How to Become a Bookkeeper in Nevada

A bookkeeper is often mixed up with an accountant, but they’re different.

Bookkeepers need math skills and organization.

They record sales, purchases, and other transactions for a company.

If you’re eyeing a bookkeeping gig in Nevada, keep reading for more info!

How to Become – Step by Step

If you want to work as a bookkeeper in Nevada, there are some requirements that you have to meet.

These are:

• Education
• Practice

You can choose either of them as the first step is the same for both.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

The first step after that is completing high school.

This means you also have to get a diploma.

If its not possible for you to get a diploma, a GED is an equally good choice.

Whatever you choose, you will not be able to work as a bookkeeper without a diploma of sorts.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

You don’t always need a degree for accounting jobs.

Some employers hire accountants based on their experience rather than formal education.

But according to the BLS, you do need some education beyond high school.

You can go for either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.

Whether you pick an Associate’s or Bachelor’s, make sure it’s in accounting or business.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

Keep in mind that you need to have one or tow years of experience in the industry.

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (or AIPB) asks for 24 months of practice for licensure.

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (or NACPB) asks for 12 months of experience for certification.

Step 3 Education – Gain on-the-job Training

In order to work as a bookkeeper, you need to receive training while working.

This training generally lasts for around 6 months.

When training, you have to get used to working with the company’s software.

Step 3 Practice – Earn Credentials

If you want credentials, you should aim for at least one.

But having two can improve your chances even more.

Here are the credentials you can aim for:

• Certified Bookkeeping Professional (CPB) from NACPB
• Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from AIPB

Both NACPB and AIPB are well-known nationwide.

To earn these credentials, you’ll need to pass four exams provided by these associations.

The first two tests are at specific centers, while the next two are open-book, so you can use your manual.

You can pursue these licenses even if you’re going the education route to become a bookkeeper.

Just keep in mind, you’ll need an extra 24 hours of training.

Bookkeeping Programs in Nevada

Now, let’s see what programs are available in Nevada.

University of Nevada, Reno

This university offers a bachelor’s degree for those interested in more than just a certificate.

The program has a duration of 4 years and you must accumulate 120 credits in total.

Those who enroll in the first year and live in Nevada will pay $9,577 as tuition, a sum that includes various mandatory fees.

Freshmen from out-of-state must pay $27,719.

Here are some of the topics you’ll have classes about:

• Public accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Tax accounting
• Government Accounting

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to take the CPA exam.

If you want to study more, you can enroll in a master’s degree as well.

This degree is available online as well.

Nevada State University

Also, the College of Business offers a hybrid major in accounting information systems, combining accounting and information skills into one career path.

After graduating, students can find jobs in a competitive market, start businesses, or pursue further education.

Common careers for accounting majors include:

• Certified Public Accountant,
• Management accountant,
• Financial analyst,
• Internal auditor,
• Government agent,
• Tax accountant.

For those in accounting information systems, job opportunities include tech-based roles in:

• Managerial and financial accounting,
• Electronic auditing,
• Computer security,
• Systems Consulting,
• Forensic accounting.

College of Southern Nevada

This college offers a certificate of achievement in bookkeeping.

The program has a total of 30 credits to earn.

With this credential, you can land entry-level jobs.

The college also has a bookkeeping skills certificate program.

This course has only 18 credits to earn.

With this course, you have the possibility of landing jobs either in bookkeeping or accountancy.

Bookkeeper Salary in Nevada

Before you start working as a bookkeeper, you might wonder about your paycheck.

In this state, the typical bookkeeper makes around $44,383 per year.

Your earnings can vary based on factors like education and where you work.

Check out the list below to find cities where bookkeepers tend to earn more.

Regional Salary in Nevada

Bookkeeper Schools by State