by 
A bookkeeper is like a financial expert who keeps track of money matters in a company.
Although they are usually mistaken for accountants, this job is different.
If you are adept at math and like to keep things organized, this job might be perfect for you!
Their main job is to write down all the buying and selling that happens in a company.
It’s a job you do in an office, and it usually doesn’t change much.
If you’re thinking about being a bookkeeper in Louisiana, you’re on the right track!
Keep reading for more details!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become – Step by Step
To get to work as a bookkeeper in Louisiana, you have two different options available to you:
- Education
- Practice
The education and practice methods have the same first step, regardless of which of them you decide to pursue.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
First things first, you gotta finish high school and grab that diploma.
It’s a must, but if you can’t get a high school diploma right now, you can also go for a GED instead.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
You do not really need a degree as some firms hire accountants who learned while on the job.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employers usually hire candidates with some college education.
For that to happen, you can pursue an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree.
Whatever degree you choose, you should concentrate on accounting and business.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
To move forward, you need to have worked for at least one year but not more than two.
If you want a license from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), they require two years of experience.
However, if you’re looking to get certified by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), only one year of experience is needed.
Step 3 Education – Gain on-the-job Training
If you’re going down this road, having a certification is super important.
Having two would be even better!
Here are the certifications you can aim for:
- Certified Bookkeeping Professional (CPB) from NACPB
- Certified Bookkeeper (CB) license from AIPB
Both NACPB and AIPB are known across the country.
To earn these certifications, you’ll need to pass all four exams they offer.
The first two tests happen at special centers.
For the last two exams, you can use your workbook.
These certifications are open to both folks who went to school for this and those who didn’t.
You’ll need to stay sharp by doing 24 hours of training every year.
Bookkeeping Programs in Louisiana
So, what are the schools where you can train in this state?
University of Louisiana at Lafayette 
This program will help you learn everything you need to know about being a bookkeeper.
Some of the other classes you will attend include:
- Arts
- Humanities
- Sciences
- Communications
Some of the accounting-related topics you will learn about are:
- Auditing
- Income tax
- Managerial Accounting
- Not-for-profit accounting
- Fraud examination
- Systems analysis
After you complete the program you can get hired by any international accounting companies, corporations, or even banks.
Keep in mind that you will have to take an extra 25 class hours for the 150 hours requested for the Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants exam.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana 
By enrolling in this university, you access the possibility of earning the bookkeeper certification online.
The certification comes from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
This course is offered 100% online, so enrollment is also available at any time.
You might have to meet some requirements before enrolling.
You’ll be learning about:
- Payrolls
- Depreciation
- Accruals, deferrals, and other adjustments are made
- Inventory
- Internal controls
Louisiana State University Shreveport 
Here, you can enroll in an accountancy program that lasts between 4 and 6 months.
The price is $3,799 but it includes QuickBooks and certification.
This sum can be paid in installments.
To enroll you’ll have to show a high school diploma or a GED.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Louisiana at Lafayette | 104 E University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70504, |
| Northwestern State University | 175 Sam Sibley Dr Natchitoches, LA 71497 |
| Louisiana State University Shreveport | Shreveport, LA 71115 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Louisiana
When you’re picking your job, it’s normal to think about how much money you might earn at the beginning.
In Louisiana, most folks in this field make around 42,040 dollars every year.
Many factors can change this number, and below, you’ll find out which cities pay more.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | $42,659 |
| Metairie | $42,659 |
| Ama | $42,570 |
| Destrehan | $42,526 |
| Paradis | $42,349 |
| Saint Benedict | $42,305 |
| Edgard | $42,261 |
| Reserve | $42,217 |
| Garyville | $42,128 |
| Ponchatoula | $42,040 |
Regional Salary in Louisiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 650 | $41,030 | $19.73 | $57,780 | $26,500 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 3,960 | $45,460 | $21.86 | $63,250 | $30,410 |
| Hammond, LA | 420 | $41,260 | $19.84 | $57,820 | $27,990 |
| Houma-Thibodaux, LA | 1,010 | $43,580 | $20.95 | $61,140 | $28,270 |
| Lafayette, LA | 2,640 | $41,980 | $20.18 | $57,820 | $26,300 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 860 | $44,210 | $21.26 | $62,410 | $27,750 |
| Monroe, LA | 990 | $40,880 | $19.66 | $54,280 | $28,200 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 5,190 | $45,430 | $21.84 | $61,480 | $30,140 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 1,980 | $42,770 | $20.56 | $59,850 | $28,150 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bookkeepers in high demand in Louisiana?
Absolutely!
With the high demand for accountants, bookkeepers, and other specialists in this field, finding a job should be easy for someone with your skills and qualifications!
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Louisiana?
As shown in the presentation, classes can be held either face-to-face or online, with online learning being common.
For employment, this offers bookkeepers a great chance to work from home or another place in the city.
Both office and remote work have their advantages and disadvantages, as explained below.
Office:
- Different distractions may pop up.
- Better focus might be possible in a structured setting.
- Extra tasks could come up.
- Sitting position flexibility might be limited.
Remote (Home):
- Possibility of fewer distractions.
- Ability to focus in a cozy environment.
- More flexibility in tasks and schedule.
- Freedom to change sitting position as needed.
What kind of hours do bookkeepers work in Louisiana?
Most bookkeepers usually work for about 40 hours each week, but some might prefer part-time hours.
As a professional bookkeeper, there might be times when you need to work extra hours.
For example, during the end of the financial quarter or year, or tax season.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State