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Thinking about becoming a bookkeeper in Washington?
Good news!
Right here, we’ve got a handy guide on how to kick off your journey as a bookkeeper in this state.
Find out all about the education and training you’ll need, right here.
Keep reading for all the details!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Getting certified can make bosses trust you more, so you’ll have more job choices.
You can become licensed by:
- Studying
- Getting real-world experience
Both options have some similarities, but they also have unique aspects of their own.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
To become a bookkeeper, you need to finish high school and get your diploma.
If finishing high school feels tough, you can go for a GED instead.
Either way, having that diploma is a must before moving on to the next step.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
Thinking about more schooling is a wise idea.
Getting a degree can make you better at what you do and give you more chances for good jobs later.
Many companies prefer hiring people who’ve had some formal training.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says getting a degree is smart for those who like learning.
You’ve got these choices for a degree:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Even if you’re not planning on a master’s degree, it’s good to know what it’s about.
Now, let’s see what bookkeeping programs are in Washington.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
At the start, training sets the stage, and starting off well is crucial.
You’ll spend six months learning while working.
During this time, your main focus will be understanding how things operate, even if you won’t be doing them right away.
If you opt for education, becoming skilled at using the company’s software is essential.
You’ll also become proficient at carefully reviewing the company’s transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
You can’t earn credentials on this path, without some experience.
You’ve got two options:
- For a license from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) you need 2 years of experience.
- For certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) you need 1 year of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
No matter which license you pick, it’s accepted all across the country.
To get it, you need to pass four tests. If you’re going for two licenses, that’s eight tests altogether.
You’ll take these tests at Prometric centers nearby.
During the first round of tests, you can’t use your books, but you can during the second round.
What’s cool is you can start working on your license while you’re still in school.
Once you’re certified, the credential is good for a year.
To keep it going, you’ll need to finish 24 more classes.
Bookkeeping Programs in Washington
Here is a selection of training programs to select from.
Central Washington University 
Central Washington University (CWU) offers a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) program.
This program is available online.
The MPA offers three specializations:
- Taxation,
- Financial Analysis,
- Information Systems.
The program has 45 quarter hours with coursework split as follows:
- Accounting classes
- Applied courses
- Elective courses
The accounting courses focus on the basic skills and the theory of accounting.
It has applied classes to test skills and theory knowledge.
There are electives too providing students with more focused coursework.
The required courses include:
- CPA review courses
- Advanced Accounting
- Seminars in Accounting
- Seminars in auditing
The electives cover topics like:
- Advanced Taxation
- Financial analytics
- Business law
By completing this program you can sit for these tests:
- The Uniform CPA Exam
- The Enrolled Agent Exam with the IRS
Obtaining an undergraduate degree in accounting is not needed for admission.
Yet candidates have to meet the requirements of the prerequisite coursework.
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is needed to graduate.
CWU also offers two related graduate certificates:
- Professional tax practice
- Professional accounting
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Washington University | 400 E University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926, |
Bookkeeper Salary in Washington
Once you finish learning and training, it’s important to understand how much money you could make.
This affects the choices you’ll make.
For instance, in this state, bookkeepers usually make around $47,777 amount each year.
But remember, this can change based on where you are and how much experience you have.
Check out the table below to see different earning possibilities.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kenmore | $48,885 |
| Redmond | $48,885 |
| Seattle | $48,885 |
| Renton | $48,841 |
| Sammamish | $48,796 |
| Issaquah | $48,752 |
| Preston | $48,663 |
| Lynnwood | $48,397 |
| Kingston | $48,309 |
| Everett | $48,043 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 1,090 | $53,110 | $25.53 | $67,160 | $38,910 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 770 | $54,590 | $26.25 | $71,880 | $38,500 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 1,120 | $53,060 | $25.51 | $67,880 | $38,840 |
| Longview, WA | 490 | $52,090 | $25.04 | $65,090 | $37,360 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 590 | $56,720 | $27.27 | $76,260 | $40,000 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 1,120 | $54,060 | $25.99 | $70,000 | $38,750 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 16,870 | $58,470 | $28.11 | $74,880 | $42,580 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 2,640 | $51,370 | $24.7 | $63,850 | $37,740 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 250 | $49,880 | $23.98 | $61,700 | $37,760 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 550 | $51,180 | $24.61 | $66,210 | $37,590 |
| Yakima, WA | 1,010 | $50,720 | $24.39 | $65,840 | $37,180 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What career options do bookkeepers have in Washington?
For those training to become bookkeepers, there are several career paths to explore:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Payroll Clerk
- Assistant to Accountants (line and staff)
- Paraprofessionals in CPA Firms
Each of these roles presents distinct opportunities for specialization and advancement within the bookkeeping field.
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Washington?
Classes can be held either in person or online, with online instruction being quite prevalent.
This flexibility in employment opens up opportunities for bookkeepers to work remotely, whether from home or elsewhere in the city.
Both office-based and remote work have their pros and cons, as outlined below:
Office:
- Various distractions may occur.
- Potential for better concentration in a structured environment.
- Additional tasks may arise.
- Limited flexibility in sitting position.
Remote (Home):
- Potential for fewer distractions.
- Ability to focus in a comfortable environment.
- Greater flexibility in tasks and schedule.
- Freedom to adjust sitting position as desired.
Hasn't technology replaces bookkeepers in Washington?
Technology has transformed bookkeeping, yet employers and clients value bookkeepers’ fundamental organizational skills and attention to detail.
Software such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel has automated numerous manual tasks.
However, human input remains vital for organizing, reporting, and interpreting financial data.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State