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Interested in becoming a bookkeeper in Mississippi?
Think of a bookkeeper as a money whiz who manages finances for a company.
Although people often mix them up with accountants, it’s a different job altogether.
If you’re good at math and enjoy staying organized, this gig could be just right for you.
Their main task is keeping tabs on all the buying and selling going on in a company.
Usually, it’s a job in an office that stays quite stable.
If you’re thinking about starting a career in bookkeeping in Mississippi, take a look at the article below.
Article Table of Contents
How to Get Started – Step by Step
There are two ways to become a bookkeeper in Mississippi:
- Education
- Experience
No matter which path you choose, the first step is the same for both.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Before anything else, you’ve got to finish high school.
That means getting your diploma sorted out first.
If getting a high school diploma isn’t possible, you can go for a GED instead.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
Although not mandatory, having a degree can enhance job opportunities in this field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a degree is often required for this career path.
You can pursue these degrees:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
While master’s degrees are less common for bookkeepers, they can elevate your reputation in the field.
Later on, we’ll discuss some schools where you can pursue your education.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
Before beginning work as a bookkeeper, training is necessary.
You can learn on the job, and this training typically lasts less than six months.
If you’re studying, mastering the company’s bookkeeping software is essential.
You’ll also need to focus on improving your speed and accuracy in managing the company’s financial transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
To work as a bookkeeper, having a license is typically required.
However, before obtaining a license, you’ll need to gain some on-the-job experience.
When it comes to certification, you have these options:
- You can get licensed by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) after working for 2 years.
- Alternatively, 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 widely recognized across the country.
Each license consists of four tests, so if you pursue both licenses, you’ll need to pass eight exams in total.
You can take two tests at designated testing locations, and for the remaining exams, you’re allowed to refer to your notes.
Prometric manages these test locations.
Keep in mind, once you’re certified, it’s important to keep your certification current.
To do so, you’ll need to complete an additional 24 hours of classes.
Bookkeeping Programs in Mississippi
Check out the programs where you can train as a bookkeeper in Mississippi.
Adkerson School of Accountancy 
Adkerson School of Accountancy offers the opportunity to get a degree such as a Master of Professional Accountancy (M.P.A.) degree or a Master of Taxation (M.TX.) degree.
These programs help students understand the world of business and accounting, preparing them for successful careers in the field.
Plus, the Adkerson School of Accountancy collaborates on interdisciplinary programs.
These encompass the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Business Administration.
The M.P.A. program concentrates on teaching students more about business and accounting and then helping them get a job in the industry.
Mississippi College 
This university has a major in accountancy, seen through the Christian belief.
The classes are small, therefore there will be more 1-on-1 time with the teachers if needed.
Here are some of the classes you’ll attend:
- Accounting information systems
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Government Accounting
- Taxation
- Auditing
Franklin University 
Franklin Univesity offers an accounting degree program that can be accessed online 100%.
You have between 6 and 12 weeks to complete the course.
You’ll accumulate 124 credits but only some 74% of them can be transferred.
The tuition is around $398 per credit.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Adkerson School of Accountancy | P.O. Box 1848 200 Conner Hall University, MS 38677 |
| Mississippi College | 200 S. Capitol Street, Clinton, MS 39056 |
| Franklin University | online program |
Bookkeeper Salary in Mississippi
Once you finish school, thinking about how much money you can make is important.
Let’s look at bookkeepers in Mississippi.
Usually, they earn about $39,432 each year.
Remember, where you work and how much experience you have can affect how much you earn.
Look at the table below to see the salary range more clearly.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Magnolia | $41,642 |
| Southaven | $41,332 |
| Walls | $41,288 |
| Olive Branch | $41,244 |
| Hernando | $41,156 |
| Independence | $41,111 |
| Mount Pleasant | $41,111 |
| Clara | $40,360 |
| Summit | $40,272 |
| Charleston | $40,006 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 1,250 | $42,190 | $20.29 | $57,430 | $27,630 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 680 | $39,310 | $18.9 | $54,060 | $24,660 |
| Jackson, MS | 2,540 | $43,690 | $21.01 | $62,800 | $27,680 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hasn't technology replaces bookkeepers in Mississippi?
Technology has significantly impacted the field of bookkeeping.
However, employers and clients still highly value the fundamental organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail of bookkeepers.
Tools such as QuickBooks or Microsoft Excel have largely automated traditional manual entry tasks in bookkeeping.
Nevertheless, the organization, reporting, and utilization of financial data still rely heavily on human input and processing.
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Mississippi?
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 remotely, whether from home or elsewhere in the city.
Both office-based and remote work have their advantages and disadvantages, as explained below:
Office:
- Various distractions may arise.
- Potential for better concentration in a structured environment.
- Additional tasks may come up.
- Limited flexibility in sitting position.
Remote (Home):
- Potential for fewer distractions.
- Ability to focus in a comfortable environment.
- Greater flexibility in tasks and schedule.
- Freedom to adjust sitting position as desired.
Can I choose a different career path if bookkeeping is not for me, in Mississippi?
For individuals training as bookkeepers, there are various career paths to explore:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Payroll Clerk
- Assistant to Accountants (both line and staff)
- Paraprofessionals in CPA Firms
Each of these positions offers unique opportunities for specialization and advancement within the bookkeeping field.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State