1

Temporary Bookkeeping Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Bookkeeping information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$21

$30

How much do temporary bookkeeping jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary bookkeeping in Kentucky is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is temporary bookkeeping?

Temporary bookkeeping refers to short-term or contract-based bookkeeping services provided to businesses or individuals. Temporary bookkeepers are typically hired to manage financial records, handle data entry, reconcile accounts, and assist with financial reporting during busy periods, employee absences, or special projects. Their role helps ensure that an organization's financial data remains accurate and up-to-date without committing to a permanent hire. This arrangement offers flexibility for employers and can be a good opportunity for bookkeepers seeking varied work experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary bookkeeper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Bookkeeper, you need a solid understanding of basic accounting principles, attention to detail, and experience with bookkeeping tasks, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero and proficiency with spreadsheets are typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and the ability to quickly adapt to new environments help individuals excel in temporary roles. These competencies ensure accurate financial records and smooth financial operations even during short-term assignments.

What are some common challenges faced in a temporary bookkeeping role and how can I prepare for them?

Temporary bookkeeping positions often require you to adapt quickly to different accounting systems and workplace procedures, as every organization may use distinct software or filing methods. You may also need to handle a high volume of transactions in a short period and ensure accuracy despite time constraints. Preparing by familiarizing yourself with popular accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero), having strong organizational skills, and maintaining clear communication with your team can help you thrive in these dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Bookkeeping vs Bookkeeper?

AspectTemporary BookkeepingBookkeeper
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but some familiarity with accounting software is preferredOften requires a certification or relevant experience in bookkeeping or accounting
Work EnvironmentContract-based, short-term assignments, often remote or on-siteFull-time or part-time, ongoing employment in a company or firm
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies needing temporary support during busy periods or staff absenceEmployed directly by organizations to manage ongoing financial record-keeping

Temporary Bookkeeping involves short-term, contract-based work to support a company's accounting needs temporarily. In contrast, a Bookkeeper typically works as a permanent employee responsible for ongoing financial record maintenance. Both roles require familiarity with accounting software, but certifications are more common for Bookkeepers. Temporary Bookkeeping offers flexibility, while Bookkeeping provides stability and continuous support.

Can I do temporary bookkeeping as a side hustle?

Temporary bookkeeping is suitable as a side hustle for individuals with accounting skills, proficiency in bookkeeping software, and the ability to manage flexible schedules. Many bookkeepers work independently or freelance, offering services to small businesses on a part-time basis. Certification or prior experience can enhance opportunities in this field.

How do I become a temporary bookkeeper with no experience?

To become a temporary bookkeeper with no experience, start by gaining basic knowledge of accounting principles and common software like QuickBooks or Excel through online courses or tutorials. Entry-level positions often require strong attention to detail and organizational skills, and some employers may provide on-the-job training or prefer candidates with a relevant certification such as a bookkeeping or accounting certificate.

How much should a temporary bookkeeper get paid per hour?

Temporary bookkeepers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Rates may be higher for those with specialized skills or certifications in accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.

What are the most commonly searched types of Bookkeeping jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Bookkeeping jobs in Kentucky are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Bookkeeping jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Bookkeeping jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Temporary Bookkeeping jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Temporary Bookkeeping job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Bookkeeping job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,924 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Internal Revenue Service rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description


WHAT IS THE LARGE BUSINESS & INTERNATIONAL DIVISION?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • LBI - Director Withholding Exchange/International Individual Compliance -Withholding Exchange and International Individual Compliance (WEIIC), International Individual Compliance, Territory 5
REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
QUALIFICATION REQUIRMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SPF):
ACCOUNTING KNOWLEDGE:
Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting. Candidates can demonstrate this knowledge either through successful completion of 12 semester hours / 18 quarter hours of college level accounting (with at least 6 semester / 9 quarter hours at the intermediate level) and/or experience. Applicants qualifying based on education must submit transcripts with their application.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION GS-11: In addition to the basic requirements, to be eligible for this position, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience for this position includes:
Experience that demonstrated a substantive knowledge of business practices, basic accounting principles, and Federal tax laws and regulations; and that required the ability to audit tax records, analyze systems and bookkeeping, use fact-finding techniques, and develop interpersonal skills.
Examples of qualifying experience may include: (This list is not all inclusive)
  • Experience working in a business environment where primary responsibilities included applying accounting principles, auditing tax records, and interpreting and applying Federal tax laws and regulations.
  • Experience auditing various types of tax returns, determining tax liability of individual taxpayers, businesses, or corporations; Interpreting and applying Federal tax laws and regulations; and making determinations on Federal tax liability.
  • Experience investigating alleged criminal violations of Federal tax statutes and making recommendations for criminal prosecution and assertion of civil penalties; or collecting delinquent Federal taxes, including canvassing for unreported taxes due, and securing delinquent returns.
  • Experience applying business practices, accounting principles, and Federal tax laws and regulations to audit tax returns, identify discrepancies, analyze accounting systems and bookkeeping records, recommend corrective actions, and prepare compliance documentation.
  • Experience auditing various types of tax returns to determine the correct tax liability for individual taxpayers, businesses, or corporations by applying the Internal Revenue Code, Federal tax regulations, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) policies and procedures. Experience conducting analytical examinations, applying fact-finding techniques, making tax liability determinations and redeterminations, and auditing Form 1040-NR, Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI) cases, treaty cases, and embassy cases.
  • Experience conducting program evaluations, internal audits, or administrative activities involving the assessment and collection of Federal taxes, investigating potential violations of Federal tax laws, recommending appropriate corrective actions, and collecting delinquent Federal taxes, including securing delinquent tax returns.
OR
EDUCATION: You may substitute education with specialized experience as follows:
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with a major study in accounting, auditing, taxation, business administration, law, or other related fields.
OR
Three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with a major study in accounting, auditing, taxation, business administration, law, or other related fields.
OR
An LL.M., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of qualifying graduate education and experience equivalent to the amount required.
AND
You must also meet the following requirements:
  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): Current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens".
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.
For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.
Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

What Internal Revenue Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom