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A bookkeeper has an accountancy background, is sometimes mistaken for an accountant.
It requires strong math skills and organization.
Their role involves tracking company transactions like sales and purchases.
It’s a stable office job.
If you’re interested in becoming a bookkeeper in Delaware, keep reading for additional details!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become – Step by Step
To become a bookkeeper in Delaware, you need to fulfill either of these requirements:
- Education
- Practice
Whatever option you decide to take, you should know that the first step is the same.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Similar to most professions, a high school diploma is a prerequisite.
If unavailable, a GED can serve as an alternative.
Remember, your career journey cannot commence without either a high school diploma or a GED.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
A degree isn’t mandatory, as evidenced by the many employers hiring accountants based on practical experience rather than formal education.
Yet, according to the BLS, some postsecondary education is advisable.
Three degree options are available for this profession:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
No matter what you choose, the degree needs to be in accountancy or maybe business.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
The next phase involves gaining between one to two years of practical experience.
AIPB mandates two years of experience for certification eligibility.
Conversely, NACPB necessitates just one year of experience for licensure qualification.
Step 3 Education – Gain on-the-job Training
Success as a bookkeeper often hinges on on-the-job training.
Typically, this training period spans approximately six months.
During this time, you’ll become adept at utilizing the necessary software to meet your employer’s specifications.
Step 3 Practice – Earn Credentials
When pursuing credentials, it’s essential to aim for at least one.
Yet, your prospects significantly improve with dual credentials.
Below are the credentials you can obtain:
- Certified bookkeeping professional (CPB) denomination provided by NACPB
- Certified bookkeeper (CB) certification obtained from the AIPB
NACPB and AIPB are both nationally recognized associations offering credentials.
Getting these credentials entails taking the four exams provided by these associations.
The initial two exams are conducted at designated testing centers.
Subsequently, the next two exams are open-book, allowing reference to your manual during the test.
Even if you opt for an educational route to become a bookkeeper, you are still eligible for these licenses.
But, note that an additional 24 hours of training is required.
Bookkeeping Programs in Delaware
So, read below to see where can you train as a bookkeeper in this state.
Delaware Technical Community College 
Outlined below are the Program Graduate Competencies, tailored to your program of study:
- Mastery in preparing and analyzing financial statements in adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Proficiency in data analysis for informed decision-making within product and job costing systems.
- Application of tax laws for tax return preparation and strategic tax planning.
- Integration of professional, ethical, and legal standards into business operations.
- Utilization of management and marketing theories within business contexts.
Additionally, you will develop the following skills:
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving using critical thinking.
- Collaboration for achieving shared objectives.
- Demonstrating professionalism
- Utilizing information literacy
- Applying quantitative reasoning and scientific inquiry to tackle real-world challenges.
University of Delaware 
The Department of Accounting and Managing Information Systems has several programs for both undergraduates and graduates.
Some of the programs are at the Major and others at the Minor level.
Through the accounting program at this university, you can earn the following credentials:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Other denominations
Goldey-Beacom College 
Goldey-Beacom College has a program in accounting.
At the end of this course, you’ll be eligible for a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
As mentioned before, this type of degree is useful for bookkeeping as well.
To graduate you must ensure you earn all 120 credits the course has.
The college also offers some other programs related to this BSA.
These include a certificate in accounting, a Certificate in Accounting, and more.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware Technical Community College | 100 Campus Drive, Dover, Delaware 19904 |
| University of Delaware | Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics 303 Alfred Lerner Hall Newark, DE 19716 |
| Goldey-Beacom College | 4701 Limestone Road Wilmington, DE 19808 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Delaware
Before diving into the role of a bookkeeper, it’s natural to consider potential earnings.
In Delaware, the average annual salary for bookkeepers stands at approximately $44,869.
A few factors, including education and location, impact this figure.
Explore the list below to identify cities where bookkeepers earn higher salaries.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Frankford | $46,947 |
| Greenwood | $46,770 |
| Lincoln | $46,770 |
| Woodside | $46,460 |
| Dover | $46,416 |
| Smyrna | $46,239 |
| Middletown | $46,151 |
| Wilmington | $46,107 |
| Newark | $46,063 |
| Bear | $46,018 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 740 | $42,000 | $20.19 | $57,130 | $30,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose a different career path if bookkeeping is not for me, in Delaware?
For those undergoing training as bookkeepers, numerous career paths await:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Payroll Clerk
- Assistant to Accountants (both line and staff)
- Paraprofessionals in CPA Firms
Each of these roles presents distinct opportunities for specialization and advancement within the bookkeeping field.
Which are the most common job duties of a bookkeeper in Delaware?
If you’re pursuing employment in this role, it’s important to understand that your duties will encompass:
- Recording sales and purchases.
- Improving the company’s financial position.
- Documenting various transactions within the company.
- Using reporting tools effectively.
- Establishing, implementing, and overseeing systems to track the flow of money.
These responsibilities are vital for maintaining precise financial records and safeguarding the financial well-being of the company.
Do I have to only work in an office as a bookkeeper in Delaware?
Actually no.
This job allows for flexibility when it comes to where you are when working.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State