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Bookkeepers and accountants play vital roles in business operations, with distinct yet sometimes overlapping duties.
In Maine, aspiring bookkeepers typically require backgrounds in business, accounting, or bookkeeping.
Strong mathematical skills and organizational abilities are essential for aspiring bookkeepers.
If you’re fascinated by numbers and order, delve deeper into this guide to uncover more insights into the field!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Obtaining certification is crucial in this field.
Certification can be achieved through two pathways – learning and practicing.
Both pathways consist of three steps and share some common elements.
Let’s explore these steps to gain a better understanding!
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Obtaining your high school diploma or its equivalent is important for landing a job in this field.
It’s especially important if you plan to pursue further education in college afterward.
This step is the first one for both available paths.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
While not mandatory, obtaining a degree can facilitate easier job placement.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a degree is necessary for the educational path.
Degree options include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Among these, the master’s degree is less commonly pursued by bookkeepers. However, it enhances credibility.
Later, we’ll explore schools where you can receive training.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
Before becoming a bookkeeper, pre-employment training is necessary.
On-the-job training is common for those on the education path and typically lasts no longer than six months.
Training on the job will allow you to become proficient with the employer’s bookkeeping software is essential.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
The next phase for those who choose the practice path is to accumulate one to two years of practical experience.
AIPB requires two years of experience for certification eligibility.
In contrast, NACPB mandates just one year of experience for licensure qualification.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
If you choose the experience path, earning some certifications is important.
There are 2 credentials with national recognition that you can earn, but even just one is enough.
Here are the credentials you can obtain:
- Certified Bookkeeping Professional (CPB) designation provided by NACPB
- Certified Bookkeeper (CB) certification obtained from the AIPB
Obtaining these credentials involves taking the four exams provided by these associations.
The first two exams are conducted at one of the many Prometric testing centers.
The next two exams are open-book, allowing reference to your manual during the test.
Choosing an educational route to become a bookkeeper, you are still eligible for these licenses.
However, note that an additional 24 hours of training is required annually to maintain these certifications.
Bookkeeping Programs in Maine
You may not know any school in Maine offering bookkeeping training.
I did the research and here are some of the schools!
Biddeford Adult and Community Education 
The training program offered by this institution is for a bookkeeping certificate.
You can attend classes from anywhere across the state because they’re offered 100% online.
Classes are delivered daytime, evenings, and weekends.
The available coursework must be taken in a specific order because they build one on top of the previous one.
Here they are:
- Understanding Debits and Credits
- General Ledger and Month-End Procedures
- Closing Procedures and Financial Statements
In total you have 12 weeks to complete the 48 hours of coursework.
When it comes to tuition, you’ll have to pay $495.
Massabesic Adult and Community Education 
This institution offers a training program that ends with a bookkeeping certificate.
The classes are offered 100% online so your location is irrelevant for studying.
Its classes will still be delivered, no matter the time of day, daytime, evenings, or weekends.
This institution is certified by AIPB.
The cost for this course is $2,195.
University of Southern Maine 
By enrolling at this university, you can prepare for:
- Entry-level positions in accounting
- Study in an AACSB-accredited program
- Gain most of the hours needed to qualify for the CPA exam
- Possibility of entering an internship
The university has an Accelerated Graduate Pathway to the MaineMBA for those interested.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Biddeford Adult and Comm. Education | 189 Alfred St, Biddeford, Maine 04005 |
| Massabesic Adult and Community Education | 84 West Road, Waterboro, Maine 04087 |
| University of Southern Maine | P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Maine
Now that you have all the education information, let’s also explore the average salaries of bookkeepers in Maine.
According to salary.com, the median annual salary for bookkeepers in Maine is approximately $43,012.
Earnings can vary based on factors like education level, experience, and location.
To identify cities with higher salaries, please refer to the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Abbot | $41,907 |
| Athens | $41,907 |
| Burlington | $41,907 |
| Cambridge | $41,907 |
| Burnham | $41,907 |
| Hancock | $41,907 |
| Hope | $41,907 |
| Portage | $41,907 |
| Sheridan | $41,907 |
| Sorrento | $41,907 |
Regional Salary in Maine
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor, ME | 770 | $47,040 | $22.61 | $60,820 | $35,000 |
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME | 610 | $47,630 | $22.9 | $63,790 | $34,780 |
| Portland-South Portland, ME | 1,970 | $50,480 | $24.27 | $63,240 | $37,700 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bookkeepers in high demand in Maine?
Absolutely!
With the demand for accountants, bookkeepers, and other specialists in this field being so high, finding employment should indeed be a breeze for someone with your skills and qualifications!
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Maine?
For some occupations, in-person training is mandatory as is having to commute to the workplace.
This is not the case for bookkeepers or accountants.
Both office-based and remote work options have pros and cons.
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 or elsewhere):
- Potential for fewer distractions
- Ability to concentrate in a comfortable environment
- Greater flexibility in tasks and schedule
- Freedom to adjust sitting position as desired
What role does a bookkeeper have in a company, in Maine?
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.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State