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Bookkeepers and accountants are crucial in business operations.
Though their duties may overlap, each has a distinct role in finance.
In Hawaii, aspiring bookkeepers need a background in business, accounting, or bookkeeping.
Strong math skills and organization are vital for aspiring bookkeepers.
Dive deeper into this guide to discover more insights for those fascinated by numbers and order!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Getting certified is very important.
There are two ways to get certified:
- Through learning
- Through practicing
Both ways have three steps and some things in common.
Let’s look at these steps to understand better!
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
Getting a high school diploma or equal is very important for getting a job in the field.
It’s even more important if you want to go to college after.
If getting a high school diploma is out of the question, you can always get a GED.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
Getting a degree, while not necessary, will help you get a job easier.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that receiving a degree is required for this education path.
The degrees you can opt for are:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Out of these, the master’s degree is the least popular option for bookkeepers.
However, it is worth mentioning because it increases your credibility as a bookkeeper.
Of course, you probably want to know where you can train, and some schools will be presented to you later on.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
Before you can become a bookkeeper, you have to get some pre-employment training.
You can easily train on the job, and this type of training does not last for longer than half a year.
If you are on the education path, you should get accustomed and familiarize yourself with the employer’s bookkeeping software.
Additionally, they must improve their efficiency to keep up with the firm’s transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
If you choose to practice, you will need to get a license.
However, this can only happen after you get some experience in the field.
You will get two different choices when it comes to certification:
- Licensure from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), needing 2 years of practice.
- Certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), requires 1 year of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials
Any of these certifications are nationally accredited.
Every license is made of four tests, for a total of eight exams if you choose to get both.
Two tests can be taken at designated testing centers, and the rest of the exams are open-book.
Prometric operates these testing places.
Keep in mind that after you get certified, you will need to keep your certification valid.
For that to happen, you will need to take 24 extra hours of education.
Bookkeeping Programs in Hawaii
Now it is time to read about the schools that provide bookkeeping programs in Hawaii.
Hawaii Pacific University 
A degree in accounting from Hawaii Pacific University’s College of Business gets you ready for many tough jobs.
The degree is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Such a degree lasts for 4 years to complete.
There are 15 credits to earn, per semester.
With such a degree you can work in businesses, government, or nonprofits.
University of Hawaii at Manoa 
The University of Hawaii, through the Shidler College of Business, offers the following degrees in accountancy:
- BBA (including minor)in accounting,
- MAcc
- PhD in business administration (accounting concentration)
Through the undergraduate program, students have the basic knowledge to enter the work field in numerous positions related to accounting.
They can also choose to further their education so they’ll widen their hiring options, on better-paid jobs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Hawaii at Manoa Shidler College of Business | BusAd C-306 2404 Maile Way Honolulu, HI 96822 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | 1 Aloha Tower Drive Honolulu, HI 96813 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Hawaii
Now that you have all the info on education, we should also see how much bookkeepers in Hawaii earn.
As per salary.com, the middle annual salary for bookkeepers in Hawaii is around $46,195.
How much you earn can vary based on your education level, experience, and your location.
If you want to see what are the cities with higher salaries, make sure to read the table below.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ewa Beach | $45,974 |
| Aiea | $45,974 |
| Kailua | $45,974 |
| Honolulu | $45,974 |
| Kaneohe | $45,974 |
| Pearl City | $45,973 |
| Waipahu | $45,930 |
| Kapolei | $45,886 |
| Wahiawa | $45,841 |
| Hauula | $45,753 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 700 | $50,750 | $24.4 | $72,210 | $35,170 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 4,080 | $47,860 | $23.01 | $64,480 | $33,240 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does a bookkeeper have in a company, in Hawaii?
If you’re seeking employment for this position, your responsibilities will encompass:
- Recording sales and purchases.
- Improving the company’s financial standing.
- Documenting other transactions within the company.
- Utilizing reporting tools effectively.
- Establishing, implementing, and overseeing systems for tracking money flow.
These tasks are essential for maintaining precise financial records and safeguarding the financial well-being of the company.
What career options do I have in Hawaii with this type of training?
For individuals undergoing training as bookkeepers, numerous career paths are accessible:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Payroll Clerk
- Assistant to Line and Staff Accountants
- Paraprofessionals in CPA Firms
Each of these roles provides distinct avenues for specialization and advancement within the bookkeeping domain.
Does education and employment must be in a classroom or office, for bookkeepers in Hawaii?
As demonstrated in the presentation, classes can occur in person, but online instruction is prevalent.
Regarding employment, this presents an ideal opportunity for bookkeepers to work remotely, whether from home or elsewhere in the city.
Both office-based and remote work options have their pros and cons:
- Office:
- Various types of distractions
- Potential for better concentration in a structured environment
- Additional tasks may arise
- Limited flexibility in the sitting position
- Remote (Home):
- Potential for fewer distractions
- Ability to concentrate in a comfortable environment
- Greater flexibility in tasks and schedule
- Freedom to adjust sitting position as desired
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State