by 
Think of a bookkeeper as a money pro who manages finances for a company.
Even though people often mix them up with accountants, it’s a separate job.
If you’re good at math and enjoy staying organized, this gig could be just right for you!
Their main task is recording all the buying and selling within a company.
If you’re considering becoming a bookkeeper in Maryland, you’re heading in the right direction!
Keep reading for more details!
Article Table of Contents
How to Become – Step by Step
To start, you can choose one of the following education paths:
- Education
- Practice
These paths have an identical first step, so it does not matter which of them you choose.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
The first step is finishing high school and getting your diploma.
It’s essential, but if getting a high school diploma isn’t possible for you at the moment, you can also opt for a GED instead.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
You might not need a degree because some companies hire accountants who learn as they work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says most employers prefer candidates with some college experience.
You can go for an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree to meet this requirement.
Whichever degree you pick, focus on studying accounting and business.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
In order to continue, you should have between one and two years of work experience.
Those seeking a certification offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) need 24 months of experience.
But, if you are seeking to get a license from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), you can get 12 months of experience.
Step 3 Education – Gain on-the-job Training
If you’re taking this path, getting certified is really important.
Getting two certifications would be a great idea.
You can get these licenses:
- Certified Bookkeeping Professional (CPB) from NACPB
- Certified Bookkeeper (CB) license from AIPB
Both NACPB and AIPB are well-known nationwide.
To get these certifications, you have to pass all four exams they offer.
The first two tests are held at special centers.
For the last two exams, you can use your workbook.
Anyone, whether they studied for this or not, can get these licenses.
In order to keep up with the industry changes, you will have to take 24 extra hours of training once a year.
Bookkeeping Programs in Maryland
Just like we mentioned before, we will now show you where you can train as a bookkeeper in this state.
Towson University 
Bookkeeping is like the backbone of every organization’s financial tracking.
It’s all about keeping tabs on sales, purchases, and payments.
Bookkeepers are super important to every company, and certified ones are like the top experts in their field.
This online course gets you ready for the bookkeeper certification exam from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
The course style is at your own pace and all online.
There are 140 hours of coursework to complete in 6 months.
The cost of the course is $2,899 and it covers all your course materials and a voucher for the AIPB certification exam.
Once you register for the course, books, materials, and exam fees can’t be refunded.
This course is approved by WIOA and is on Maryland’s list of approved training providers.
Montgomery College 
This program is ideal for those who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue accounting.
After the program is completed, you can work in:
- Corporate
- Nonprofit
- Government
- Regulatory accounting
You will also receive customized advice so that you can take the courses that are best for you.
Classes are also flexible, so you can choose to study on campus, online, or in a hybrid manner.
Classes are not big, giving teachers the chance to focus on every student.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Towson University | 8000 York Road Towson, MD 21252 |
| Montgomery College | 20200 Observation Dr #4067, Germantown, MD 20876, |
Bookkeeper Salary in Maryland
Once you get your education completed, it is time to think about your earnings.
So, just how much can a bookkeeper in Maryland make?
You should know that the average salary bookkeepers in Maryland make about $45,576 per year.
Some factors will affect your earnings, such as your location and your experience.
Take a look at the table we bought, so that you can get a good idea about the salary.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Brentwood | $49,201 |
| Potomac | $49,201 |
| Takoma Park | $49,201 |
| Glenn Dale | $49,157 |
| Spencerville | $49,112 |
| Gaithersburg | $49,069 |
| White Plains | $49,024 |
| Knoxville | $48,980 |
| Middletown | $48,980 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 9,480 | $50,160 | $24.11 | $69,680 | $33,240 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 240 | $52,000 | $25 | $67,580 | $35,270 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 320 | $41,780 | $20.09 | $57,790 | $29,120 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 920 | $45,250 | $21.75 | $61,410 | $29,870 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 1,730 | $43,990 | $21.15 | $60,690 | $29,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does a bookkeeper have in a company, in Maryland?
If you’re looking for a job in this role, your duties will include:
- Keeping track of sales and purchases.
- Enhancing the company’s financial status.
- Documenting other transactions within the company.
- Using reporting tools efficiently.
- Creating, implementing, and managing systems to track money flow.
These responsibilities are crucial for maintaining accurate financial records and protecting the company’s financial health.
In which industry can I find employment as a bookkeeper in Maryland?
Accountants and bookkeepers are in demand across all industries.
Here are a few examples:
- Medical field
- Banking
- Manufacturing
Can I work remotely as a bookkeeper in Maryland?
Yes!
Becoming a virtual bookkeeper can be done in two ways.
Firstly, you can look for job openings labeled as “Remote,” which allows you to work virtually for a company.
Alternatively, you can start your own business as a freelance bookkeeper and promote your services as a virtual or “remote” bookkeeper.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State