In this article, we will explore the CPA vs bookkeeper comparison, including their roles, educational requirements, salary range, and career outlook. This will help you better understand which career might be the right fit for you or help guide your hiring decisions for your small business. In summary, a bookkeeper’s salary can span $30k to $70k+ depending on credentials, experience, location, specialization, and career advancement. Prioritizing professional development is essential for income growth over time. Mastering new bookkeeping tools can help improve productivity and allow for more high-value services. With the right skills, bookkeepers can benefit from emerging technologies taking over repetitive tasks and better position themselves as strategic advisors.

• A four-year degree may not be required, but most employers prefer bookkeepers who have completed some relevant college coursework.
• Volunteering to do the books for a local nonprofit or community group is another great way to sharpen your skills.
• However, keep in mind that those higher living costs may cancel out the financial benefits of increased bookkeeping salaries.
• Formal certifications include those offered by the NACPB and the AIPB.

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) Jobs by Salary

CPBs must renew their licenses annually and complete at least 24 hours of continuing professional education courses. A certified public accountant (CPA) acts as an advisor to small businesses and chief financial officers to Fortune 500 companies. They typically work for both small and large public accounting firms. They aid businesses and individuals to plan and achieve their financial goals. There are several requirements to become a CPA, including having a degree in accounting, passing the CPA examination, and obtaining a CPA license to practice. Bookkeepers are essential financial professionals who record and organize financial transactions for businesses and organizations.

Which Career Is Right for You?

Many programs will provide certificates to show that you have completed the course. Some provide free and low-cost resources, while others may be more expensive but provide more knowledge. The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) program from the AIPB requires you to be a working bookkeeper or have at least one year of accounting education.

• The amount you can earn as a bookkeeper varies depending on experience, location, industry and whether or not you are certified.
• Not many bookkeepers choose to obtain their masters, but it’s good to know about it.
• By following these steps, you can earn a respected certification that opens doors to diverse opportunities in finance and accounting.
• Please refer to The Certified Bookkeeper™ (CB) Designation handbook for more information.

How to Become a Bookkeeper: Complete Career Guide for 2025

Find out all about the education and training you’ll need, right here. Maintaining your certification demonstrates ongoing professionalism and commitment to your law firm chart of accounts career. The program has 31 credits to earn in total and 2 semesters to complete it. Each certification has 4 exams to pass, so if you want both of them, you must pass 8 tests in total.

• Many bookkeepers grow into higher-paying roles, take on more complex clients, or branch out and run their own practice.
• With experience comes deeper expertise in areas like payroll, reporting, auditing, and new platforms such as QuickBooks Online and Xero.
• 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.
• These modules will provide you with the essential principles of bookkeeping and aid you in achieving lucrative business outcomes.
• Salaries can vary significantly between regions, cities, and even neighborhoods.
• Choosing the right program depends on your career goals, prior experience, and preferred learning method.

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She has written about higher education and career development for various online publications since 2016. She earned a master’s degree in urban studies from Portland State University and a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of British Columbia. In addition to her experience with professional writing and editing, she has worked in museums, libraries, universities, and in the historic preservation field. Bookkeepers who want to earn a higher salary may want to consider building on their existing knowledge and learning auditing and accounting skills.

Zicklin School of Business

• Factors such as experience, education, geographic location, certifications, and industry specialization all influence these pay rates.
• Entry-level bookkeepers can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities.
• The data presented in the following table covers all three professions.
• Pursuing this credential strengthens your knowledge, opens doors to new opportunities, and accelerates career success.
• For example, you may be able to get a better salary or more benefits.
• Certification exams typically include multiple-choice questions, practical exercises, and sometimes written assignments.

Earning a assets = liabilities + equity degree is not mandatory, but if you want to show your dedication to the job, it’s best to earn one. The best certifications for a bookkeeper are Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Bookkeepers Certification, and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA). After completing your education, it’s important to consider your potential earnings. Additionally, you’ll need to focus on improving your speed and accuracy in managing the company’s financial transactions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a degree is often required for this career path.

Intuit Talent Acquisition

At this school, you can choose between the BSBA-Accounting and Master of Accounting programs. To maintain it, you’ll need to complete an additional 24 hours of classes. However, before obtaining a license, you’ll need to gain some on-the-job experience. Before stepping into the role of a bookkeeper, you’ll need to undergo some training. Usually, it’s an office job what is a bookkeeper that provides stability, though working remotely is also possible. 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.

Bookkeeper’s Daily Tasks

Each certification comprises four exams, totaling eight tests if pursuing both. The high school diploma or its equivalent is essential when getting hired. If you aspire to be a bookkeeper, ensure your math skills are strong and your organizational abilities are impeccable. Though often mistaken for one another, these two professionals fulfill distinct functions. For Parts 1 and 2, which occur at Prometric Test Centers, you will automatically receive your grade immediately after the test ends.