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In the world of business operations, the roles of a bookkeeper and an accountant are indispensable.
While their duties may overlap at times, each plays a unique part in the financial industry.
In Georgia, aspiring bookkeepers must possess a foundation in business, accounting, or bookkeeping.
Strong math skills and good organizational skills are crucial for those aspiring to enter the field of bookkeeping.
Explore further into this guide to uncover more insights on becoming a bookkeeper.
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Certification is crucial.
You can get certified in two ways:
- Through education
- Through practice
Both paths have three steps and some common elements.
Let’s explore these steps for a clearer view!
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Having a high school diploma or its equivalent is vital for employment.
It’s even more critical for enrolling in post-secondary classes.
This requirement applies to both paths for bookkeepers.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
While not compulsory, earning a degree demonstrates dedication to the profession.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), getting a degree is needed for this education path.
You can choose between these next degrees:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Not many bookkeepers opt for a master’s, however, it is advantageous to know more about it.
In a bit, we will have a look at the programs available in this state.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
Pre-employment training is essential.
For the Practice path, on-the-job training lasts only six months.
Those on the education path must familiarize themselves with the company’s bookkeeping software.
Additionally, they must improve their efficiency to keep up with the firm’s transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
In the Practice path, the second step involves getting certified after gaining specific experience.
You have two options to pursue:
- Licensure from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), needing 2 years of practice.
- Certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), requires 1 year of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
Both certifications hold national recognition.
Each certification includes four exams, totaling eight tests for those pursuing both.
Two exams take place at designated testing centers, while the other two are open-book workbooks.
The testing centers are operated by Prometric.
Those on the educational path can also earn these certifications under identical conditions.
Certified individuals must fulfill 24 hours of continuing education annually to uphold their certifications.
Bookkeeping Programs in Georgia
Let’s now explore the educational programs that provide bookkeeping courses in Georgia, as we mentioned earlier.
Middle Georgia State University 
This program prepares you for success in passing the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) certification exam.
You will get a better understanding of the eligibility criteria, code of ethics, and maintenance prerequisites for bookkeeper licensure.
You will also learn accounting principles for transactions across fiscal periods.
You will learn how to record both book and tax depreciation, employing diverse methods for calculating depreciation.
Execute fundamental payroll responsibilities, encompassing wage disbursement, payroll deposits, and tax reporting.
Understand inventory valuation, cost recording, entry creation, and inventory reporting on financial statements.
You will learn how to implement internal controls against theft, embezzlement, or fraudulent activities involving checks and credit cards.
University of North Georgia 
This course equips you with the essential skills to excel in bookkeeping.
Students will develop a comprehensive grasp of the entire bookkeeping process, integrating QuickBooks and honing bookkeeping and customer service abilities.
It is made specifically for small business owners or those aspiring to work in bookkeeping.
To earn the Master Bookkeeper Certificate, you must finish the next courses:
- QuickBooks 1
- QuickBooks 2
- Bookkeeping 1
- Bookkeeping 2
- Critical Elements of Customer Service
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
Through this institution, you’ll earn your bookkeeping certification through online classes.
The certification you’ll obtain is the one from AIPB.
You’ll have to pay $2,195 for the 140 hours and 14 CEUs the course has.
Because the course is 100% online, you can enroll at any time.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Middle Georgia State University | 100 University Pkwy, Macon, GA 31206, |
| University of North Georgia | 82 College Cir, Dahlonega, GA 30597 |
| The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel | 1197 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30602-3603 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Georgia
In the last part of the presentation, we’ll delve into bookkeepers’ salaries in Georgia.
Data from salary.com indicates that the average yearly salary for bookkeepers in Georgia is around $42,747.
This number can vary yearly due to different factors.
The table below showcases cities where bookkeepers typically receive higher salaries.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Smyrna | $43,278 |
| Atlanta | $43,278 |
| Decatur | $43,278 |
| Ellenwood | $43,233 |
| Riverdale | $43,189 |
| Stockbridge | $43,101 |
| Duluth | $43,057 |
| Woodstock | $43,012 |
| Maysville | $42,968 |
| Emerson | $42,968 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 430 | $43,200 | $20.77 | $59,560 | $29,220 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 680 | $43,050 | $20.7 | $57,950 | $28,980 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 21,580 | $49,640 | $23.86 | $69,390 | $31,200 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 1,820 | $42,330 | $20.35 | $58,620 | $27,820 |
| Brunswick, GA | 340 | $43,180 | $20.76 | $63,400 | $29,010 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 880 | $42,650 | $20.51 | $59,450 | $28,920 |
| Dalton, GA | 550 | $44,090 | $21.2 | $60,350 | $31,510 |
| Gainesville, GA | 740 | $47,360 | $22.77 | $67,020 | $33,310 |
| Hinesville, GA | 130 | $43,040 | $20.69 | $56,390 | $28,690 |
| Macon, GA | 710 | $43,340 | $20.84 | $59,940 | $28,370 |
| Rome, GA | 290 | $42,700 | $20.53 | $60,310 | $27,490 |
| Savannah, GA | 1,290 | $45,780 | $22.01 | $64,260 | $30,600 |
| Valdosta, GA | 410 | $41,190 | $19.8 | $56,930 | $26,240 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 480 | $41,020 | $19.72 | $59,130 | $28,520 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Georgia?
As seen from the presentation above, classes can take place in person, but it’s very common for them to take place 100% online.
As far as employment goes, this is a perfect opportunity for bookkeepers to work from home, or elsewhere in the city.
Working in an office or from home, both options come with advantages and disadvantages:
- Different types of distractions
- Possibility of a better concentration
- Added tasks – in an office
- Ability of changing the sitting position or not
What are some of the most common duties a bookkeeper in Georgia must perform?
Bookkeepers in Georgia must complete tasks such as:
- Recording sales and purchases.
- Enhancing the company’s financial position.
- Documenting various transactions within the company.
- Effectively utilizing reporting tools.
- Establishing, implementing, and overseeing systems to track the flow of money.
These responsibilities are essential for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring the financial health of the company.
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant in Georgia?
Bookkeeping and accounting are closely linked yet serve distinct roles in supporting businesses.
Bookkeepers primarily focus on recording financial transactions, with an administrative emphasis.
In contrast, accountants analyze bookkeeping data to provide business insights and develop financial models.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State