continued education have been met.
Many bookkeepers don’t recognize themselves as professionals because they aren’t able to identify with a profession.
Bookkeepers are not professionals in the accounting industry. This perpetuates an image of self-devaluation.
Unfortunately, bookkeepers are not held to the same standards as professionals.
Professional membership organizations are key to raising professional standards and visibility. AICPA is a professional organization that raises standards in the profession.
One common misconception is that social networks, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, can replace professional organizations. These social-communities lack the requirements necessary to be a professional.
Client Perspective Needs Improvement
Too many bookkeepers believe their clients don’t care if the bookkeeper is certified. In reality, it is crucial for a customer to be able to identify a person with a specific profession. It may even be crucial.
This is where perceptions play a major role. Many people believe that the bookkeeping industry does not offer any professional standards. Small businesses don’t know about professional standards in bookkeeping and certification so they don’t look for certified bookkeepers.
One of the most important responsibilities as a professional bookkeeper involves educating clients and potential clients about why they should choose a certified professional bookkeeper, rather than someone who “does their books”. You can earn certification in bookkeeping if you have the skills required to meet industry standards.
Consumers will still have the option to choose who they want, but it will be an informed choice. Like the choice of a doctor from a licensed person or unlicensed, I suspect most people will choose the licensed doctor every single time. They’ll choose the same bookkeeper, certified or not, I believe.
