ComeWith A Guarantee (NAPSA)—To paraphrase Forrest Gump, hiring a bookkeeperis like a box of chocolates: You never know what you're going to get. That’s because anyone can say, “Tm a bookkeeper.” You can, however, hire a bookkeeper certified by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), the national association for bookkeepers. “You can sleep at night Knowing that your businessis in competent hands.” —AIPB co-president Steve Sahlein To become certified, a book- keeper must: * pass three exams at Pro- metric (formerly Sylvan) test centers in adjusting entries, error correction, depreciation, payroll and inventory; have two years’ on-the-job experience (same as CPAs); * sign and perform according to a code of ethics; and * maintain skills and knowl- edge with continuing professional education every year. More than 30 colleges and universities offer courses to prepare students for the exam. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook predicts that certified bookkeepers “will have the best job prospects.” “Having a Certified Bookkeeper usually paysfor itself in reduced bills from your CPA,” says AIPB co-president Steve Sahlein. “And you can sleep at night knowing that your business is in competent hands.” A free booklet, The Certified Bookkeeper Program, can be downloaded at www.aipb.org.
