How to Become a Bookkeeper in West Virginia

Bookkeeping is an interesting profession and is similar to accounting.

However, the two are not the same even though they share some similarities.

If you plan on becoming a bookkeeper in West Virginia, you first need to have some info about this job.

So, make sure you keep reading this article.

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

If you are to become a bookkeeper in this state, it would be best to get a license.

This will help you be taken more seriously by potential employers.

There are 2 ways through which you can get licensed:

• Through education
• Through real-world experience

You can choose either of these two options as they share many steps.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

Becoming a bookkeeper requires graduating from high school and obtaining your diploma.

If completing high school seems difficult, you can choose to pursue a GED instead.

Regardless, having that diploma is crucial before moving forward to the next phase.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

Considering further education is a smart move.

Earning a degree can enhance your skills and open up more opportunities for better jobs down the road.

Lots of companies prefer hiring folks with some formal education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pursuing a degree is a wise move for those who enjoy learning.

You’ve got a variety of degree options:

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

Even if you’re not thinking about a master’s degree, it’s useful to understand what it involves.

Now, let’s explore the bookkeeping programs available in West Virginia.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

In the beginning, training lays the groundwork, and getting off to a good start is really important.

You’ll spend six months learning on the job.

During this period, your main goal will be grasping how things work, even if you won’t be doing them immediately.

If you choose education, getting good at using the company’s software is crucial.

You’ll also become skilled at thoroughly reviewing the company’s transactions.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

If you choose to learn while you work, you have the freedom to select your license.

You have two choices:

• You can pursue a license from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), which requires 2 years of experience.
• Alternatively, you can strive for certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), which only requires 1 year of experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

Whichever license you choose, it’s recognized everywhere in the country.

To obtain it, you have to pass four tests.

If you aim for two licenses, that adds up to eight tests in total.

You’ll sit for these tests at nearby Prometric centers.

During the initial set of tests, you can’t refer to your books, but you can in the second round.

What’s neat is you can begin pursuing your license while you’re still in school.

Once you’re certified, it’s valid for a year.

To maintain it, you’ll have to complete 24 more hours of education.

Bookkeeping Programs in West Virginia

Let’s see if West Virginia has any training program for bookkeepers.

West Virginia University

This accounting program is designed to help you start a prosperous career.

The program features advanced courses in accounting and financial reporting.

You will also learn how to analyze a business entity’s economic activities, which will help you get a job in public accounting, government, and nonprofit sectors.

The classes are flexible and students can then specialize in:

• CPA exam preparation (CPA Evolution compliant)
• Corporate accounting
• Data Analytics
• Forensic Accounting

The school provides degree options as well, including:

• An undergraduate degree
• A Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
• A Masters in Forensic and Fraud Examination (FFE).

These degrees have a duration of about four years.

Then, you can pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) that only lasts for one year.

You can also speed up the process by taking 12 hours of graduate coursework while studying.

Bookkeeper Salary in West Virginia

After you’ve learned and trained, it’s key to know how much cash you might earn.

This influences the decisions you make.

In West Virginia, you can expect to make around $39,888 annually.

But keep in mind, this might vary depending on your location and experience level.

Take a look at the table below to explore various earning opportunities.

Regional Salary in West Virginia

Bookkeeper Schools by State