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Why Choose a Career in Bookkeeping?
You will find a broad array of reasons to consider a career in bookkeeping. Personal and professional reasons blend into a series of compelling reasons for a student to consider taking bookkeeper courses. The top 7 reasons to choose a career in bookkeeping:
- Job Demand - Regardless of how the economy is performing, the skills of a bookkeeper are in demand. The business-critical tasks of auditing, financial accounting, data input, filing financial reports, bank reconciliation, and tax preparation are perpetual tasks in demand.
- Work Diversity - Accountants and bookkeepers work in a variety of settings. Employment arrangements can include working for a privately owned, small business owner to a large, multi-national corporation.
- Responsibility - Bookkeepers are charged with the responsibility to record, report, analyze, and plan financial matters for a business. They can help determine which financial practices survive and which perish.
- Expertise - In the financial world, accountants and bookkeepers are experts. As trusted financial professionals, they are able to see the details as well as the big picture.
- Job Stability - The skills, knowledge, and attributes of a bookkeeper help provide career stability for a job function that is in high demand. Mastering the financial accounting domain and communicating it with clarity will provide ample job opportunities in businesses of all types.
- Evolution - As the world of financial management continues to evolve, bookkeepers will have the opportunity to continue to learn. Learning new technology, accounting systems, and best practices by trade industry will be key to longevity.
- Career Mobility - Given the demand for bookkeepers coupled with their job responsibility and expertise, opportunities for advancement will exist. Hard work and a knack for communicating clearly will help propel careers near and far.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
1,566,960Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Bookkeeping Courses
Northwestern University has a diverse academic community dedicated to excellent teaching, innovative research, and personal and intellectual development. It has a high graduation rate of 94.19%, implicating its high standard education to hone its students into skillful and intelligent individuals that can contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity in the future. Through its accounting course, it can help students hone a successful career in bookkeeping. The course is designed to help business professionals and financial students lay a solid foundation in basic knowledge of financial procedures, reporting, and taxation. This course is a certificate program, thus, amplifying one’s professional position to attain high-end jobs and more career opportunities in bookkeeping, accounting, and finance-related occupations.
Acceptance Rate
9.05
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
University of Miami Campus is located at Coral Gables, Florida. It is widely known for its successful academic endeavors as it ranks 2nd in the list of top best colleges in Florida. It maintains a graduation rate of 81. 7%. It is one of the top private research universities in the country, catering more than 17,000 students of different diverse backgrounds for educational and career training. It offers a degree in accounting, which delivers a curriculum that teaches students basic concepts of accounting, functions of business enterprises, and general education in the arts and humanities. This system is designed to groom students into a successful career in the professional world, in which they can apply as accounting clerks, bookkeepers, financial analysts, auditing and billing clerks, and so much more. Coupled with a faculty of a high-level standard and a comprehensively strategized academic curriculum, students enrolled in this program are given the opportunity to make a smooth transition from business students into successful professionals of their chosen fields of work.
Acceptance Rate
27.13
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Great Lakes Institute of Technology is a two year private career college dedicated to offering a practical education for students located in and around Erie. Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Personal and Culinary Services
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Education
Over the past several years Great Lakes Institute of Technology has awarded degrees to over 730 students with more than 75% of students who start the program complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Great Lakes Institute of Technology. The more popular programs are listed below:
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assistant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
To help support students, Great Lakes Institute of Technology may offer support services like those listed below:
- Night and weekend classes available
- Counseling assistance
- Employment search assistance
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the instruction & training provided by Great Lakes Institute of Technology for over thirty-four straight years. Please visit glit.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Premiere Career College is a private career school, which offers high quality education and training for its students. Over a thousand students have completed their training in the last few years based on published information with around 75% of students who start the program continuing on to complete it. Premiere Career College offers several programs to choose from. Below is a list of the more popular programs being offered:
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Medical Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
To help students and alumni succeed, Premiere Career College may offer student services including:
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
The last reported accreditation for Premiere Career College was done by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Please visit premierecollege.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$29,330 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Central Coast College, located in Salinas, California, offers career training to its students. The school believes in providing a high quality education that result in qualified professional. The school values its students, and strives to create an atmosphere that is enjoyable as well as conducive to success. In addition to the education provided in classrooms, the school helps students develop proper work habits, a mature attitude, and a positive self image. Central Coast College was founded in 1983, with one program and 20 students. Today the school has 200 students and offers six programs of study.
Academics
Central Coast College offers programs in high demand careers. Courses are taught by professionals with experience in their respective fields. Graduates of the programs will receive diplomas demonstrating they have learned the skills and obtained the knowledge necessary to enter the work force in their field of study. All programs take less than a year to complete, though their overall length will vary based on the complexity of the program.
Programs offered at Central Coast College:
- Medical Assisting
- Computer Specialist Accounting
- Health Information Patient Services
- Computer Office Administration
- Psychiatric Technician
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrolling at Central Coast College are asked to contact the school and speak with an admissions advisor. During the phone discussion advisors will assist students in determining which program they wish to enroll in and identify goals for the future. Once completed, student may submit an online application and will be contacted after the application is received. Students in need of financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans and work study programs.
Central Coast has a single campus location in Salinas, California and is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and approved to operate in California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Disclosure information: http://www.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$15,550 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Interested in a career-focused college with a wide range of technical programs and a convenient campus near you? Then Institute of Technology is the perfect educational experience for you. We'll help you launch a new future of real opportunities.
Since 2004, we have been fulfilling our vision to be the premier provider of postsecondary education in the western U.S., measured by student satisfaction and focused educations that lead to valued careers. Our exciting list of career training programs includes education for the fields of allied health, network technology, computer technology, computerized accounting, web/graphic design, culinary arts, and more. Our class schedules are flexible, and our instructors provide classroom instruction balanced with ample hands-on training.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$31,935 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Career Technical Institute operates as a less than two year private career college, which provides high quality education and training for its students in Washington and surrounding areas. Over the previous several years Career Technical Institute granted degrees to over 570 students with 52% of those who start the program continue it to completion. Career Technical Institute offers several programs to choose from. Listed below are the programs with more popularity among students:
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications
- Medical Insurance Specialist
- Computer Systems Technology
- System, Networking, and Lan or Wan Management
- Weekend and night classes available
- Counseling assistance
- Work study style employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,940 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
24:1
Quinnipiac University is a private academic institution that adheres to its belief that “He who transplants, sustains.” It is composed of communities with different backgrounds and is a home for students from 60 different countries. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and dual degree bookkeeping courses, which can be studied online or on campus. These programs are designed to prepare students to excel in their professional careers by training and enhancing their knowledge, skills, abilities, and discipline. According to the plan, the employment rate in this sector is 99.7%. According to statistics, the average salary within six months after graduation exceeds sixty-thousand dollars per annum.
Acceptance Rate
70.12
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Whether you're looking to upgrade your skills, reenter the job market or begin a new career, TechSkills of California has the comprehensive, hands-on program offerings to get your career moving in the right direction. You can choose from several in-demand fields. These fields include:
- IT and Computer Training
- Health Services
- Business Skills
With so many program choices, flexible schedules and convenient locations, there's never been a better time to change your life. There's never been a better time to choose TechSkills of California!
TechSkills of California is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: https://student.techskills-ca.com/login.asp
*Not all programs are available at TecSkills of Sacramento.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$27,708 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
The Plaza College in New York City, New York is highly recognized for its outstanding academic achievements and the postgraduate achievements of the Central National Council for Higher Education. Their sole mission is to educate their students to be competitive and successful in the professional workforce. It offers a distinct program in Accounting and Information Systems, which is designed to produce well-qualified graduates as a professional bookkeeper, accounting clerk, accounts receivable/accounts payable specialist, bill, and account collectors or accounting associate. The course includes a requirement of 60 credits, divided into accounting, management, computer and information technology, and humanities. The school also provides financial aid and scholarships to eligible students to fund their education at Plaza College.
Acceptance Rate
29.94
Student to Faculty Ratio
28:1
Community Care College, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been in operation for sixteen years. Since its founding the school has been providing educations in various careers. The school is dedicated to providing a quality education to its students, and to assist them in finding jobs after graduation through its career support program.
Academics
Community Care College provides programs in high demand fields. The school prepares individuals for entry level work in their field of study. The skills and education allow students for immediate job placement after graduation. Programs are placed in one of five categories: Health care, business, lifestyle, education and continuing education. Continuing education courses are taken to renew certifications or licenses, or to refresh ones education in a given subject.
Programs offered include:
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Paralegal Studies
- Business Administration
- Early Childhood Education
- Massage Therapist
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrolling at the Community Care College can request information from the school for a particular program or can immediately apply online. Financial aid is available to eligible students. Students must contact the school to begin the financial aid process. The school does honor veterans through the G.I. Bill.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,891 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Fort Wayne International Business School (IBC), Indiana is flourishing and aims to provide students with a profound educational experience to promote their career development opportunities. They are committed to teaching students to develop their career choice skills, communication skills, critical thinking, and professionalism by maintaining quality and integrity in teaching methods and a solid educational environment. They offer top ranked bookkeeping courses that are systemized to supply students with basic principles of accounting, its procedures, essentials, and other significant subjects that contribute to the holistic development of the students to be prepared in future career employments as they graduate. Those who complete the program can apply as professional accountants, financial analysts, bookkeepers, accounting experts, or they can continue to study to obtain a certified public accountant (CPA) license.
Acceptance Rate
73.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
21:1
Rowan University is a public research university that offers a diverse scholarly and profound educational experience, environment, services, and opportunities to its students by being inclusive, agile, and responsive to its needs and demands. It holds an acceptance rate of 71% to its applicants. Rowan University’s Accounting and Finance Department offers distinct degrees in accounting such as bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate degrees to its students under the Accounting Program. The course ranks third in the entire state of New Jersey. The course aims to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge to prepare them for various careers in professional accounting, financial management, taxation, business, and bookkeeping.
Acceptance Rate
74.34
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
The International Business School in Indianapolis, Indiana is a professional vocational college that provides students with educational experience and accelerated learning programs to help students develop their advantages as professionals. It commits to its goal to create a learning environment where students’ technical, professional, and business skills are developed to secure significant career opportunities. It offers an innovative program in Accounting, which are designed for students who are interested in accounting, auditing, and courses in bookkeeping. It includes twelve intensive courses, including accounting guidance and advanced electronic communications that are essential in the field of work. The school requires a 16-month academic period to complete the program.
Acceptance Rate
79.33
Student to Faculty Ratio
19:1
Immokalee Technical Center, located in Immokalee, Florida, is a technical college that offers a variety of vocational certificates to their students. They also offer the opportunity for adults to earn their GED, as well as various opportunities for students to participate in programs that have business store fronts.
Immokalee Technical Center offers students the opportunity to earn vocational certificates in medical billing, digital media, early childhood education, cosmetology, nurses assisting, architectural drafting, accounting, and many more.
iTECH offers the unique opportunity for students to earn their vocational certificate by working in one of many institution-owned and operated storefronts. iTECH owns a cyber café, a restaurant, a medical office, an automotive center, and a cosmetology center. This opportunity lets students earn their certificates in a fun, hands-on setting while learning more about customer service, retail work, and real life jobs.
Immokalee Technical Center also offers a state-of-the-art GED program that assists adults in obtaining a high school degree equivalent, while getting them ready to begin college or technical school. Florida state certified teachers help prepare adults to take the GED exam and walk them through the testing process, as well.
iTECH is a fully accredited technical center in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Federal Pell grants are extended to those students who apply and qualify. Scholarships are also available to those who qualify.
If you are interested in applying at Immokalee Technical Center, or if you would like to learn more about the many programs of study offered there, click here to access their official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,391 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Rochester Institute of Technology is known for their creativity, innovation, career, global focus, and study-friendly environment. Located in Rochester, New York, they offer various educational programs for students majoring in Arts, Business. Digital Media, Engineering, Humanities, Film, and Environmental Sustainability among others. It provides an excellent Accounting degree that helps the students determine an organization’s profit, wealth, and liquidity to make wise decisions for short-term or long-term financial business. The program covers topics such as bookkeeping, finance, and managerial disciplines while also exposing the students to accounting information systems, liberal arts, management, and sciences. The institute also offers accounting career fairs exclusive for the students enrolled in this program to widen their network and provide an opportunity for the students to be employed by finance and banking companies.
Acceptance Rate
70.73
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
The Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers an outstanding education. Job specific courses are offered as well as academic courses. The institute is located in sunny Naples, Florida. Tuition runs from $3,500 to $9,000 depending on the program of study, which is lower than most schools that offer technical training. The center was started in 1974 and originally offered 13 programs to over 300 students. The school’s name was changed in 1988 to the James Lorenzo Walker Vocational Technical Center. James Walker played a key role in establishing the school. Finally, the name of the school was altered to the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. The institute is fully accredited. Individuals looking for career training have a lot of options at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. Courses are offered in Accounting Operations, Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision and Repairing and Refinishing, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nursing, Child Care Center Operations, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, surgical technology, Cosmetology, nails specialty, Drafting, multimedia design, ELCATE, Facial Specialist, and Licensed Practical Nurse. Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers many outstanding services. Child care is offered as well as help for students with disabilities. Career counseling, tutoring, test accommodations, and help with state exams is available for individuals with disabilities. Job placement is offered and helps employers and students connect with each other. The advisor works with instructors to offer employment opportunities that meet the needs of the students. The schools employment advisor helps with job placement, but job placement cannot be guaranteed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,242 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
About
Manatee Technical Institute, located Bradenton, Florida, is a public school established with the purpose to provide technical education and training to residents of Manatee county. The school enrolls both high school aged and adult students, with high school students receiving education for free. All programs at the school are fully accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS).
Academics
Individuals may pursue career training through a variety of programs available. Students will choose the program, followed by receiving training and education in that field that will allow for employment upon completion. Programs will have practical components that are taught by industry professionals who provide supervision and a safe learning environment. Programs take between one and two years to complete based on the level of education and complexity of the field.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals wishing to enroll at MTI may do so through the submission of a completed application and payment of fees. Payment will vary based on the type of enrollment and program chosen, and as mentioned above, high school students will be able to enroll free of charge. Applicants are asked to meet with a counselor, take the Test of Adult Basic Education, apply for aid, and meet with their future instructors. Financial aid is applied for through the completion and submission of a Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which allows the school to determine which grants, loans and scholarships the student is eligible for when constructing an aid packet.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,332 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
InterCoast Colleges offers vocational programs for individuals to get a head start on their careers. The programs offered cover fields that have high employment rates. InterCoast also provides flexible scheduling to help you work around your obligations while pursuing the education you deserve. Upon completion of a program students will receive a diploma certifying that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to begin working in their chosen field. InterCoast has schools in New Hampshire, California and Maine.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in attending InterCoast Colleges should contact a representative online to begin the enrollment process. Financial aid is available to students, and it is recommended that students follow the step by step instructions on the website to see what financial aid may be available to them.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$22,550 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Monroe College in New York, under the guidance of its supporting teachers and staff, provides life-changing real-world education and career development programs to inspire higher goals for students. The college works with more than 360 companies dedicated to reducing tuition fees and specialized training programs. Monroe College is the third cheapest private university in New York City, with three campuses and online education. Its School of Business and Accounting offers award-winning degree programs with the help of experienced professionals and senior managers, with a focus on global accounting business, bookkeeping, and technical skills. The institution also provides graduates with opportunities to work in high-end companies.
Acceptance Rate
47.99
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Located in Buffalo, New York, Canisius College is an accredited first-class private university dedicated to self-discovery and personal growth, preparing students for career development in a rapidly changing industry. They aim to be transformative and affordable while providing learning opportunities and excellent education. Canisius understands that Accounting is the language of business that’s why it offers a professional bookkeeping and accounting programs that center on bookkeeping and financial information management. It also develops the skills of the students and expands their connection in the accounting industry. Graduates of this course are among the best in the New York State CPA exam.
Acceptance Rate
82.7
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
About
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center, located in La Puente, California, is a public institution that provides education opportunities at the pre and post secondary education levels. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and is seeking further accreditation from the Council of Occupational Education for training programs.
Academics
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center offers a variety of programs that allow adults to seek various education opportunities. Individuals may pursue an education that allows them to complete a high school level degree or they may pursue one of the many career oriented programs available at the center. Career training programs allow individuals to receive the skills and education necessary to begin a career in a given field or industry, and to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. In addition the school also provides english as a second language courses.
Programs offered include:
Bookkeeping
Pharmacy Technician
Nursing
Cosmetology
Welding
Admissions and Financial Aid
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education Center admits any individuals who wish to enroll as long as they are eighteen years of age or older. Individuals interested in enrollment should determine the program they wish to enroll in and to complete the application for admission, after which fees for the school must be paid. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, which must be applied for through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,300 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
32:1
Moore Norman Technology Center offers 32 career programs. Classes are led by experts and result in an industry certification. The center is located in Norman, Oklahoma. Classes are offered during the day, evening, and on weekends.
The center offers courses that help individuals grow professionally. The classes are offered in trimesters with classes scheduled during the day, evening and on Saturdays. Typically, over 48,000 individuals take part in courses on campus that help with professional development.
MNTC has established programs with Oklahoma State University and Rose State College that help individuals earn credit towards a degree in 25 different areas.
MNTC works with business leaders to ensure that students are acquiring the skills needed to be successful in the workforce. The curriculum helps students learn through hands-on education. This provides them with the opportunity to learn to apply the skills learned in the classroom. MNTC students often take part in internships or receive on-the job training.
At Moore Norman Technology Center, you will find a diverse set of individuals. They include adults, high school students, business owners, and senior citizens.
Many students attend programs that prepare them for college or to improve their skills. High school students take part in some of the programs. Courses are also offered online which are convenient for the working individual.
Moore Norman Technology Center offers accommodations for individuals with disabilities according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Counseling services are also available for students who need them.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$2,625 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
28:1
Orlando Tech offers an outstanding education in sunny Florida. The campus is tech friendly and in downtown Orlando. There is a lot to do on and off the campus. At Orlando Tech, you will find outstanding instructors and affordable programs. Programs are offered in culinary arts, health sciences, and digital technology.
The school features outstanding multimedia resources. Training is available in a variety of areas. Programs are offered in audio-visual technology, arts, education and training services, Business Administrative Services, and Health Services. Eighteen technical training programs and two licensure programs are offered to residents.
Courses are available for teachers that offer industrial certification for a number of Digital Media Arts programs. Orlando Tech has been designated as an Adobe Certified Training Center, offering coursework and certification in a variety of Adobe software applications.
Orlando Tech offers adult basic education programs. The school also offers GED courses, ESOL courses, and applied academics for adult education. The purpose of the Applied Academics for Adult Education Laboratory (AAAE) is to assess, evaluate, and remediate an individual's aptitude and achievement in relation to his/her goal for technical skills training. Diagnostic tests are given which determine the individual's educational level in mathematics, language, and reading.
If you don’t have time to attend class in the downtown Orlando campus, Orlando Tech. offers online study options. Online courses allow working adults to achieve their educational goals. This allows individuals to meet working and family obligations. Courses are offered in professional development, continuing education, GED preparation. All courses are taught by experienced instructors.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,740 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Empire College School of Business operates as a two-year career school, which offers career oriented education for its students. Students can choose from several areas of study, including:
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Legal Professions and Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Mechanic and Repair Technology
Over a thousand students have completed their education in the last few years with more than 73% of students who start the program continuing on to complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Empire College School of Business, with an Associates degree being the highest degree offered. Below is a list of the more popular programs offered are:
- Medical Assistant
- Paralegal
- Medical Office Assistant
- Information Technology
- Computer Installation and Repair Technology
- Accounting
To help students and alumni succeed, Empire College School of Business may provide some services to students including:
- Weekend and night classes available
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can learn about admissions information, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$21,355 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
What Classes Do Bookkeepers Study in School?
A student interested in pursuing an education in bookkeeping will need strong mathematical and analytical skills in order to perform the functions necessary as a bookkeeper. Bookkeeping courses are generally aggregated and conferred as associate degrees. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) is a common 2-year degree program offered by a community college, trade school, or university.
Diplomas and certificate programs may also be available via online learning or at a physical campus location. Bookkeeping programs taken for college credit may have a public accreditation HLC genesis which can lead to an online bookkeeping certificate. A glance school type can help you decipher bookkeeping certificate students can earn while assessing credits program length. You can research private community colleges, trade schools, or school type public in our search tool.
Bookkeeping Class & Accounting Basics
An online bookkeeping courses will teach students the various financial terms and methods required to function in any business. They may be responsible for processing sales invoices, payroll, analyzing cash flow statements, accounts receivable, vendor invoices, procurement, accounts payable, auditing, cost management, expense management, and debits & credits. Given these job demands, it is no surprise online bookkeeping classes cover an array of financial and accounting courses in learning domains that include:
- Financial Accounting Principles
- Cost Accounting & Payroll Accounting
- Mathematics
- Business Administration
- Data Processing
- Ethics
- Information Technology
- Statistics
- Taxation
Top 5 Financial Jobs of a Bookkeeper
In a recent survey by the United States Department of Labor, professional bookkeepers outlined the most common tasks they perform in their careers. In descending order, here is the list culled from the national survey:
- Operating a computer equipped with accounting software to record, save, and find financial information.
- Verifying data and journal entries to ensure accuracy
- Properly understanding financial statements and classifying numerical data using computers and journals
- Utilizing accounting software to manage debits, credits, and summary totals by general ledger accounts
- Operating ten-key calculators and computers to calculate information and produce reports.
Bookkeeping Classes and Certifications
A series of bookkeeping course programs can lead to a trade license or certification within bookkeeping. Popular certifications in bookkeeping include the following pathways:
- Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB)
- Certified Payroll Specialist (CPS)
- Certified QuickBooks Advisor (CQA)
- Certified Accounting Paraprofessional (CAP)
In terms of online accounting certificate programs, the list of alternatives below may help you enhance your resume and expand your skill set. While certificates may not be as involved as earning a license in bookkeeping, certifications are great resume builders. Accounting certificate programs may be required by certain employers as a condition of employment or as a mandatory continuing education course.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Certificate Programs
- Bookkeeper Certification
- Accounting Certification
- Payroll Certification
- QuickBooks Certification
- Tax Certification
- Excel Certification
- Certified Office Manager
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:
Employment & Top Jobs in Bookkeeping
A career in bookkeeping does not necessarily require an individual to have obtained a degree. Individuals may enter the field immediately and obtain on the job training, though one's responsibilities will be extremely limited. A degree program in bookkeeping will make a candidate more desirable as he or she will require less training to perform the same duties and may be more willing to pursue certification if so desired.
Certification may be obtained by individuals who have at least two years' work experience. The examination is in four parts and, if passed, certifies you demonstrate the necessary skills to perform tasks required of a bookkeeper. Courses for preparation of the exam are offered at a colleges and universities. The exam and certification are administered through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeeping.
Financial Accounting & Bookkeeping Course
Another valuable resource for prospective and current bookkeepers is the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers. The NACPB is a portal for bookkeepers and provides a host of information from training to licensing. In terms of training, students can participate in test prep, video courses, continuing education courses, and receive instructor support as needed.
Accounting Careers & Income for Bookkeepers
Work for bookkeepers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade as the need for professionals in the field will remain constant. Some technological advancements have made the need for bookkeepers lower, though as an assurer of accuracy their roles have shifted rather than been eliminated.
The average salary of a bookkeeper is approximately $38,390 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individuals with valuable work experience and a recognized trade certification may expect an overall increase in their pay. Individuals with an education in bookkeeping may also see an increase in starting pay over individuals in need of training.
States Employing the Most Bookkeepers
- California 187,550
- Texas 125,140
- New York 115,270
- Florida 94,170
- Ohio 61,590
Top 5 Best Paying States for Bookkeepers
- District of Columbia $55,820
- Alaska $47,320
- California $45,730
- Connecticut $45,550
- New Jersey $44,960
Resources for Bookkeepers
Students interested in bookkeeping may also be interested to learn more about accounting, business administration, finance, and auditing. National and regional organizations such as the AIPB, AAA, and NACPB may prove to be helpful for new and experienced bookkeepers alike. Such associations help support vocational goals and aspirations of bookkeepers nationwide with tools, resources, and insights dedicated to its members.