Whether you want to train for a new career or manage the books for your own business, you can get started on the path to professional bookkeeping with the right training.
Education & Training
The most efficient way to move ahead is through a self paced online training program.
How Will You Benefit?
The goal of the training is to help you pass the following industry recognized exams:
If you don’t have any experience, then these credentials will you help with an entry level job.
Skills You Will Master
You will also know how to the do the following duties:
- Conduct fundamental analysis of reports, financial documents, and accounts
- Learn about how to carry out essential bookkeeping duties and tasks
- Effectively set up a company file in QuickBooks Online
- Understand essential accounting concepts and how QuickBooks can help you support these concepts
- Apply basic accounting principles (such as depreciation and accrual methods) to bookkeeping practices
What Do You Study?
Take a look at the curriculum below so that you can feel confident about what you will learn.
1. Introduction to Bookkeeping
- Accounting Basics
- Basic Accounting Principles and Bookkeeping Practices
2. QuickBooks Online Training
- Getting Started With QuickBooks Online
- Setting Up a Company File in QuickBooks Online
- The Chart of Accounts
- Centers and Lists
- Recording Expenses and Paying Bills
- Bank Accounts
- Credit Cards and Loans
- Sales Receipts
- Invoices, Estimates, and Customizing Sales Forms
- Billable Expenses and Customer Credits
- Sales Taxes and Reports
- Product and Service Items
- Managing Inventory
- Managing Projects and Sales
- Progress Invoicing, Late Fees, and Bad Debts
- Fixed Assets and Loans
- Business Entities and Owner Transactions
- Banking Rules, Receipts, and Budgets
- Adjusting and Reviewing the Books
3. Financial Analysis and Reporting
- Fundamental Analysis of Accounts, Financial Documents, and Reports
- Applying Fundamental Accounting Concepts
4. Payroll Practice and Management
- Introduction to Payroll
- Determining Worker Status
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Federal Employment Taxes
- Payroll Forms
- Recognizing Payroll Compliance Dates, Procedures, and Regulations
- Fringe Benefits: Tax-Preferred and Other Health Benefits
- Deferred Compensation, Retirement Plans, and Stock Options
- Other Employee Benefits
- Calculating Gross Wages
- Additional Topics in Calculating Gross Pay
- Paycheck Calculation: Taxes
- Paycheck Calculation: Voluntary and Involuntary Deductions
- Gross to Net Paycheck Calculation
- Payroll Process from Start to Finish (Payroll Project)
- Compliance: Laws and Reporting
- Global Payroll
- Payroll Process, Systems, and Audits
- Paying the Employee
- Payroll Administration and Management
5. Professional Development
- Starting a Bookkeeping Business
- Your Career Roadmap: Job Search and Future Opportunities (Optional)
- Communication and Organization (Optional)
- Exploring Payroll Careers
6. Examinations
- Midterm Exam
- Exam Preparation
- Final Exam
How Long Does the Program Take?
While the online program is self paced, you should expect to complete everything in 4 to 6 months.
How Much Does It Cost?
Approximately $3,900. Monthly financing is also an option.
Salary Range
Average salary per state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| State | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $19.35 | $40,240 |
| Alaska | $26.25 | $54,600 |
| Arizona | $23.97 | $49,860 |
| Arkansas | $20.76 | $43,170 |
| California | $27.23 | $56,650 |
| Colorado | $25.62 | $53,290 |
| Connecticut | $26.65 | $55,430 |
| Delaware | $24.74 | $51,470 |
| District of Columbia | $30.96 | $64,390 |
| Florida | $22.98 | $47,810 |
| Georgia | $22.65 | $47,120 |
| Guam | $15.04 | $31,290 |
| Hawaii | $23.64 | $49,160 |
| Idaho | $21.62 | $44,980 |
| Illinois | $24.36 | $50,660 |
| Indiana | $21.85 | $45,450 |
| Iowa | $22.92 | $47,670 |
| Kansas | $21.06 | $43,810 |
| Kentucky | $21.65 | $45,020 |
| Louisiana | $20.85 | $43,370 |
| Maine | $23.06 | $47,970 |
| Maryland | $25.85 | $53,770 |
| Massachusetts | $27.35 | $56,880 |
| Michigan | $22.71 | $47,230 |
| Minnesota | $25.17 | $52,350 |
| Mississippi | $19.88 | $41,340 |
| Missouri | $22.59 | $46,990 |
| Montana | $21.11 | $43,910 |
| Nebraska | $22.06 | $45,890 |
| Nevada | $24.10 | $50,130 |
| New Hampshire | $24.03 | $49,980 |
| New Jersey | $26.34 | $54,800 |
| New Mexico | $21.26 | $44,210 |
| New York | $26.92 | $55,990 |
| North Carolina | $22.31 | $46,410 |
| North Dakota | $22.85 | $47,540 |
| Ohio | $22.84 | $47,510 |
| Oklahoma | $20.97 | $43,610 |
| Oregon | $24.37 | $50,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $22.95 | $47,730 |
| Puerto Rico | $13.70 | $28,500 |
| Rhode Island | $24.69 | $51,350 |
| South Carolina | $21.42 | $44,550 |
| South Dakota | $20.16 | $41,940 |
| Tennessee | $22.32 | $46,420 |
| Texas | $22.36 | $46,520 |
| Utah | $23.46 | $48,800 |
| Vermont | $24.26 | $50,450 |
| Virgin Islands | $23.66 | $49,220 |
| Virginia | $23.16 | $48,170 |
| Washington | $26.71 | $55,560 |
| West Virginia | $19.44 | $40,430 |
| Wisconsin | $22.16 | $46,090 |
| Wyoming | $20.86 | $43,380 |
Occupation:Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (SOC Code433031)
source: data.bls.gov
Certifications
Here is a bit more information about the certs mentioned above.
Fundamental Payroll Certification Exam (FPC)
https://payroll.org/certification/certification/fundamental-payroll-certification-(fpc)
The Fundamental Payroll Certification is available to anyone looking to establish a foundational level of payroll expertise.
It is particularly suited for:
- Entry-level payroll professionals
- Sales professionals and consultants in the payroll industry
- Systems analysts and engineers working on payroll systems
- Client representatives of payroll service providers
The exam is comprised of the following sections:
- Payroll Concepts
- Compliance
- Paychecks
- Process
- Administration
- Audits
- Accounting
QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU)
The Intuit QuickBooks Certified User certification confirms proficiency in using Intuit QuickBooks accounting software.
The exam evaluates candidates on the latest features of the QuickBooks Online software:
- Receipt capture via mobile device
- Cloud-based app support
- Accessibility from any device
- Instant file access for accountants
- Automatic scheduling and sending of invoices
About the Job
Why Do People Become Bookkeepers?
- You don’t need a degree
- Tends to be low stress
- Hours are manageable and sometimes flexible
- Many job openings allow for remote work
- Every business needs bookkeeping so you can find an industry that is personally appealing to you
- In larger companies, you can start off as an assistant bookkeeper and work under a senior bookkeeper
- You have options to move up – if you want to earn more, you can advance into accounting
Job Titles
Bookkeeping as a skillset is often combined with other business roles. Its not uncommon to find entry level job openings for bookkeepers that also include:
- Administrative Assistant
- Office Assistant
- Personal Assistant
- Office Manager
- Property Administrator
- Accounts Payable Specialist
Typical Responsibilities
The average position will entail at least some of the following duties:
Bookkeeping and Financial Management
- Manage day-to-day accounting tasks, including accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR).
- Process payroll and perform bank reconciliations.
- Maintain accurate financial records using accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks).
- Reconcile bank statements, credit card transactions, and other financial accounts.
- Prepare financial reports, including profit and loss (P&L) statements, to support decision-making processes.
- Develop, plan, and implement the budget to control the overall financial performance of the company.
- Assist with tax preparation and compliance, including gathering necessary documentation and liaising with external tax professionals.
2. Record Keeping and Reporting
- Maintain up-to-date financial records and documentation in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and data as needed.
- Provide accurate financial statements.
- Obtain necessary documentation for transaction accuracy.
- Audit vendor and customer accounts for accurate AP and AR.
3. Vendor and Customer Management
- Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely payments and resolve billing discrepancies.
- Organize and pay bills, track invoices, and handle customer invoicing.
- Interface with the company accountant and prepare all annual and quarterly taxes for the company accountant.
- Ensure compliance with city, county, state, and federal tax due dates and filings.
4. Office and Administrative Support
- Oversee office supplies, equipment maintenance, and general administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations.
- Assist in managing office correspondence, including emails and phone calls.
- Schedule appointments and meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements.
- Handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
- Assist with HR-related tasks, including employee onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws.
5. Additional Responsibilities
- Move small businesses towards their financial goals through consistent support and important reminders.
- Prior experience is not required; training will be provided.
- Familiarity with Excel and QuickBooks is a plus.
- Motivation and organization are essential qualities for the role.
What Does the Future Have in Store for Bookkeepers?
The current workforce of bookkeepers and accounting clerks is primarily composed of the aging Baby Boomer generation. While automation and artificial intelligence may help with common duties of the job, there is insufficient labor to meet the demands of many companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
These businesses will have to plan for staff replacements, which can create new opportunities for recently certified bookkeepers.