How to Become a Bookkeeper in New York

Usually, a business needs a person to manage its finances.

This is a bookkeeper or an accountant.

While these jobs are similar to one another, they are not exactly the same.

To work as a bookkeeper in New York, you need training in business, accounting, or bookkeeping.

You will also need to have good organizational skills and know math.

If this catches your attention, keep reading to learn more!

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

Understanding that getting certified is crucial is key.

There are two main ways to achieve certification:

• Through Education
• Through Experience

Each path consists of three steps, and they have some similarities.

Let’s examine these steps closely to grasp them better!

Step 1 – Finish High School

Before you can work as a bookkeeper, you must have a high school diploma.

It’s even more important if you plan to go to college later on.

No matter which path you choose to become a bookkeeper, this is a must-do step.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

Even though it’s not a must, having a degree shows how dedicated you are to the field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that you need a degree if you’re following the education path.

You can select from:

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

Not a lot of bookkeepers go for a master’s, but it’s good to know about it.

Now, let’s take a look at the schools where you can earn these degrees.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

Getting training before you start working is crucial.

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

If you’re going through the education route, you’ll need to learn how the company’s bookkeeping software operates.

You’ll also need to work faster to keep up with the company’s transactions.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

On the hands-on path, the next move is to get certified after you’ve got enough experience.

You can choose between two certifications:

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

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

Both certifications are recognized nationwide.

You have to pass four exams for each certification.

So, if you’re aiming for both, you’ll take eight tests in total.

Two exams are held at certain testing centers, while the other two allow open books.

Prometric manages these testing centers.

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

After certification, you need to complete 24 hours of learning every year to maintain your certification.

Bookkeeping Programs in New York

It’s now time to see where you can attend training in this state.

Zicklin School of Business

At Zicklin, you can choose from different programs if you’re interested in accounting and public accountancy.

After finishing one of these programs, you’ll meet the educational requirements to become a CPA in New York State.

Here are your options:

• Master of Science (MS) in Accountancy
• MBA in Accountancy

Master of Science (MS) in Accountancy

This program is the most popular and focuses more on accounting.

It’s great for students who have already a degree in accounting or a related field.

Depending on what you studied in your undergraduate degree, you might be able to skip some classes.

MBA in Accountancy

This program is for students who didn’t study accounting or business in their undergraduate degree.

In this program, you’ll learn about business and management alongside accounting.

It gives you the skills to understand and use accounting information effectively.

This MBA is available for both full-time and evening students.

If you already have an accounting degree, you might want to consider a different MBA or one of our MS programs because you can’t skip any classes in this program.

Bookkeeper Salary in New York

Now that you know all about the training, you should learn how much you can make as a bookkeeper in New York.

According to data from salary.com, the average yearly salary for bookkeepers in New York is about $47,123 per year.

The figure won’t stay the same for everyone, as various factors will influence it.

Check the table below to see in which cities bookkeepers usually earn higher salaries.

Regional Salary in New York

Bookkeeper Schools by State