How to Become a Bookkeeper: Training, Certifications, & Education
Discover the necessary training to become a bookkeeper. Explore certifications, postsecondary education, and on-the-job training options for this career.
For businesses that want to ensure they maintain financial health, hiring the right accounting professionals is an essential piece of their success.
Bookkeepers play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records for businesses. They're responsible for recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and generating financial reports.
While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for bookkeepers, obtaining additional training can significantly enhance one's skills and career prospects in this field.
In this article, we'll discuss the different ways a bookkeeper can gain additional training, enabling them to advance in their field.
How to Become a Bookkeeper
<p>To pursue a career as a bookkeeper, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
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<p>However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed post secondary coursework or hold an <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Associate_Degree_FAQs.html">associate degree</a> in business, accounting, or a related field.
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<p>While not mandatory, taking bookkeeping classes or pursuing certifications can provide a competitive edge and improve job prospects.
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<p>Some individuals may even choose to earn a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a> in accounting to advance their career opportunities.
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<h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3>
<p>While there is a projected job decline of approximately 5% within the next decade, bookkeepers can still expect a stable job outlook.
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<p>The annual median salary for bookkeepers was $45,560 as of May 2021.
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<p>Additionally, professionals in this field may be able to cross into other related accounting roles, such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, or payroll.
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<h2 id="section---BookkeeperTrainingOptions">Bookkeeper Training Options</h2>
<p>Several training options are available for aspiring bookkeepers. These options include bookkeeping certifications, on-the-job training, and postsecondary education.
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<p>Continue reading for further definitions into each of these training types.
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<h3 id="section---AmericanInstituteOfProfessionalBookkeepersCertification">American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers Certification</h3>
<p>While certification is not required by law, obtaining certifications can demonstrate proficiency and dedication to the field.
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<p>The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) certification, which can be earned by passing a certification exam.
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<p>The exam covers topics such as financial record adjustments, error correction, payroll procedures, and inventory controls.
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<h3 id="section---NationalAssociationOfCertifiedPublicBookkeepersCertifications">National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers Certifications</h3>
<p>Other certifications are available through organizations like the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).
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<p>The NACPB offers six different certifications that cover a wide range of bookkeeping functions.
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<p>Professionals can choose to take more than one certification to demonstrate expertise in a variety of areas, or take one or two specialized courses that may align best with their current job function.
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<p>For professionals who wish to improve their knowledge without a certification, there are also several different courses available through the NACPB website.
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<p>Among the most popular is a course in QuickBooks, which can help professionals who wish to stay on top of new software functions and updates, as well as a tax fundamentals course that's widely popular among in-house tax accountants.
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<h3 id="section---QuickBooksCertifications"> QuickBooks Certifications</h3>
<p>Available on the Intuit Quickbooks website is a free online resource for bookkeeping professionals who currently use the software.
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<p>Free tutorial and self-paced courses are readily available for those interested in diversifying their skills and taking their knowledge to the next level.
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<p>A single account registration unlocks a library of pre-recorded lessons with access to certifications that unlock CPE credits.
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<h3 id="section---PostsecondaryEducation"> Postsecondary Education</h3>
<p>Pursuing postsecondary education in accounting or a related field can provide a competitive advantage for bookkeepers.
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<p>Employers may prefer candidates who have completed associate or bachelor's degrees.
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<p>Those who aspire to advance their careers further and become accountants may consider obtaining a bachelor's degree, especially a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Accounting_FAQs.html">degree in accounting</a>, and pursuing certifications such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which requires passing the CPA examination offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
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<p>This exam is necessary for those who wish to become CPAs and test knowledge in four primary areas of study:
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<ul><li>Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
</li><li>Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
</li><li>Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
</li><li>Regulation (REG)
</li></ul><p>While the exam is the same for all those who choose to take it, some states and local legislatures may require additional accreditation for future CPAs.
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<h3 id="section---OnTheJobBookkeepingTraining">On-the-Job Bookkeeping Training</h3>
<p>Since the educational requirements for bookkeepers are not extensive, many employers provide on-the-job training.
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<p>This training typically involves familiarizing employees with accounting software, teaching best practices, and assigning company-specific responsibilities such as payroll management and budgeting.
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<p>During on-the-job training, a bookkeeper can expect to work with management or other accounting professionals for deeper insight to the company's standard operating procedures. They may learn software specific to the company or specific steps for billing clients.
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<p>While this type of training may relate more to the individual company, bookkeepers may still gain helpful job insight that can be transferred to other employment opportunities.
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<h2 id="section---LearnMoreInformationOnBookkeeping"> Learn More Information on Bookkeeping</h2>
<p>Becoming a bookkeeper can offer a rewarding <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Career_Planning_FAQs.html">career path</a> for individuals with a strong aptitude for numbers and attention to detail.
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<p>While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, obtaining additional training through certifications or postsecondary education can greatly enhance one's skills and job prospects.</p>