Online Bookkeeper Training Programs

Some people in this world have a knack for numbers and are organized enough to complete financial transactions for businesses easily.

If you enjoy working in an office setting and can easily complete transactions, do accounting, and keep track of payroll, consider finding a career as a Bookkeeper.

Before you start your journey, you may want to consider an online training program that can help lead you toward success in Bookkeeping.

Whether you want to spend a few weeks learning or a couple of years, we have a program that is right for you.

Best Online Bookkeeper Training Programs

Bryan University

About the Program:

The Bookkeeping Training Program that Bryan University offers has been around since the 1940’s.

Now, you can attend your classes right online from the comfort of your own home.

Become job-ready in a short amount of time when you take your classes at Bryan University.

Along the way, you’ll be able to earn certifications in specific areas such as Microsoft Excel, Quickbooks, and even through the National Association of Certified Bookkeepers.

You can start your journey anytime that you want and even have online, real-time, interactions with professors and other students.

There is plenty to gain from the Online Bookkeeping Program through Bryan University.

Courses Offered:

• Leadership and Management
• Payroll
• Business Analytics
• Accounting and Financial Statements

Contact Information:

• Address: 350 West Washington St. Tempe, AZ 85288
• Phone: 888-768-6861
• Website: Bryan University

Program Cost:

The whole program will cost $14,925 which includes a $25 registration fee.

U.S. Career Institute

About the Program:

The U.S. Career Institute offers a completely online Bookkeeping program that you can complete on your computer, tablet, or phone.

This self-paced program allows you to learn through video and forum discussion while taking the time that you need.

At the U.S. Career Institute, you will learn valuable and necessary skills for Bookkeeping like accounting, payroll, and procedures needed for your daily tasks.

It’s even possible to start your own business with a certificate from the U.S. Career Insititute.

Courses Offered:

• Bookkeeping Concepts
• Completing the Account Cycle
• Banking, Payroll, and Computer Bookkeeping
• Daily Bookkeeping Procedures

Contact Information:

• Address: 2001 Lowe St. Fort Collins, CO 80525
• Phone: 866-250-6851
• Website: U.S. Career Institute

Program Cost:

It is necessary to pay $59 in monthly payments for a total of $ 689.

That cost gets lowered to $589 if you pay upfront.

Herzing University

About the Program:

This diploma program will allow you to earn a certificate in a short amount of time, then you can be on your way to a successful career.

While you can start at certain times throughout the year, the courses will require a commitment of at least 6 to 8 months.

Within the program, you’ll learn how to set up accounting records, payroll, and other business transactions, plus gain entry-level business knowledge that you can use for years to come.

Find everything that you need online through Herzing University to become a Bookkeeper.

Courses Offered:

• Payroll Accounting
• Business Law
• Computerized Accounting
• Taxation

Contact Information:

• Address: 275 West Wisconsin Ave. Suite 210 Milwaukee, WI 53203
• Phone: 888-920-0937
• Website: Herzing University

Program Cost:

To complete the program at Herzing University, you will be required to pay $12,875 in total.

Penn Foster

About the Program:

Penn Foster College provides an exquisite online Bookkeeping program that can be done in just 8 courses.

Within this program, you will learn the essentials of Bookkeeping which will include accounting, revenue and expenses, and business ownership.

You’ll even receive a free year of Quickbooks Online Plus when you enroll.

Courses Offered:

• Assets, Liability, and Owner’s Equity
• Excel for Bookkeeping
• Computer Applications in Accounting
• Payroll and Wholesale Accounting

Contact Information:

• Address: 200 Hickory St. Scranton, PA 18505
• Phone: 800-275-4410
• Website: Penn Foster

Program Cost:

The whole program will cost $799 or you can pay $59 per month.

National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers

About the Program:

Through the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, you can reward yourself with a variety of accredited and in-depth certifications.

Each certification will take you through the course and then offer you an exam in which you can earn your credentials.

No matter what type of certification you want, the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers can help you.

Courses Offered:

• Accounting Fundamentals
• Bookkeeping
• The Language of Business
• Financial Statements and Closing Procedures

Contact Information:

• Address: 1838 North 1075 West Suite 300 Farmington, UT 84025
• Phone: 844-249-3551
• Website: NACPB

Program Cost:

Members pay $358 while non-members pay $438 to finish the Online Bookkeeper Training Program at the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

Harvard Business School Online

About the Program:

The Online Bookkeeper Training Program at Harvard Business School Online is an eight-week accelerated learning commitment that anyone can do if they are financially minded.

It will take about six to eight hours per week to do your schoolwork and homework in this program.

While it is a self-paced curriculum, there are specific deadlines you’ll need to meet.

Within that time, you’ll learn how to balance sheets, how to do income statements, payroll, and everything else you need to be a successful Bookkeeper whether you work for yourself or someone else.

Courses Offered:

• Balance Sheets and Income Statements
• Recording Transactions
• Statement of Cash Flow
• Accounting for the Future

Contact Information:

• Address: Soldiers Field, Boston, MA 02163
• Phone: 617-495-6000
• Website: Harvard Business Online

Program Cost:

When you enroll at Harvard Business School Online, expect to pay $1,750 to complete the Bookkeeping Program.

Western Governors University

About the Program:

Western Governors University is one of the country’s most well-known online education systems.

Within this program, you’ll receive an associate or bachelor’s degree that will set you up for success in a business helping to track finances and keep day-to-day records.

A Bookkeeping program at Western Governors University can take anywhere from two to three years to complete.

Courses Offered:

• Accounting
• Business Finance
• Logistics and Operations
• Financial Planning

Contact Information:

• Address: 4001 South 700 East #700 Salt Lake City, UT 84107
• Phone: 801-274-3280
• Website: Western Governors University

Program Cost:

The Western Governors University Bookkeeping program will cost between $3,575 and $3,755.

What Courses Are in an Online Bookkeeper Program?

When looking to become a Bookkeeper, you want to make sure that the courses are aligned with what you’ll be doing daily in your career.

The courses that you will want to take within an Online Bookkeeper Program are:

• Accounting
• Financial Planning
• Recording Transactions
• Income Statements
• Balance Sheets
• History of Bookkeeping
• Payroll
• Computer Applications

Can You Earn a Bookkeeper Certification Completely Online?

Yes, it is possible to earn a Bookkeeper Certification right from your computer.

There are plenty of online resources that you can choose from when considering working as a Bookkeeper.

Take a look at the best options above for bookkeeping programs of varying lengths.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Bookkeeper Certification Online?

The length of time it takes to earn certification as a Bookkeeper depends on what type of program you choose.

Some programs are self-paced, which means you can finish them in your own time, and others may require up to two years of commitment.

The more time you spend in a Bookkeeper Certification Program, the more you will learn and the better chance you will have of obtaining a higher-paying career.

How Much Does an Online Bookkeeper Certification Cost?

Programs to begin your bookkeeping career can be as low as $800 or over $14,000 if you want to earn an associate’s degree in the process.

The programs that are less money will not be as in-depth but you can still receive quite a bit of education through these short-term programs.

Others that are longer will give you a quality education while also earning a degree or certificate at the same time.

Types of Bookkeeper Certifications

• Bookkeeping
• Quickbooks
• Audit
• Fraud Prevention
• Payroll
• Excel
• Management Accountant
• Financial Services

4 Self-Study Tips for Bookkeeper Online Students

1. Use Your Resource

There are plenty of ways to help you study online, so find resources on the internet that can help you when studying for tests and exams.

These can be flashcards that you prepare beforehand, or jotting down notes through an app.

You can also join forums or watch YouTube videos to see what other people think about the questions that you have.

2. Find a Study Group

The program that you are in may have other students who need help with their studying, so why not form a group and work on things together?

This way, you can bounce ideas off of each other and ask questions along the way, and you may even make some friends.

3. Download Accounting Apps

Get used to working with accounting apps and software so that when you begin your career you won’t need to spend so much time training.

This will help you get used to all of the ins and outs of certain apps and programs that may be required for future employment.

4. Practice

Accounting takes practice and in-person understanding to grasp the concept of the work.

While in your program, you could spend time creating mock accounting and bookkeeping scenarios with friends, family, or just yourself, so that you can get used to the everyday parts of the career.

Now that you know what is expected of you when it comes to Bookkeeping and taking on an Online Bookkeeper Training program, don’t hesitate to get started today.

There are plenty of great options listed here from self-paced courses to more structured classes, but everything can be done online which will prepare you for a bright future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be licensed to become a Bookkeeper?

No, you do not need to have a license to become a Bookkeeper, but you may need certification.

That depends on your state’s registration laws, so check with your local government to figure out what you need to work as a Bookkeeper.

Some Bookkeepers who work for companies don’t need certification either, depending on the type of job that they do for their employer.

When can I start a Bookkeeping program?

Most Bookkeeping programs will allow you to start at any time.

Many are self-guided, which means you can begin whenever you are ready and work on your program until you have completed all your courses.

Those who want to earn an associate’s degree in Bookkeeping may have to wait until spring or fall to enroll in a program.

Do I need to have a Bookkeeper certificate to work for a company?

Not in most cases many employers don’t require you to have any certification to work as a Bookkeeper, however, it can help you get hired.

There are some cases where you can gain certification through your employer, and they may even pay for your schooling.

Talk to your prospective employer about their requirements and go from there.

Can you start a Bookkeeping business with an online program?

Yes, if you want to become a self-employed Bookkeeper, an online program will be just the ticket to get you started.

There are plenty of ways to begin your career as a Bookkeeper, but you will need to have a license to start your own business.