How to Become a Bookkeeper in Connecticut

The smooth operation of any company requires the expertise of both bookkeepers and accountants.

Although these two professionals are frequently mistaken for each other, they fulfill distinct functions.

A background in business, accountancy, or bookkeeping is essential to becoming a bookkeeper in Connecticut.

If you’re considering a career as a bookkeeper, ensure you excel in mathematics and possess impeccable organizational skills.

If you’re intrigued, delve into this guide to learn more!

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

One crucial aspect to note is that certification is necessary.

You can achieve certification by completing one of two paths:

• Education
• Practice

Both paths consist of three steps, along with some shared elements.

Let’s delve into these steps to gain a better understanding!

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

A high school diploma or its equivalent is important no matter the industry you want to work in.

Remember that very few training programs will accept a person without one of these documents.

Regardless of the path you choose for a bookkeeping position, this is the first step you must complete.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

While not obligatory, earning a degree demonstrates dedication to the profession.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a degree is required for the education route.

Degrees available include:

• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree

While fewer bookkeepers pursue a master’s, it’s beneficial to be aware of it.

Later, we’ll explore institutions where you can pursue these degrees.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

To function effectively as a full-fledged bookkeeper in Connecticut, on-the-job training is essential.

This training typically spans no more than 6 months.

During this period, you’ll need to become proficient in operating the software utilized by your organization.

Simultaneously, you’ll be expected to keep pace with the transactions occurring within the company.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

In the practice path, the second step entails obtaining certification after accruing a certain amount of experience.

There are two credentials available, and you have the option to pursue both:

• Licensure by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), requiring 2 years of practice.
• Certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), requiring 1 year of experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

Both certifications have nationwide recognition.

Each certification entails passing four exams, totaling eight tests if pursuing both.

Two exams are administered at specific testing centers, while the other two are open-book workbooks.

Individuals who opt for the educational path can also obtain these certifications under the same conditions.

Furthermore, certified individuals must complete 24 hours of continuing education annually to maintain their certifications.

Bookkeeping Programs in Connecticut

Now it’s time you found out which educational institutions in Connecticut offer bookkeeping training programs.

CT State Community College

Through the program this college offers, you’ll earn a certificate but no credits.

You can participate in classroom education or online.

There are 4 campuses to choose from, all in different cities if you want to attend in person.

You can see where these campuses are located in the table below.

It takes between 6 months and up to a year to complete the course.

For this course, you’ll have to pay around $2,399, a sum covering the textbooks and the exams.

When you complete the program you’ll have the Certified Bookkeeper credential and designation.

Goodwin University

By enrolling in the accounting program at this university you’ll earn an associate’s degree.

At the end of the course, you can sit through the certification tests for:

• Bookkeeping
• Microsoft Excel
• QuickBooks

Graduates of this program will also be able to earn the 2 national certifications if they meet the requirements.

Western Connecticut State University

This institution offers a Bachelor of Business Administration learning program.

The main location for this program is the Westside campus.

There are 2 outcomes for this program:

• BBA in Accounting (Financial option)
• BBA in Accounting (Managerial option)

These outcomes are Majors but there is a Minor as well.

The Minor requires the accumulation of just 16 credits and it’s for students in other departments.

Bookkeeper Salary in Connecticut

In this concluding section of the presentation, we’ll delve into the salaries earned by bookkeepers in Connecticut.

Based on data from salary.com, the average annual salary for bookkeepers in Connecticut is around $47,477.

This figure can fluctuate annually due to various factors.

Next, you’ll find a table spotlighting the cities where bookkeepers typically earn higher salaries.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Bookkeeper Schools by State