How to Become a Bookkeeper in Kansas

Bookkeepers and accountants are really valuable for businesses.

Even though they do similar things, each has a unique role in managing money.

In Kansas, having business or accounting experience is a big advantage if you want to be a bookkeeper.

Being great at math and staying organized are super important skills for anyone aiming to be a bookkeeper.

Keep reading this guide if you’re into numbers and keeping things neat!

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

Getting certified is super important if you wanna be a top-notch bookkeeper.

You can become certified in two main ways:

• By studying hard.
• By gaining practical experience.

Both methods have three steps and share some similarities.

Let’s check out these steps to get a better picture!

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

Completing a high school diploma will help you get employed as a bookkeeper.

If getting a high school diploma seems tough, you can always go for a GED instead.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

While you don’t need it, having a degree can make finding a first position easier.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says a degree is needed to work as a bookkeeper.

You can choose from a few degrees:

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

Out of these, a master’s degree isn’t as common for this job.

But it’s worth noting because it makes you stand out.

If you’re wondering where to get your education, we’ll discuss some schools later.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

Before you dive into being a bookkeeper, you gotta get trained up.

You can learn on the job and this training usually wraps up in under six months.

If you’re hitting the books, it’s good to get comfy with the company’s bookkeeping software.

You also have to level up your speed and skills in handling the company’s money.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

If you want to work as a bookkeeper, you need to get licensed.

But first, you need to gain some experience working in the field.

When you’re ready to get certified, you have two options:

• You can get a license from 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) with just 12 months of experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

It’s good to know that all certifications are nationally recognized, so you’re in good hands whichever one you choose.

To get each license, you’ll have to pass 4 tests, making a total of 8 exams if you go for both.

You can take two of the exams at testing centers, while for the others, you can use study materials during the test.

Prometric operated these exam places.

Once you’ve got your license, you’ll need to keep it current.

That means attending another 24 hours of classes to stay up-to-date.

Bookkeeping Programs in Kansas

Next, let’s check out the bookkeeping programs in this state.

Kansas City Community College

This program lasts for a total of 6 months and 140 hours.

This course is packed with everything you need to know for the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) national certification exam.

During the program, you will watch various and do hands-on exercises to help you learn more about bookkeeping.

You will also take practice exams which will prepare you for the real test.

This program can also help you get prepaid vouchers to take the AIPB exams.

If you are wondering about the costs, the program costs $2,195 and you can pay in installments.

University of Kansas – School of Business

The School of Business of the University of Kansas offers an accounting degree program.

Previous students of this accounting major must adhere to the newer course requirements.

Future students will follow the new requirements by default.

If you’re interested in pursuing the Master of Accounting graduate program and/or CPA licensure, you must select both of the following:

• ACCT 330 Introduction to Taxation
• ACCT 543 Introduction to Auditing is two of your three elective choices.

Bookkeeper Salary in Kansas

Once you’re out of school, let’s check out how much bookkeepers in Kansas make.

According to data from salary.com, the average yearly salary for bookkeepers in Kansas is $42,084 per year.

Your salary can change depending on how much schooling you’ve had, how much experience you have, and where you’re working.

If you’re curious about which cities pay bookkeepers more, take a look at the table below.

Regional Salary in Kansas

Bookkeeper Schools by State