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Bookkeepers and accountants play vital roles in business.
Even though they might do similar tasks, each has a specific job in managing finances.
In Idaho, if you want to become a bookkeeper, it’s helpful to have experience in business or accounting.
Having good math abilities and being organized is important for anyone aiming to be a bookkeeper.
Keep exploring this guide to learn more if you’re interested in numbers and keeping things in order!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
it is essential to become certified if you are going to be a bookkeeper.
You can get licensed by using one of the next two methods:
- By studying.
- By working.
Each method has three steps and some similarities.
Let’s check out these steps to get a clearer picture!
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Having a high school diploma or equivalent is crucial for finding a job in this field.
It’s even more crucial if you plan to go to college later on.
If getting a high school diploma seems impossible, you can always go for a GED instead.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
While not a must, having a degree can make finding a job easier.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a degree is needed for this career path.
You can choose from these degrees:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Among these, the master’s degree is less common for bookkeepers.
But it’s important to note because it boosts your reputation as a bookkeeper.
And if you’re wondering where to get your education, we will talk about some schools later on.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
Before you start working as a bookkeeper, you need to go through some training.
You can learn while you work, and this training usually takes less than six months.
If you’re studying, it’s important to learn how to use the company’s bookkeeping software.
You also need to work on being faster and better at handling the company’s financial transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
If you want to work as a bookkeeper, you must have a license.
But first, you need to gain some experience on the job.
When it comes to getting certified, you have two options:
- You can get licensed by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) after working for 2 years.
- Or you can become certified by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) after just 12 months of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
All these certifications are recognized across the country.
Each license requires four tests, so if you want both licenses, that’s eight exams in total.
You can take two tests at specific testing spots and the other exams let you use your notes.
Prometric runs these test locations.
Remember, once you’re certified, you have to keep it up to date.
To do that, you’ll need to take an extra 24 hours of classes.
Bookkeeping Programs in Idaho
Now it is time to read about the schools that provide bookkeeping programs in Hawaii.
North Idaho College 
The Accounting Assistant course gets students ready for jobs in bookkeeping.
Some of these jobs include payroll clerk, accounts receivable clerk, accounts payable clerk, and full-charge bookkeeper.
These jobs involve analyzing daily business transactions, doing payroll, creating financial reports, and filling out forms.
Students will take classes in general education, general business, and accounting.
After completing these courses, they can earn an intermediate technical certificate, an advanced technical certificate, or even an associate of applied science degree.
The focus is on both manual and computerized accounting, learning about business taxes, credit, and payroll.
In the last semester of the A.A.S. degree, students will do an accounting internship, which is the final part of the program.
This internship includes:
- Help in getting hired
- 135 hours of work experience
- Learning how to do a resume
- Better your interview abilities
- Developing healthy workplace relationships
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Idaho College | 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Idaho
Now that you know about education, let’s find out how much bookkeepers in Idaho make.
According to salary.com, the typical yearly salary for bookkeepers in Idaho is about $41,244.
Your earnings can change depending on your schooling, how long you’ve been working, and where you live.
If you’re curious about which cities pay bookkeepers more, take a look at the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lewiston | $45,841 |
| Grangeville | $45,620 |
| Post Falls | $44,825 |
| Princeton | $44,736 |
| Tensed | $44,736 |
| Dover | $44,736 |
| Coeur d'Alene | $44,735 |
| White Bird | $44,471 |
| Felt | $44,073 |
| Irwin | $43,587 |
Regional Salary in Idaho
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | 4,330 | $45,130 | $21.7 | $62,980 | $24,920 |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 850 | $45,610 | $21.93 | $63,060 | $30,020 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | 880 | $45,130 | $21.7 | $61,260 | $27,820 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | 300 | $46,740 | $22.47 | $61,260 | $32,740 |
| Pocatello, ID | 340 | $41,000 | $19.71 | $56,400 | $24,340 |
| Twin Falls, ID | 540 | $45,590 | $21.92 | $59,140 | $28,080 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bookkeepers in high demand in Idaho?
Yes!
The demand for accountants, bookkeepers, and other specialists in this field is highly sought.
Finding employment should be easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
What role does a bookkeeper have in a company, in Idaho?
When seeking employment for this position, be mindful of some of your tasks:
- Recording sales and purchases.
- Improving the company’s financial standing.
- Documenting other transactions within the company.
- Utilizing reporting tools effectively.
- Establishing, implementing, and overseeing systems for tracking money flow.
These tasks are vital for maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring the financial health of the company.
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Idaho?
As demonstrated in the presentation, classes can be conducted in person, but online instruction is prevalent.
In terms of employment, this offers bookkeepers an ideal opportunity to work remotely, whether from home or elsewhere in the city.
Both office-based and remote work options have their pros and cons, as seen below.
Office:
- Various types of distractions
- Potential for better concentration in a structured environment
- Additional tasks may arise
- Limited flexibility in the sitting position
Remote (Home):
- Potential for fewer distractions
- Ability to concentrate in a comfortable environment
- Greater flexibility in tasks and schedule
- Freedom to adjust sitting position as desired
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State