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Most businesses need someone to manage their money.
This job is done by a bookkeeper or an accountant.
While these jobs are similar, they’re not exactly the same.
To become a bookkeeper in North Carolina, you will need to understand business, accounting, or bookkeeping.
Strong math kills and attention to detail are important to develop in this career.
If you’re curious, read on to learn more!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Pursuing a license is a very good idea and it would give you a lot more employment options.
So, how can you get certified?
There are two methods, as seen next:
- Completing your education
- Earning experience by working entry-level jobs in the field
While these paths are not the same, they share a few aspects.
Next up, we will have a closer look at what these steps actually entail.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Finishing high school is a must.
If you can’t do that, you can choose to earn a GED.
Regardless of your choice, this is the first and most important step in becoming a bookkeeper in North Carolina.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
Pursuing a degree is always a good thing as it showcases your professionalism.
This means you will have an easier time finding a job as employers seek dedicated bookkeepers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says those on the education path should pursue a degree.
You can choose between:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Maybe you won’t pursue a master’s, but you should still know more about it.
Soon, you will also get to see some programs you can attend to receive training.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
You need to get trained before anything else.
You should know that the training period while working is half a year.
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
If you go the practice route, you have to get employed for entry-level positions in the field.
You’ll need to work for these many years:
- 2 years for the license of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
- 1 year for the certification offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
These licenses are accepted all across the country.
For each certification, you will have to take 4 tests and pass them.
You need to pass eight exams if you decide to take both.
Out of these, two of the exams can be taken at Prometric testing centers.
During the remaining 2 exams you can use your manual.
You can still get certified even while you’re studying.
Once you are licensed, you have to do 24 hours of learning every year to still be able to work in the field.
Bookkeeping Programs in North Carolina
Read on for some detailed info on bookkeeping programs in North Carolina!
Catawba College 
This college offers two different degrees.
One is the Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and the other is the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
To be able to get CPA licensure, you have to finish 150 hours of class.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Accounting
The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting program provides you with strong professional skills.
Some of the classes you will have include:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
These topics prepare students for professional certification as Certified Management Accountants or to sit for the Certified Public Accountant test.
In the Seminar in Accounting class, you will learn about:
- Forensic Accounting
- International Accounting
- Environmental, social, and ESG reporting.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Catawba College | 2300 W Innes St, Salisbury, NC 28144 |
Bookkeeper Salary in North Carolina
Now that you know all about the training, you should learn how much you can make as a bookkeeper in North Carolina.
According to data from salary.com, the average yearly salary for bookkeepers in North Carolina is about $42,438 per year.
This number can vary from month to month depending on various factors.
The table below shows the cities where bookkeepers usually earn higher salaries.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Raleigh | $43,101 |
| Cary | $43,101 |
| Morrisville | $43,057 |
| Clayton | $43,012 |
| Wendell | $42,968 |
| Zebulon | $42,924 |
| Charlotte | $42,880 |
| Stanley | $42,835 |
| Stantonsburg | $42,791 |
| Saratoga | $42,791 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 2,660 | $44,030 | $21.17 | $59,450 | $29,210 |
| Burlington, NC | 610 | $44,320 | $21.31 | $62,850 | $28,080 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 12,880 | $49,000 | $23.56 | $65,340 | $31,780 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 3,200 | $51,730 | $24.87 | $65,720 | $34,930 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 1,070 | $42,410 | $20.39 | $58,360 | $28,690 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 440 | $42,750 | $20.55 | $57,890 | $27,210 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 3,710 | $45,420 | $21.84 | $60,960 | $28,980 |
| Greenville, NC | 750 | $45,470 | $21.86 | $59,840 | $30,430 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 1,490 | $42,360 | $20.37 | $58,490 | $28,030 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 500 | $40,210 | $19.33 | $55,380 | $26,440 |
| New Bern, NC | 500 | $41,360 | $19.89 | $57,570 | $26,320 |
| Raleigh, NC | 7,610 | $49,310 | $23.71 | $64,470 | $35,170 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 640 | $43,520 | $20.92 | $60,470 | $29,680 |
| Wilmington, NC | 1,800 | $45,490 | $21.87 | $62,400 | $27,450 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 2,730 | $45,260 | $21.76 | $60,730 | $29,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bookkeepers in high demand in North Carolina?
Absolutely!
The demand for accountants, bookkeepers, and other specialists in this field is high.
Finding employment should indeed be a breeze!
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant in North Carolina?
Bookkeeping and accounting are closely related but have distinct roles in supporting businesses.
Bookkeepers mainly focus on recording financial transactions, emphasizing administration.
In contrast, accountants analyze bookkeeping data to offer business insights and develop financial models.
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in North Carolina?
As seen in the presentation, classes can either be conducted in person or commonly, entirely online.
In terms of employment, this offers bookkeepers a great chance to work remotely, whether from home or elsewhere in the city.
Both office and remote work options have their pros and cons:
Office:
- Various types of distractions
- Potential for better concentration
- Additional tasks
- Limited flexibility for your sitting position
Remote (Home):
- Potential for fewer distractions
- Ability to concentrate
- Greater flexibility
- Freedom to adjust the sitting position
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State