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Imagine a bookkeeper as a money expert who handles finances for a company.
Even though they’re often confused with accountants, it’s actually a different role.
If you’re skilled at math and like staying organized, this job might be perfect for you.
Their main job is to keep track of all the buying and selling happening in a company.
It’s an office job that usually stays pretty consistent.
If you’re thinking about becoming a bookkeeper in Michigan, check out the following article.
Article Table of Contents
How to Become – Step by Step
To begin with, you can opt for one of the next methods:
- Education
- Practice
You should also know that the first step is the same for both.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
The first thing you need to do is complete high school and get a diploma.
Some people choose to get a GED instead as an alternative.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
Some companies hire accountants who learn on the job, so you might not need a degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many employers like it if you’ve had some college experience.
You can aim for either an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree to meet this expectation.
Whichever degree you go for, make sure to concentrate on studying accounting and business.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
To move forward, you’ll need some work experience, ideally between one and two years.
If you’re aiming for a certification from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), they require 24 months of experience.
However, if you’re going for a license from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), 12 months of experience will do.
Step 3 Education – Gain on-the-job Training
When you’re on this journey, getting certified is super important.
Consider grabbing two certifications—it’s a smart move.
Here are the licenses you can aim for:
- Certified Bookkeeping Professional (CPB) from NACPB
- Certified Bookkeeper (CB) license from AIPB
Both NACPB and AIPB have solid reputations across the country.
To earn these certifications, you’ll need to ace all four exams they offer.
The first pair of tests happens at specific locations.
But for the last two, you can study with your workbook.
Anyone, whether they’ve studied for it or not, can earn these licenses.
To stay updated with changes in the industry, you’ll need to clock in an extra 24 hours of training each year.
Bookkeeping Programs in Michigan
Check out the programs where you can train as a bookkeeper in Michigan.
Michigan State University 
This program is designed for those who want a career in accounting.
So you can get a job in public, managerial, or governmental accounting.
This program is ranked in the top 25 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
It’s the biggest educator of certified public accountants in Michigan and is backed by the Institute of Management Accountants.
The Broad College of Business is also among the top choices for recruitment by the “Big Four” public accounting firms and other national and regional firms.
There is an admission process for those wanting to get into the College of Business.
First, students are interviewed by the Office of Admissions.
Then, students are interviewed by the Broad College of Business for direct admission.
During this process, the student’s major will be listed as a business preference in their account.
Central Michigan University 
Here you have access to a program offered 100% online.
You’ll become a certified bookkeeper if you complete 140 hours in 6 months.
However, the course is self-paced.
The tuition is $2,195 and it covers the certification exam as well.
If you’re wondering which exam you’ll be able to pass, it’s the one offered by AIPB.
Because the course is offered 100% online, there are minimum requirements for enrollment which is left open at all times.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Michigan State University | 632 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI 48824, |
| Central Michigan University | 1200 S. Franklin St. Mount Pleasant, Mich. 48859 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Michigan
After you are done with schooling, it’s time to consider how much money you can earn.
Let’s take a peek at bookkeepers in Michigan.
On average, they make around $43,631 per year.
Keep in mind, your earnings can be influenced by where you work and how much experience you have.
Check out the table below for a clearer picture of the salary range.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Ypsilanti | $45,355 |
| Dexter | $45,355 |
| Bridgewater | $45,311 |
| Hamburg | $45,267 |
| Plymouth | $45,223 |
| Manchester | $45,177 |
| Wayne | $44,781 |
| Detroit | $44,560 |
| Warren | $44,560 |
| Dearborn | $44,560 |
Regional Salary in Michigan
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | 1,460 | $46,870 | $22.53 | $62,230 | $33,280 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 350 | $44,130 | $21.22 | $57,780 | $32,900 |
| Bay City, MI | 330 | $41,650 | $20.02 | $55,580 | $29,090 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 15,880 | $47,140 | $22.66 | $63,070 | $31,840 |
| Flint, MI | 1,170 | $43,490 | $20.91 | $57,830 | $30,330 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 4,740 | $44,570 | $21.43 | $59,180 | $31,390 |
| Jackson, MI | 480 | $44,920 | $21.6 | $58,930 | $30,880 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | 1,110 | $44,320 | $21.31 | $59,970 | $31,340 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 1,950 | $45,760 | $22 | $58,550 | $33,240 |
| Midland, MI | 300 | $44,470 | $21.38 | $61,000 | $30,370 |
| Monroe, MI | 350 | $44,920 | $21.6 | $61,350 | $30,770 |
| Muskegon, MI | 400 | $43,260 | $20.8 | $56,460 | $31,840 |
| Niles-Benton Harbor, MI | 520 | $43,930 | $21.12 | $57,960 | $30,760 |
| Saginaw, MI | 630 | $42,070 | $20.22 | $56,200 | $29,600 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours am I expected to work as a bookkeeper in Michigan?
Most bookkeepers usually work for about 40 hours each week, but some might prefer part-time hours.
As a professional bookkeeper, there might be times when you need to work extra hours.
For example, during the end of the financial quarter or year, or during tax season.
What career options do bookkeepers have in Michigan?
For those in training to become bookkeepers, there are various career paths to consider:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Accounts Payable Specialist
- Payroll Clerk
- Assistant to Accountants (both line and staff)
- Paraprofessionals in CPA Firms
Each of these positions offers unique opportunities for specialization and career growth within the bookkeeping field.
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant in Michigan?
Bookkeeping and accounting are closely connected but have different roles in businesses.
Bookkeepers mainly concentrate on recording financial transactions, focusing on administrative duties.
On the other hand, accountants analyze the data from bookkeeping to offer business insights and create financial models.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State