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All companies need a bookkeeper or an accountant if they want their business to run smoothly and succeed.
Bookkeepers and accountants are often mistaken, mostly due to their role in a company, but they also have several differences to set them apart.
Bookkeepers in Indiana have a background in business, accountancy, or bookkeeping.
With a high demand for both specialties, getting hired will be a no-brainer, with the right credentials.
Furthermore, this is a stable job especially if you’re good at what you’re doing.
Article Table of Contents
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 or 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 regardless of the industry you want to work in.
It’s essential to note that very few training programs will accept individuals without one of these credentials.
Completing this step first is mandatory regardless of the path you choose for a bookkeeping position.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
A degree shows dedication to the profession, but obtaining one is not mandatory, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As the subtitle suggests, only those who follow the education route have to get a degree.
Here are the degrees available:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Few bookkeepers choose a master’s degree, though.
Later on, I’ll show you some of the institutions in Indiana that offer such programs.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
To operate effectively as a full-fledged bookkeeper in Indiana, on-the-job training is essential.
This training typically lasts 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 involves obtaining certification after gaining a certain amount of experience.
There are two available credentials, and you have the option to pursue both:
- Licensure by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), which requires 2 years of practice.
- Certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), which requires 1 year of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
Both certifications enjoy nationwide recognition.
Each certification involves passing four exams, totaling eight tests if pursuing both.
Two exams are administered at designated testing centers, while the other two are open-book workbooks.
Individuals who choose the educational path can also earn these certifications under the same conditions.
Furthermore, certified individuals must complete 24 hours of continuing education annually to uphold their certifications.
Bookkeeping Programs in Indiana
Now it’s time you found out which educational institutions in Indiana offer bookkeeping training programs.
Indiana University Northwest 
The program offered here is for entry-level accountants who can deal with the affairs of small businesses.
For this, they’ll be using QuickBooks.
It takes between 4 and 6 months to complete it.
Its cost is $$1,699 and you need a high school diploma or GED.
By the end of this program, you can attempt to obtain one or all of the following certifications:
- National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Accounting Professional (ACCT-P)
- Intuit QuickBooks Certified User
- National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) Uniform Bookkeeping Certification
You’ll also have the option to enter a volunteer externship opportunity.
University of Southern Indiana 
For just $2,195 you have access to an online training program offered by the University of Southern Indiana.
The tuition can be paid in installments and includes the exam fee.
By the end of this program, you’ll be ready to sit for the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper certification.
This is a self-paced course of 140 hours that can be completed in 6 months.
Enrollment is open at any time since the program is available 100% online.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Indiana University Northwest | 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408 |
| University of Southern Indiana | 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712, |
Bookkeeper Salary in Indiana
In this concluding section of the presentation, let’s explore the salaries earned by bookkeepers in Indiana.
According to data from salary.com, the average annual salary for bookkeepers in Indiana is around $42,880.
This figure can fluctuate annually due to various factors.
Below, you’ll find a table spotlighting the cities where bookkeepers typically earn higher salaries.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lowell | $44,383 |
| Hebron | $44,294 |
| Munster | $44,162 |
| Saint John | $44,117 |
| Valparaiso | $44,073 |
| Goodland | $43,896 |
| Kouts | $43,631 |
| Westville | $43,278 |
| Kentland | $43,233 |
| San Pierre | $43,189 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 680 | $43,990 | $21.15 | $60,050 | $29,220 |
| Columbus, IN | 340 | $42,420 | $20.4 | $58,160 | $29,760 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 1,140 | $45,990 | $22.11 | $60,640 | $32,550 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 1,430 | $44,310 | $21.3 | $60,580 | $29,390 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 2,040 | $44,320 | $21.31 | $60,670 | $30,040 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 9,310 | $47,810 | $22.99 | $63,670 | $33,380 |
| Kokomo, IN | 240 | $42,400 | $20.39 | $58,920 | $27,880 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 790 | $46,780 | $22.49 | $60,710 | $31,030 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 370 | $43,660 | $20.99 | $58,430 | $30,330 |
| Muncie, IN | 440 | $41,870 | $20.13 | $56,590 | $29,700 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 1,200 | $44,760 | $21.52 | $59,450 | $31,620 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 460 | $42,370 | $20.37 | $58,290 | $28,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hours do bookkeepers work in Indiana?
Most bookkeepers typically work 40 hours per week, although some opt for part-time schedules.
As a professional bookkeeper, you may encounter periods requiring overtime work, such as closing out the fiscal quarter or year, as well as during tax season.
I work remotely as a bookkeeper in Indiana?
There are two paths to becoming a virtual bookkeeper.
The first involves seeking job opportunities listed as “Remote,” which offer the possibility to work virtually for a company.
Alternatively, you can work for yourself as a freelance bookkeeper and market your services as a virtual or “remote” bookkeeper.
What is a Certified Bookkeeper in Indiana?
Certified Bookkeepers adhere to the rigorous standards set by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
Achieving the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation from AIPB grants you the privilege of appending the initials CB after your name, elevating your market worth and professional standing.
This prestigious credential is akin to the CPA designation in the accounting realm, signifying expertise and excellence in the field of bookkeeping.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State