How to Become a Bookkeeper in New Mexico

Every company needs someone to manage its money, such as a bookkeeper or an accountant.

Although they may seem similar, bookkeepers and accountants do different jobs.

To become a bookkeeper in New Mexico, you need to know about business, accounting, or bookkeeping.

If you want to be a bookkeeper, you should be excellent at math and very organized.

If this sounds interesting to you, keep reading to find out more!

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

It’s important to understand that getting certified is a must.

Here are the two ways to becoming certified:

• Through Learning
• Through Doing

Each way has three steps, and they share some things in common.

Let’s take a closer look at these steps to understand them better!

Step 1 – Graduate From High School

You must earn your high school diploma before being able to get hired as a bookkeeper.

It matters even more if you choose to go to college in the future.

It doesn’t matter what path you take to become a bookkeeper, you still need to do this.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

Although it’s not required, having a degree proves your commitment to the field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says you need a degree if you’re going through the education path.

You can choose from:

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

Not all bookkeepers pursue a master’s, but it’s good to know about this degree.

Now, let’s check out the schools where you can get these degrees.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

Getting training before you begin working is super important.

Unlike the Practice path, this on-the-job training only goes on for 6 months.

If you’re taking the education route, you’ll need to understand how the company’s bookkeeping software works.

You’ll also have to work quickly to keep pace with the company’s transactions.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

In the hands-on path, the next step is to get certified after you’ve gained plenty of experience.

You have two choices for certification:

• The license from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), which needs 2 years of experience.
• The certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), which needs 1 year of experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

Both certifications are known all over the country.

Each certification needs you to pass four exams.

So, if you’re going for both, you’ll do a total of eight tests.

Two exams happen at specific testing centers, while the other two let you use open books.

Prometric runs these testing centers.

Even while you’re studying, you can still get certified.

Once you’re certified you must finish 24 hours of learning every year to keep your certification valid.

Bookkeeping Programs in New Mexico

As we previously mentioned, the next step you have to take is enrolling in a program.

Here are the programs for bookkeepers that are available in New Mexico.

Central New Mexico Community College

You’ll get a good base in the theory and steps of accounting for business deals.

The program also includes learning about computer tech and software used to make accounting info.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Financial Accounting
• Budgeting
• How to use Financial Reports
• Payroll Accounting
• Personal Taxes
• Computer Accounting Applications

If you have a valid certification, you can get credit for Accounting program courses by completing this form, Credit for Prior Learning (Accounting).

This program is created following the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) guidelines.

Eastern New Mexico University 

This university has a program for a Certificate of Occupational Training in bookkeeping or accounting.

This is a program that prepares candidates for entry-level positions in these fields.

You’ll learn about: 

• Recording transactions
• QuickBooks
• Preparing financial statements
• Preparing payrolls
• Simple income tax returns

The course equals 30 semester hours in accounting.

Once you complete this program you can enroll in a 4-year programs that result in a degree.

Bookkeeper Salary in New Mexico

Let’s see what bookkeepers in New Mexico usually make.

Based on info from salary.com, the average yearly pay for bookkeepers in New Mexico is roughly 40,758 dollars.

This amount might change from year to year because of different factors.

Look at the table below to see which cities bookkeepers usually get higher salaries.

Regional Salary in New Mexico

Bookkeeper Schools by State