How to Become a Bookkeeper in Ohio

A bookkeeper is someone who knows about accounting, though sometimes people mix them up with accountants.

This job suits folks who are good at math and staying organized.

Their main task is to record sales, purchases, and other deals happening in a company.

It’s an office job that provides stability, and if you’re interested in becoming a bookkeeper in Ohio, you’re in the right spot!

Keep reading for more information!

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

Getting a license is a clever choice because it gives you more chances to find work.

But how can you get certified?

There are two main paths:

• Through Education
• Through Experience

Although these ways are different, some parts are the same.

Let’s examine these steps more closely.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

Anyone who plans on becoming a bookkeeper in Ohio needs to get a high school diploma first.

A GED is a viable alternative for those who are unable to get a high school diploma.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

Having a degree is awesome because it proves you’re committed to your job.

Having a degree makes it simpler to get hired because employers prefer trained bookkeepers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests aiming for a degree if you’re going the education route.

You can choose from:

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

You might not go for a master’s, but it’s good to know about it.

Soon, you’ll also learn about programs where you can learn and get trained.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

First things first, getting trained is key.

During on-the-job training, you’ll spend around six months learning.

This training is unlike practicing because it’s shorter and focuses on real tasks.

If you’re following the education route, you’ll need to grasp how the company’s bookkeeping software operates.

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

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

Once you choose the practice method, the next thing to do is to gain some experience.

We’ll talk about the credentials you can earn soon, but depending on which one you want to obtain, you need at least 1 year of experience, but not more than 2.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

There are two different credentials you can choose from:

• The one offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
• The one the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) offers

These licenses are accepted all across the nation.

To get each certification, you must pass four tests.

If you aim for both, that’s eight tests altogether.

You can take two exams at designated Prometric testing centers.

The other two tests allow you to use your manual.

You can begin getting certified even while you’re still studying.

Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to do 24 hours of learning each year to stay active in the field.

Bookkeeping Programs in Ohio

But what are the programs you can attend in Ohio?

Check out the list below.

Ashland University, the Richard E. & Sandra J. Dauch College of Business & Economics 

This bookkeeping program offers special opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else.

For example, there’s a “Meet the Accountants” night held a few times a year.

Here, students get to talk with professional accountants who work nearby.

This program is also unique because it’s only the eighth in the country to get accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Being one of the oldest undergrad accounting programs in the nation, it offers students the chance to learn about accounting history and theory while gaining the skills they need for the job.

Future students also get a guide to help them plan their classes.

The program features classes such as:

• Cost Management
• Business Management
• Tax for Individuals
• Marketing Principles.

Many accounting students aim to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

In that case, the school provides a special five-year program.

This means students can earn a graduate degree after just one extra year of study.

Bookkeeper Salary in Ohio

Now that you know about training, let’s find out how much money bookkeepers in Ohio can earn.

According to information from salary.com, the average yearly salary for bookkeepers in Ohio is about $43,345.

This amount might vary each year for various reasons.

Check out the table below to see which cities typically offer higher salaries for bookkeepers.

Regional Salary in Ohio

Bookkeeper Schools by State