What is the average salary of a bookkeeper?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median bookkeeper salary is $45,560 annually. However, bookkeepers can increase their earning potential through years of experience, certification, or starting your own bookkeeping business.

What is a Certified Bookkeeper?

Certified Bookkeepers meet the high standards of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The official designation of Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the AIPB allows you to put the initials CB after your name, which adds to your market value and professional status. This is an elite credential in the world of bookkeeping much like the CPA designation in accounting.

What do bookkeepers do?

As a bookkeeper, you will be in charge of keeping accurate financial records for one or more financial organizations. You will be responsible for using bookkeeping software like QuickBooks to record transactions, produce reports, and check financial information for accuracy. You will handle expenses, receipts, payables, and accounts receivable. In addition, you may also help with payroll, purchasing, and outstanding accounts. The role of a professional bookkeeper can vary widely depending on the size of the organization you work for, but you can be sure that you will play an important role in the financial stability and success of your company.

How do I become a bookkeeper?

To become a bookkeeper, you need a background in accounting and specialized knowledge in payroll and taxation. You can gain this knowledge through a course or on-the-job training in an accounting department or working underneath an experienced bookkeeper. You will also need to gain experience with bookkeeping software.

Are bookkeepers in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are a lot of jobs for bookkeepers, and the job outlook is expected to remain relatively constant through 2026. Understanding how to efficiently use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks will make you a more desirable candidate as more and more businesses turn to technology to perform basic accounting tasks.

How do I become a Certified Bookkeeper?

To become a Certified Bookkeeper, you must sit for and pass the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper exam.

How do I become a virtual bookkeeper?

There are two paths to becoming a virtual bookkeeper. The first is looking for job opportunities listed as "Remote," which offer the possibility to work virtually. Second, you can work for yourself as a freelance bookkeeper and market yourself as a virtual or "remote" bookkeeper.

How do I earn the certified bookkeeper (CB) designation?

In order to earn the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, you are required to pass a four-part, multiple-choice examination and obtain at least 2 years of full-time bookkeeping experience. It is possible to take and pass the exam before you have obtained your 2 years of experience. You will also be required to sign a Code of Ethics.

Do I need a degree to become a bookkeeper?

You do not need an advanced degree to become a bookkeeper. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you will need to have your high school diploma or equivalent to pursue a career as a professional bookkeeper. Many bookkeepers get started with an online course like this Professional Bookkeeping course. However, in order to stay competitive and open up even more job opportunities down the road, you may want to think about earning an associate degree in bookkeeping or accounting at some point in your career.

Is a bookkeeper the same as an accountant?

Not exactly. There are five major parts to the accounting process, and they include recording, interpreting, classifying, analyzing, and reporting financial information. Bookkeeping is the first foundational part of the accounting process — recording financial transactions. However, bookkeeping is a great first step into an accounting career, and with additional education, you use this as a way to gain experience and become an accountant in the future.

What kind of hours do bookkeepers work?

Most bookkeepers work 40 hours per week, though some do work part-time. As a professional bookkeeper, you may need to work overtime during certain periods of the year, such as closing out the fiscal quarter and/or year, as well as during tax season.

Where do bookkeepers work?

Most bookkeepers work in an office environment for a typical 9 to 5 hours and spend a large amount of their time in front of a computer. As a professional bookkeeper, you will usually be working alone but may have a few people from other areas of accounting work alongside you. It is even possible that you could work remotely from home for one or more organizations at a time.

Do bookkeepers do the taxes for a company?

No, bookkeepers do not do company taxes. Taxes are done by an accountant. However, bookkeepers play an important role in making sure that financial transactions are recorded in a timely and accurate manner. This ensures that the financial information for a company is easy to read and use once it is time for an accountant to take over and do the taxes.

Is a bookkeeping certificate worth it?

Yes. A certificate of completion signifies to a potential employer that you have completed the coursework in the area of bookkeeping. Still, it can vary widely depending on where you get that education and training. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Certification, such as Certified Bookkeeper, demonstrates competency based on a national and industry-recognized standard. It also allows you to include the "C.B." designation after your name, signifying that you have met the demanding requirements to earn this credential.

What if I don't have the two years of full-time experience required to sit for the exam?

If you do not meet the experience requirement for the exam, we recommend waiting to take the exam or enrolling in our entry-level Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks course.

Is the certification exam given online, or do I have to take it in person?

You must go to the Prometric Test Center to take the exam on a computer. The tests are taken on a computer at the testing facility.

Will the books and materials be shipped?

Yes, the books will be shipped. You should expect to receive them within 7-10 business days.

How soon after I pay can I start the course?

Once payment is made, you will gain access to the course in 24-48 hours.

Is there a way to try out the course before you pay the full amount?

We currently have a 10-day refund policy. Upon enrollment in the course, if you do not like the course, you can receive a full refund minus the costs of materials.

Is the cost of the exam included in the enrollment cost?

Yes included in the program are two exam vouchers for Part one and Part two of the exam. There are no fees associated with Part three and Part four of the exam.

I am a veteran, what are my options for paying for and enrolling in the course?

To learn about funding options for veterans, please contact us via chat or phone to discuss options that may be available to you.

Is there an internship or externship offered with this course?

At this time, there is not an internship or externship included in this course, but nothing is stopping you from securing these options on your own.

Do you offer job placement assistance?

At this time, we do not offer any job placement assistance. However, the AIPB website does provide a job board where you can search for employment opportunities, both remote and near you.

I am Canadian, can I take this course?

This course is based on U.S. accounting rules and regulations, as is the Certified Bookkeeper exam, so it may not be the best option if you are Canadian.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. This online course will prepare you for the four-part Certified Bookkeeper Exam to earn your American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) certification. You will have one year (365 days) from enrollment in the Certified Bookkeeper course to submit the Application for Certified Bookkeeper Designation form to The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Please note that you will receive two exam vouchers, as two of the four exams are no-cost exams. Detailed instructions regarding the certification application, exams, and the use of the vouchers at any Prometric Test Center are also available within the course. Please refer to The Certified Bookkeeper™ (CB) Designation handbook for more information.

When can I start this course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

After you register, you will receive _ months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

What if I don't have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

What kind of support will I receive?

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

Am I guaranteed a job?

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

Can I get financial assistance?

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

How can I get more information about this course?

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."