Bookkeeper role in AEC — architecture engineering construction
AEC Career Library

Bookkeeper: Role Overview, Responsibilities & 2025 Salary Data

Bookkeepers maintain financial records, process transactions, and prepare reports for AEC firms. They record daily financial activities, reconcile accounts, and support month-end processes.

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

Bookkeepers maintain financial records, process transactions, and prepare reports for AEC firms. They record daily financial activities, reconcile accounts, and support month-end processes.

What Does a Bookkeeper Responsible For?

  • Record daily financial transactions
  • Reconcile bank accounts and credit card statements
  • Process accounts payable and receivable
  • Maintain general ledger
  • Prepare financial reports for management
  • Process payroll (in some firms)
  • Support month-end close activities
  • Maintain organized financial records

Bookkeeper Qualifications & Requirements

Technical Skills

  • QuickBooks or similar accounting software
  • Excel and spreadsheet management
  • General ledger maintenance
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Accounts payable/receivable
  • Basic accounting principles
  • 10-key and data entry
  • Document organization

Professional Competencies

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Organizational skills
  • Accuracy and precision
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Reliability

Education & Certifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree in Accounting or certification preferred

Certifications:

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or similar a plus

Preferred Qualifications

  • +3-7 years of bookkeeping experience
  • +Experience with small to mid-sized businesses
  • +AEC or professional services experience beneficial
  • +QuickBooks or similar software proficiency

Bookkeeper Market Outlook

Foundation for Accounting Career

Bookkeepers can advance to staff accountant, senior bookkeeper, or accounting coordinator positions with additional education and experience.

Typical Career Progression:

1
Bookkeeper → Senior Bookkeeper
2
Senior Bookkeeper → Staff Accountant
3
Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant

Sample Job Description Templates

Bookkeeper

Position Overview

Maintain accurate financial records for our architecture and engineering firm. Process daily transactions and support monthly close activities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Record daily financial transactions accurately
  • Reconcile bank and credit card accounts monthly
  • Process accounts payable and receivable
  • Maintain general ledger
  • Prepare monthly financial reports
  • Support month-end close processes
  • Maintain organized filing systems

Requirements

  • High school diploma; Associate degree or bookkeeping certification preferred
  • 3-5 years of bookkeeping experience
  • Strong QuickBooks proficiency
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Professional communication
  • AEC industry experience a plus

Bookkeeper Salary Ranges (2025)

$50,000

Entry Level: $40K – $48K

Mid Level: $48K – $58K

Senior Level: $58K – $70K+

Salaries vary by experience, location, company size, and specialization.

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