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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

$40,220

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

7.86%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

1,566,960

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ohio University is recognized as a top-character building institution that provides a unique and transformative experience for students enrolled in their eight campuses. Its mission is to develop students' intellectual and personal skills by providing high-level tuition fees and affordable accommodation, meals, and semester fees.  The University offers an innovative and exciting accounting program such as Financial and Managerial Accounting, Tax Planning, Assurance Services, and Law of Corporate Governance. Students enrolled in the accounting programs will improve their skills in bookkeeping and financial management by the guidance of its dedicated faculty. Its mission is to help students learn by providing fascinating education and enable them to become experts in the global industry.

Acceptance Rate

82.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Alfred State Polytechnic University is a student-centered state university in New York State. It provides applied learning and excellent training programs to enhance students' abilities and help them achieve successful careers. It provides a comfortable environment, can accommodate nearly 4,000 students, and provides 80 majors and more than 100 student organizations.  Its accounting program guides students into the real world by providing theoretical assessments that focus on bookkeeping, financial, and management issues. It also provides students with the opportunity to enter and understand the business, financial, and technical management industries. The program can be accessed online, and applicants must have a computer as required by the university.

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Brooklyn College in New York is surrounded by civic, artistic, and urban energy that helps the students broaden their understanding of life and expands their personal and social growth. It has well-equipped facilities, smart classrooms and studios in a student-friendly and beautiful campus.  The college is committed to providing transformative, high-quality, and affordable education, and has more than 17,000 students from all over the world studying 175 different courses on campus. It provides an accounting course that teaches students the methods and principles of the subject, and guides students who want to take the CPA exam. It also provides career opportunities for non-CPA participants.

Acceptance Rate

44.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Trine University has been operating on a 450-acre campus in Angola, Indiana since 1884, and offers 38 career-focused courses and leisure opportunities under the guidance of experienced and dedicated professionals. Graduates of the university can get free undergraduate study and career services throughout their lives.  One of the main courses is Accounting BSBA, which focuses on providing excellent education in modern accounting and preparing students for the CPA or CMA exam. This course explores the fields of public and corporate accounting, taxation, bookkeeping and auditing, and can help students gain a lucrative career in the industry. It also provides internship programs for high-end financial or banking companies.

Acceptance Rate

81.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas was founded in 1885 to educate the heart and minds of the students and prepare them to make a difference. It provides students with academic scholarships and transformative learning through its more than 55 graduate and undergraduate degrees, while also pursuing community service.  It provides bookkeeping courses, giving students the opportunity to conduct accounting-related research and introduce them to conferences, so that they can immerse themselves in the professional accounting industry. The university has professional and experienced faculty and staff to teach students how to prepare to work in a large accounting firm. It also provides graduates with opportunities to serve as senior assistants, head of accounting team and audit accountant. 

Acceptance Rate

88.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Daymar College is a career college located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is a student-centered environment with a dedicated faculty who strives to give the students their educational needs. It offers 8 programs that aim to develop the skills of the students and help them to be ready for the professional world.  Daymar College understands the needs of the students not only from their academic needs but also to their personal challenges, that’s why the college commits to give the best academic help and financial aid. It offers bookkeeping classes and accounting courses that focus on finance, computer and management accounting as well as business practice, salary, bookkeeping, and income tax. The university also provides career preparation such as interview skills, internships, and seminar programs.

Acceptance Rate

94.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Farmingdale State University in New York is committed to student success and establishing a self-centered learning environment. It offers over one hundred competitive programs that help students strive in a dynamic society.  The institution outlines a business degree program that focuses on developing students’ accounting and business management skills to promote an appreciation of marketing and organizational systems so that they can be effective in a challenging and diverse environment. Individuals who are not seeking a degree can enroll in Farmingdale’s accounting certificate program that is also designed to enhance the student’s ability to bookkeeping, finance, and business, and to expose them to the professional world.

Acceptance Rate

54.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Lake Superior State University promotes blended learning of technical and liberal studies while also engaging the students in various activities in an environment-friendly campus. Its aid and scholarship program helps more than 90% of the students enrolled in their university.  Lake Superior State University values teaching excellence and provides students with opportunities for professional development by designing outstanding educational programs. The university provides a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, and minor programs for students who are interested in bookkeeping and accounting. The typical size of each class is 10 to 20 students, who are supervised by dedicated and experienced professors.

Acceptance Rate

57.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Montana State University is Montana’s largest state university, it houses more than 16,000 students from all over the states. The university was founded in 1893 with a vision to change lives and communities, while also aiming to integrate education, knowledge, and art.  Michigan State University (MSU) offers an accounting degree program to inspire accountants who want to grow into business professionals. Its accounting programs are designed to help the students develop broad knowledge about auditing, bookkeeping, tax consulting, financial analysis, and financial planning to succeed in their corporate careers. Students can enroll in courses such as the Undergraduate Accounting program and Master of Professional Accountancy.

Acceptance Rate

81.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Arkansas State University or also known as A-State was founded in 1909. As the second largest university in Arkansas, it can cater more than 14,000 students and offers over 150-degree programs, which include a robust online education. The 1,376-acre university has a diverse student body and a welcoming environment.  It outlined a BS Accounting course that prepares the students to have a rewarding career in the industry by providing an excellent and engaging curriculum such as auditing, bookkeeping, and other financial related lessons. The university also helps with those who are taking the CPA exam as well as providing numerous certificates that demonstrate the proficiency of the students. It also offers an accelerated Master of Accountancy program for students who are in their senior level.

Acceptance Rate

79.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Utah State University is known for providing intellectual leadership and technological knowledge to its students. Founded in 1888, the university aims to be the nation’s premier university that is centered on the needs of the students by fostering academic principles, diversity, culture, engagement, and discovery.  Its School of Accountancy has developed an accounting program a student-centered teaching style that prepares the students in the corporate world by letting them engage in financial management, bookkeeping, business transaction tracking, financial reporting, auditing, and tax strategies. By completing the course, students will earn a bachelor's degree in accounting. The students also can have a BA degree by gaining proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Acceptance Rate

90.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Herzing University in Minneapolis offers low-cost healthcare, nursing, and technology programs with the aim to give back to the community. The university helps to make a difference in the students’ life by providing better education and dynamic career opportunities.  It provides online bookkeeping programs along with accounting degrees approved by IACBE, which aims to provide professional and convenient accounting education that can be accessed according to the student’s own progress and schedule. The university believes that accountants and editors are the key for all businesses, that’s why they are committed to teach the students to become responsible for the recording, inspection, bookkeeping, and analysis of financial records. Students can choose their own degree pathway whether it’s a diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, MBA or post-master’s certificate.

Acceptance Rate

79.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The SUNY College of Technology at Delhi, New York provides an intimate setting and focuses on individual learning and growth of their more than 3,000 students. It offers an affordable and flexible education that meets the needs of students who are looking for excellent, innovative, and practical experiences.  Its associate degree in Accounting prepares students for entry into the accounting profession and helps them gain a broad understanding of finance, economics, communications, computer processing and business law. The university houses CPA faculty who are dedicated to provide outstanding learning and share their experiences in the field. Graduates of this program can become accounting clerk, accounts payable or receivable clerk, and payroll clerk.

Acceptance Rate

72.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Hilbert College of New York is known for its picturesque campus and liberal arts college, which can accommodate more than 800 students in its friendly environment. Students can seek solitude in the university’s library and residential facility. 

Students can choose to have a four-year bachelor’s degree or a two-year associate degree in accounting that both fits their needs. The university is committed to providing various employment opportunities and professional certificates by exposing students to various environments and practicing skills in accounting, computer, and tax-related work. Students are guided and motivated by industry professionals.

Acceptance Rate

92.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Toledo offers more than 230 comprehensive academic programs, covering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of art, business, engineering, and education. Its mission is to obtain a world-class education while working to improve the community and be part of a diverse environment.

The university offers relevant accounting learning programs that will help the inspiring accountants to succeed in the professional industry. Equipped with dedicated faculty, students will also be guided and prepared for CPA, CMA, and CIA exams by taking finance, auditing, and taxation classes. The course also aims to help students progress and understand their responsibilities as accountants.

Acceptance Rate

96.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

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:

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:

  1. Operating a computer equipped with accounting software to record, save, and find financial information.
  2. Verifying data and journal entries to ensure accuracy
  3. Properly understanding financial statements and classifying numerical data using computers and journals
  4. Utilizing accounting software to manage debits, credits, and summary totals by general ledger accounts
  5. 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

  1. District of Columbia   $55,820
  2. Alaska                            $47,320
  3. California                      $45,730
  4. Connecticut                  $45,550
  5. 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.

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