How to Become a Bookkeeper in Alabama

A bookkeeper is someone with a background in accountancy, and at times, confused with an accountant.

This is a job for those with a good grasp of mathematics and who are well-organized.

Their job is to keep track of sales, purchases, and other transactions that take place in a company.

This is an office job that offers stability, and if you want to become a bookkeeper in Alabama, you have come to the right place!

Read on for more details!

How to Become – Step by Step

There are 2 paths to becoming a bookkeeper in Alabama: 

• Education
• Practice

Both paths have the first step in common.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

This shouldn’t even be mentioned, as it should be common sense.

Of course, a GED is also acceptable.

Keep in mind that without one of these diplomas, you can’t follow the education path.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

Earning a degree is not mandatory, since employers also hire accountants who went through the practice route to earn their credentials.

You’ll notice quickly that you’ll be asked for some postsecondary education, according to BLS.

You can choose between 2 degrees for this occupation:

• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree

Either degree has to be in accountancy or business.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

For this possible step, you need at least 1 year of experience and at most 2.

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (or AIPB) requires 2 years of practice for licensure.

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (or NACPB) only needs 1 year of such experience, for certification.

Step 3 Education – Gain on-the-job Training

As a bookkeeper, you’ll need some training on the job.

This training usually lasts for 6 months.

During this period you’ll have to get used to working with the appropriate software at the pace your employer requires.

Step 3 Practice – Earn Credentials

Those who choose this path need at least a credential in their resume.

Earning 2 of them is even better.

These are the credentials you can earn:

• Certified bookkeeping professional (CPB) designation offered by NACPB
• Certified bookkeeper (CB) license offered by the AIPB

Both NACPB and AIPB are organizations with national-level recognition.

To earn their credentials, you’ll have to pass all 4 exams these organizations offer.

The first 2 exams are organized at specific testing centers.

The last 2 tests are open-book for which you can use your workbook.

These certifications can be earned also by those who chose the educational path.

You’ll have to continue your education every year, by attending 24 hours of training.

Bookkeeping Programs in Alabama

Let’s have a look at some programs that will help you on your journey!

Wallace State

Wallace State offers a course that takes place only online.

Those interested can enroll at any time.

However, this course is for bookkeepers who have at least 2 years of experience.

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to sit through the certification exam offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

The offered curriculum covers:

• Depreciation
• Inventory
• Accruals, deferrals, and other adjustments
• Finding and correcting errors
• Payroll
• Internal controls
• Fraud depreciation
• Becoming a certified bookkeeper

Alabama State University

ASU also has an online program for future bookkeepers.

It has a duration of 140 hours that can be completed in 6 months, at your own pace.

For this course, you’ll have to pay $2,195, however, this figure includes the exam fee as well.

The program is designed for bookkeepers with at least 2 years of experience in the field and who want national certification.

The exam you’ll be taking is the one by AIPB Certified Bookkeeper certification.

Remember that the fees for books, materials, and exams, will not be refunded after registration.

University of North Alabama

This university offers a bookkeeping certificate.

The program you’ll attend for this certificate focuses on accounting using cash.

There’s a specific order to attend the classes:

• Understanding Debits and Credits
• General Ledger and Month-End Procedures
• Closing Procedures and Financial Statements

These courses are built on each other, so you won’t understand much from the second module if you don’t study the first one.

This program lasts for 48 hours and costs $495.

Bookkeeper Salary in Alabama

When you consider a career path, it’s normal to want to know how much you can earn at the beginning of the road.

In Alabama, the median salary these professionals receive is around $40,625 per year.

Several factors will influence this amount, and below you can find the cities where salaries are higher.

Regional Salary in Alabama

Bookkeeper Schools by State