How To Become A Certified Bookkeeper: Certification And Requirements

Your Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional badge can be used to show any employer or client that you have an understanding of bookkeeping and accounting. It also opens up the possibility of becoming a remote QuickBooks Live bookkeeper with Intuit. Learn about bookkeeping, typical responsibilities, how to become a bookkeeper, and remote bookkeeping opportunities with Intuit’s QuickBooks Live in the U.S.

What careers can you pursue with an accounting degree?

The firm’s goal is to deepen and broaden your range of experiences while offering clients efficient and professional service. Most state boards of accountancy require new CPAs to have a minimum of 150 college credits of which some must be in specified accounting and business courses. However, most states allow candidates to take the Uniform CPA Examination with less than 150 credits. If you’re interested in becoming a QuickBooks Live bookkeeper, Intuit can provide you with the tools necessary to learn bookkeeping and accounting skills and get certified. Get started by signing up for the Intuit Bookkeeping Certification program today. Give your bookkeeping career a jump-start with the certification that trains you with the most advanced bookkeeping courses.

• Even if you don’t have previous related experience, you can learn how to become a bookkeeper by taking courses.
• Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
• To maintain a CPB license, you must complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year.
• You can earn a bookkeeping certification through a college, a university or an accredited professional program.
• It was granted a Royal Charter in 1974 which commits it to acting in and upholding the public interest.

QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Expert (Remote/Year Round)

The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) program QuickBooks is not basic bookkeeping—it does not teach novices to become bookkeepers. The best certifications for a bookkeeper are Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Bookkeepers Certification, and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA). You can become a bookkeeper right after high school, but you may need to take some college courses first, which could take a few months or more. The bookkeeping profession may not be the best long-term career choice, but it plays an important role in the overall accounting career trajectory.

• A bookkeeping certification is an official demonstration of a person’s bookkeeping skills.
• Prior to earning either designation, you must prove that you have sufficient bookkeeping experience.
• The differences between bookkeepers and certified public accountants can be seen in a few details.
• Bookkeeping certifications validate advanced skills in financial reporting, payroll management, and taxation.
• Demonstrate leadership skills to position yourself for management and executive promotions over time.
• Additionally, a certified public accountant has an average salary of $76,693, which is higher than the $40,337 average annual salary of a bookkeeper.

Certifications

Advancements in bookkeeping software, cloud-based platforms, and process automation are transforming the day-to-day responsibilities of financial record-keepers. AI and machine learning innovations enable more tasks to be completed with less human effort. While this technology disruption is changing the skills required for bookkeepers, it also presents new opportunities. Once licensed, you will be required to earn professional continuing education credits to maintain your license. The salary range reflects differences in job responsibilities, the size and type of employer, and what is a bookkeeper the supply and demand for accountants in a given geographic area.

Is Bookkeeping Certification Worth It? Salary And Job Growth

By knowing these, you can delegate tasks properly and ensure that you cover all areas of the business’ finances. To gain an idea of how much these two professions earn in your area, you can refer to the 2020 Robert Half Salary Guide. It also keeps business owners from virtual accountant incurring unnecessary liabilities like debts and unpaid bills. This is one of the reasons why pursuing a career in accounting is a bit more challenging.

Average Salary

• “While bookkeepers don’t necessarily need advanced degrees, they do need to learn the tools and technologies that make bookkeeping possible,” said Hoelzer.
• Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
• Professional bookkeeping and accounting associations also offer effective job search help by providing networking opportunities, career tips and advice, and professional development workshops.
• To participate in our Job Search Program, a job candidate must complete the Bookkeeping Job Program.
• Prior bookkeeping experience does not exempt you from these preparatory courses.
• After you’ve decided to pursue one of these professional designations, you must complete the following steps.

You may be able to get on-the-job training through a bookkeeping job that only requires a high school diploma, such as an internship or training placement. You may also pursue certification programs or use online courses to become a self-taught bookkeeper. While you need organizational skills and attention to detail, you can enter the field with minimal education and learn accounting fundamentals on the job. Some start with just a few accounting courses, while others pursue bookkeeping certificates and accounting degrees. It’s a smart investment in professional development, and what’s more, it can be completed in less than one year.

Why Pursue a Bookkeeping Certification?

Additionally, a certified public accountant has an average salary of $76,693, which is higher than the $51,406 average annual salary of an accounting bookkeeper. The differences between bookkeepers and certified public accountants can be seen in a few details. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a bookkeeper, becoming a certified public accountant takes usually requires 2-4 years.

Bookkeeping Certifications (CPB and CB)

Because the CPA Exam is rigorous, you should select a college or university with a rigorous accounting program that will prepare you for the challenge. If the information on these documents is consistent, the supplier’s invoice is sent forward for payment. If the information is not consistent, the accounts payable clerk must resolve the differences before sending the invoice forward for payment. For each category, we’ll present some general information on salary, educational requirements, and types of employment opportunities. There exists today a wide range of job opportunities in the field of accounting.

Read on to learn what you need to know about becoming a certified bookkeeper. An aspiring bookkeeper can enter the profession with a two-year or four-year college degree. Average entry-level salaries approach $38,000 per year, according to Payscale.