How To Earn a Bookkeeper's Certification

Bookkeeping is a critical aspect of a company's financial management, and a professional bookkeeper's role is essential in ensuring that fiscal transactions are accurately recorded and organized.

By gaining certifications, a bookkeeper demonstrates a superior level of proficiency in their work, which translates to greater trust and confidence in their abilities by employers.

Read on to learn how to earn a bookkeeper's certification, including examples of institutions that offer reputable bookkeeping programs offering valuable education through flexible and convenient online learning.

Learn How To Earn a Bookkeeper's Certification

Bookkeepers ensure a company's financial records are meticulously kept and properly updated. Their responsibilities include tracking and maintaining expenses, managing invoices and receipts, and reconciling bank statements.

Although certification is not mandatory, many aspiring bookkeepers pursue it voluntarily to showcase their knowledge in the field and improve their prospects for entry-level jobs.

Taking the key step to obtain an optional certification in bookkeeping also increases the chances of getting a promotion or a higher salary, and there are a few ways to do it.

Here are examples of how to earn a bookkeeper's certification, which helps individuals demonstrate their bookkeeping expertise and get ahead in their careers.

Obtain Professional Bookkeeping Credentials

Several professional organizations offer bookkeeping certifications. Earning them enhances a bookkeeper's credibility significantly and demonstrates expertise in the field to employers.

Individuals must thoroughly research the specifics and gather all the certification information before pursuing it to ensure they meet the requirements.

Become a Certified Professional Bookkeeper

A popular example is the certified professional bookkeeper (CPB) designation offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

In addition to demonstrating a certain level of bookkeeping education and experience, individuals must pass a four-part multiple-choice exam to achieve it.

To qualify, candidates need an associate or bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent coursework, and they must have at least one year of experience or 2,000 hours in accounting or bookkeeping.

Become a Certified Bookkeeper

Another common credential is the certified bookkeeper (CB) license, provided by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). It also mandates the passing of a four-part multiple-choice exam.

There are no minimum education requirements to qualify, but students may find the education they earn through an associate degree or accounting certificate can be beneficial in achieving the CB designation.

Individuals need two years of full-time employment in bookkeeping or demonstrate that they have 3,000 hours of freelance or part-time work to be eligible for this certification.

Obtain Educational Credentials in Bookkeeping

Completing post-secondary education in bookkeeping can lead to earning college degree credentials or certificates that qualify individuals for entry-level jobs in the accounting industry.

There are various ways to obtain educational credentials in bookkeeping, and the following are a few options to consider.

Get an Undergraduate Degree in Bookkeeping

A college degree is not required to succeed in a job in bookkeeping, but having one proves an individual's competencies in the industry and offers quite an advantage for those who have earned it.

Professional bookkeepers commonly obtain an undergraduate degree in the following:

• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in accounting
• Associate of Science (AS) in accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in accounting
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in accounting

Having a degree credential in accounting or business administration is desirable by employers and provides bookkeepers with job opportunities in various industries.

Take Online Bookkeeping Courses

Many online training courses are available that provide comprehensive instruction on essential bookkeeping and accounting principles, covering everything from basic practices to advanced financial analysis techniques.

With online learning, students can gain valuable skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes, at their own pace, and on their schedule.

Typical topics covered in a bookkeeping program include:

• accounts payable
• accounts receivable
• financial statements
• cost management
• financial reporting
• taxation
• managerial accounting
• understanding assets, liabilities, and equity
• payroll processing and administration
• accounting software systems

Online bookkeeping courses offer a convenient and accessible way for students to expand their fundamental knowledge and accounting skills and gain the qualifications needed to succeed in the field.

Utilize Excel and QuickBooks for Bookkeeping

Bookkeepers use accounting software such as Intuit QuickBooks and need a strong understanding of Microsoft Excel to record financial transactions and prepare financial statements.

Individuals can enhance their skills and career opportunities by pursuing further education and obtaining certification in computerized accounting software like QuickBooks and other essential computer skills.

Colleges with Online Bookkeeping Certification Programs

Students can learn how to earn a bookkeeper's certification through various online resources provided by accredited institutions.

Enrolling in programs that cover fundamental accounting principles and software proficiency like QuickBooks is advisable to help individuals achieve a successful career in accounting.

Here are a few online bookkeeping certificate programs available through distance education to consider.

Minnesota State College Southeast

Minnesota State College Southeast provides an online certificate in bookkeeping that takes just one semester to complete. A total of 21 credits are required, and the estimated tuition and fees are $4,790.

Students gain a comprehensive background in accounting, offering hands-on instruction in spreadsheets, financial accounting, and payroll processes. It also teaches current computer software, including QuickBooks, Excel, and TurboTax.

Ulster County Community College

Full-time students taking 13 credits per semester can earn a bookkeeping certificate within one year through online learning at Ulster County Community College in New York.

It focuses on accounting theories and practices and covers other areas, such as QuickBooks accounting software and payroll taxes.

This certificate can be transferred to their Associate of Applied Science degree in business with a focus on accounting and be counted toward its core curriculum requirements.

Ashworth College

Ashworth College in Georgia prepares students for the NACPB-issued certified professional bookkeeper credential with self-paced online training, setting them up to pass the exam and obtain entry-level bookkeeping roles.

The curriculum covers topics such as financial reporting, payroll accounting, and Excel for bookkeeping. Students save money when paying the full tuition upfront, which includes the exam cost.

Explore How To Earn a Bookkeeper's Certification Today

From learning the fundamentals of accounting and bookkeeping to mastering financial statements and payroll management, a bookkeeper's certification can open doors to rewarding career opportunities.

This article helps individuals explore how to earn a bookkeeper's certification today and outlines what is necessary to achieve a recognized credential in the industry to succeed in lucrative job roles.