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Are you interested in becoming a bookkeeper in Texas?
If that’s your goal, let’s start by understanding what it involves.
A bookkeeper is someone skilled with numbers and organization, especially in accounting.
Your main task will be to maintain records of purchases and sales.
If you like working in an office environment, this might be the perfect fit for you.
Now, let’s figure out what you’ll need to become a bookkeeper in Texas.
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Getting certified can help bosses have more confidence in you, giving you more job choices.
You can become licensed by:
- Studying
- Getting real-world experience
Both options have similarities, but they also have their own unique features.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Remember that you need to finish high school before anything else.
Without a diploma, you can’t become a bookkeeper in this state.
Another choice is to aim for a GED if getting a high school diploma isn’t possible for you.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
If you’re considering getting educated, getting a degree is a smart step.
Having one can make your qualifications stronger and give you more opportunities for better jobs in the future.
Most companies like to see that you’ve had some formal training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), getting a degree is a smart choice if you’re going the education route.
You’ve got a few degree options:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Even if you’re not planning on getting a master’s degree, it’s still good to know what it involves.
Next, let’s take a look at the bookkeeping programs available in Texas.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
First up is training, which is really crucial to get everything going.
You’ll spend six months learning on the job.
During this time, you’ll concentrate on understanding how things work, even though you won’t start doing them just yet.
If you choose education, it’s super important to get good at using the company’s software.
And you’ll also learn how to carefully check the company’s transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
Those who chose the training through work experience must accumulate the following:
- 2 years for the license from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
- 1 year for certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
Whichever license you pick works all across the United States.
However, you can’t just accumulate work experience and expect to become licensed.
You will have to pass 4 exams for each credential.
If you’re aiming for two licenses, that means you’ll need to tackle eight tests altogether.
These tests happen at Prometric centers, and there’s likely one close to you.
For the first round of tests, you can’t use your books, but you can have them handy for the second round.
The cool thing? You can start working on getting licensed even while you’re still in school.
Once you’re certified, it’s good for a year. But to keep it up to date, you’ll have to attend 24 more classes.
Bookkeeping Programs in Texas
Let’s see where you can find a bookkeeping training program in this state!
Abilene Christian University 
The Department of Accounting offers an undergraduate degree: an Accounting BBA Major.
This program also includes an accelerated 4+1 BBS to Master of Accountancy option.
It will prepare you to analyze and use business and financial data to forecast growth, assess expenses, and ensure financial stability for businesses or individuals.
Accounting (BBA):
- This undergraduate program focuses on equipping you with skills to analyze financial information and make informed decisions in business settings.
Master of Accountancy:
- This graduate degree, offered by ACU, prepares you for the challenges of a rapidly evolving accounting field.
You will gain the skills needed for collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
This program also helps you prepare for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam and start a successful career in accounting.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Abilene Christian University | 1600 Campus Ct, Abilene, TX 79601 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Texas
Let’s dive into the final step of your journey: exploring your potential salary.
In Texas, people working in bookkeeping usually earn around 43,389 dollars per year on average.
But remember, this number can change depending on different things.
Check out the table below to see what bookkeeping salaries typically look like in Texas.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $44,453 |
| Alief | $44,409 |
| Stafford | $44,364 |
| Missouri City | $44,320 |
| Pasadena | $44,276 |
| Fresno | $44,276 |
| Hitchcock | $44,231 |
| Cypress | $44,143 |
| Santa Fe | $44,098 |
| Richards | $44,054 |
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TX | 740 | $43,020 | $20.69 | $59,570 | $28,730 |
| Amarillo, TX | 1,320 | $43,430 | $20.88 | $61,010 | $28,500 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 14,320 | $48,370 | $23.26 | $70,720 | $25,510 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 1,590 | $45,310 | $21.78 | $61,570 | $29,830 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 1,150 | $39,370 | $18.93 | $57,100 | $25,500 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 1,020 | $43,760 | $21.04 | $62,980 | $28,810 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 1,790 | $44,330 | $21.31 | $60,680 | $28,790 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 38,740 | $50,320 | $24.19 | $67,250 | $34,710 |
| El Paso, TX | 3,070 | $39,170 | $18.83 | $56,540 | $24,400 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 31,850 | $47,700 | $22.93 | $65,110 | $31,200 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 1,420 | $42,340 | $20.36 | $57,250 | $28,200 |
| Laredo, TX | 1,280 | $38,070 | $18.3 | $54,960 | $24,770 |
| Longview, TX | 1,100 | $43,310 | $20.82 | $59,600 | $27,890 |
| Lubbock, TX | 1,480 | $42,730 | $20.54 | $60,410 | $27,910 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 2,470 | $39,030 | $18.76 | $53,550 | $24,550 |
| Midland, TX | 1,470 | $50,840 | $24.44 | $70,130 | $34,780 |
| Odessa, TX | 890 | $48,460 | $23.3 | $66,860 | $31,610 |
| San Angelo, TX | 550 | $41,690 | $20.04 | $58,550 | $26,910 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 9,590 | $46,230 | $22.22 | $62,760 | $30,970 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 470 | $42,560 | $20.46 | $59,680 | $26,260 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 530 | $41,600 | $20 | $59,150 | $26,400 |
| Tyler, TX | 1,020 | $43,950 | $21.13 | $61,350 | $29,260 |
| Victoria, TX | 440 | $43,400 | $20.86 | $63,250 | $28,750 |
| Waco, TX | 1,170 | $43,100 | $20.72 | $59,580 | $28,890 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 580 | $41,500 | $19.95 | $59,260 | $26,190 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Texas?
You’ve provided a comprehensive comparison between office-based and remote work options for bookkeepers. Let’s break down these points further:
Office-Based:
- Distractions – mostly from your coworkers
- Concentration – some people concentrate better on their tasks when in a noisy environment
- Additional Tasks – arising from interactions with colleagues or management.
- Limited Flexibility – inability to change your sitting position, having to stick to a dress code, etc.
Remote (Home):
- Fewer Distractions: -the environment is better controlled than in an office
- Productivity – some people are more productive in a quiet and controlled space
- Task Flexibility- you can choose when to work
- Sitting Position – you can sit however and wherever you want
Ultimately, the choice between office-based and remote work depends on individual preferences, job requirements, and the company’s policies.
Some may thrive in a traditional office environment, while others may prefer the flexibility and autonomy of remote work.
Is there any difference between accountants and bookkeepers in Texas?
Bookkeeping primarily involves the systematic recording and organizing of financial transactions.
Bookkeepers are responsible for tasks such as recording sales and purchases, managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining accurate financial records.
Their focus is on ensuring that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and categorized.
On the other hand, accounting involves analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing the financial data recorded by bookkeepers.
Accountants use this information to prepare financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
They also provide insights into the financial health of the business, identify trends, analyze performance, and make strategic recommendations to management based on financial data.
In which industry can I find employment as a bookkeeper in Texas?
Accountants and bookkeepers are indispensable in various industries, providing essential financial services that contribute to the smooth operation and success of businesses.
Here are some key industries in which they’re employed:
- Medical Field
- Banking
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Technology
Their expertise is essential for businesses of all sizes and industries to thrive financially.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State