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Interested in becoming a bookkeeper?
If that’s your goal, let’s start by understanding what it’s all about.
A bookkeeper is someone skilled in accounting and math, and they’re excellent at staying organized.
Your daily routine involves keeping track of what’s bought and sold.
If you like working in an office, this could be the perfect fit for you.
Now, let’s figure out what you need to become a bookkeeper in South Dakota.
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Getting certified can make you more trustworthy to future bosses, opening up better job chances for you.
You can snag a license by:
- Studying
- Gaining hands-on experience
No matter which path you pick, they’re pretty similar, but still, have some unique aspects.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
First off, you gotta graduate from high school. If you don’t have a diploma, you can’t move forward.
Another option is to go for a GED if you can’t get a high school diploma.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
If you’re going the education route, it’s a good idea to consider getting a degree.
Having one can boost your credentials and open up better job opportunities in the future.
Most companies prefer candidates with some level of formal training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pursuing a degree is a smart move if you’re taking the educational path.
You’ve got a few options for degrees:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Even if you’re not planning on getting a master’s, it’s still good to know what it’s about.
Next, we’ll take a look at the bookkeeping programs available in South Dakota.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
To start, training gets things rolling, and it’s crucial.
You’ll spend six months delving into on-the-job training.
In this phase, the focus is on understanding how things work, not yet putting it into practice.
If you choose the educational path, becoming a pro with the company’s software is a must.
And you’ll also dive into scrutinizing the company’s transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
If you go the hands-on way, you get to pick your license too.
For this, you have to first get hired for an entry-level position.
You’ll have to work between 1 and 2 years.
You’ve got two options when it comes to credentials:
- The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), with a license needing 2 years of experience.
- The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), with a certificate needing 1 year of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
Whichever license you go for from the ones named earlier, it’s good across the whole US.
You have to tackle four exams and ace them.
If you’re aiming for two certifications, you’re looking at eight exams in total.
These exams happen at Prometric testing spots, and there’s likely one nearby.
The first pair of exams won’t let you peek at your books, but the second pair does, so bring them along.
The perk?
You can start the licensing journey even while you’re still in school.
Your certification lasts a year, but to keep it up, you must attend 24 more classes.
Bookkeeping Programs in South Dakota
In South Dakota, you can enroll in the following programs.
Western Dakota Technical College 
The Bookkeeping program lasts for two semesters, which is about a year.
It’s made to teach you all the skills you need for the many entry-level bookkeeping jobs out there.
All the classes you take in the Bookkeeping program can be used in WDT’s associate of applied science degree program in Accounting.
With these two programs, you have choices to get ready for the career you really want.
In the program, you will learn theory and hands-on skills.
During the program, you will use bookkeeping software, online spreadsheets, and databases.
the program includes subjects such as:
- Using computer software
- Handling cash, checks, and vouchers.
- Learn about managing financial transactions
- Accounting principles
- Finance
- Payroll accounting
- QuickBooks
Keep in mind that you can attend the program in person or online.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Western Dakota Technical College | 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703 |
Bookkeeper Salary in South Dakota
Now, onto the final part of your journey – finding out more about your pay.
In South Dakota, people who handle bookkeeping typically earn around 39,844 dollars per year on average.
But remember, this number can change depending on different things.
Check out the table below to see a clearer picture of how much bookkeepers in South Dakota usually make.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bullhead | $43,389 |
| Lemmon | $43,389 |
| Pollock | $43,389 |
| Webster | $41,882 |
| Pierpont | $41,882 |
| Houghton | $41,882 |
| Frederick | $41,882 |
| Milbank | $41,572 |
| Meadow | $41,085 |
| Twin Brooks | $40,730 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 1,610 | $42,070 | $20.22 | $54,380 | $31,310 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 3,100 | $42,760 | $20.56 | $55,320 | $32,360 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed by bookkeepers in South Dakota?
Attention to detail, proficiency in invoicing, critical thinking, organizational skills, communication, and time management are all vital attributes for success in the field of bookkeeping.
Mastering these skills will certainly help you excel in your career as a bookkeeper in South Dakota.
Are bookkeepers in high demand in South Dakota?
Indeed!
The demand for skilled professionals in accounting and bookkeeping is consistently high across various industries.
With your expertise and qualifications, finding employment in this field should be straightforward.
What role does a bookkeeper have in a company, in South Dakota?
These responsibilities are at the core of a bookkeeper’s role in ensuring the financial stability and health of a company.
By meticulously recording transactions, utilizing reporting tools effectively, and implementing robust systems for tracking money flow, bookkeepers play a vital role in maintaining accurate financial records and providing valuable insights for decision-making.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State