How to Become a Bookkeeper in Oregon

Do you want to become a bookkeeper?

If that is your dream career, you should know what it all means first.

A bookkeeper knows quite a lot about accounting and math and has good organizational skills.

Your daily tasks will include keeping track of purchases as well as sales.

If you enjoy an office type of job, this is definitely the right profession for you.

Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a bookkeeper in Oregon.

Check out the article below.

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

If you have a certification, employers will take you more seriously.

So how can you achieve that?

You achieve it by selecting one of these two different methods:

• Through education
• Through hands-on experience

There are some similarities to these methods, which we will have a look at below.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

No matter what your plans are, you have to finish high school first and get a high school diploma.

If that is not doable, remember that getting a GED also works just as well.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

If you choose education, pursuing a degree is a good idea as it highlights your commitment to your career.

Pursuing a degree will also help you get hired as most employers prefer bookkeepers who are already trained.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aiming for a degree is smart if you’re choosing the education route.

You can choose from or earn all these:

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

Learning more about a master’s is also a good idea, even if you don’t necessarily plan on getting one.

This article will also show you where you can get trained.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

The first thing you need to do is get trained, and it’s super important.

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

This training isn’t like practicing because it’s shorter and concentrates on real tasks.

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

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

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

Once you know you will opt for the practice path, you must choose which certification you want.

Depending on the credential you choose, you need different amounts of experience:

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

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

These credentials mentioned above are accepted all over the nation.

To become certified, you have to pass four tests for each license.

If you pursue both licenses, that means you have to pass eight tests.

You can take two tests at certain Prometric testing centers.

The other two tests allow you to use your study materials.

You can begin the certification process even while you’re still studying.

Once you’re licensed, you must complete 24 hours of learning every year to stay updated in the field.

Bookkeeping Programs in Oregon

Let’s see the programs that you can enroll in to become a successful bookkeeper in Oregon.

Portland Community College

At PCC, our accounting programs are made to help you improve your skills in various areas.

These include:

• Accounting,
• Payroll,
• Using computerized accounting tools,
• Understanding laws and taxes,
• Business math,
• Using computer applications,
• Managing finances,
• Communication,
• Organization,
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving

The bookkeeping program offered by this school lasts for one year.

Dean’s Academy College of Business

This is a special program for students who are doing well in their first year, transferring, or are already studying at the Corvallis campus.

In this program, classes are smaller.

You need an invitation to join the Dean’s Academy.

Here are some perks:

• Special business classes with more challenging material
• Smaller classes
• Exclusive invitations to attend special events
• Opportunities for career growth like workshops

Bookkeeper Salary in Oregon

Now that your training’s done, you’re likely curious about potential earnings.

In Oregon, bookkeepers typically earn around $45,029 each year.

Your actual pay can vary depending on where you live, your education, and your work experience.

Check out the table below to find out which areas offer higher earnings for bookkeepers.

Regional Salary in Oregon

Bookkeeper Schools by State