How to Become a Bookkeeper in Missouri

Are you considering a career as a bookkeeper in Missouri?

Picture a bookkeeper as a financial expert who handles money matters for a business.

Although many confuse them with accountants, their roles are distinct.

If you’re skilled in math and thrive on staying organized, this role might be perfect for you.

Their primary responsibility involves tracking all the transactions within a company.

Typically, it’s an office-based job that offers stability.

If you’re pondering a path into bookkeeping in Missouri, check out the article below.

How to Get Started – Step by Step

Becoming a bookkeeper in Missouri can be done in two ways:

• Through education.
• Through experience.

No matter which route you take, the first step is the same for both.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

Before anything else, you need to complete high school.

That means making sure you get your diploma.

If getting a high school diploma isn’t possible, you can go for a GED instead.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

Although not mandatory, having a degree can enhance job opportunities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a degree is typically required for this career path.

You can pursue these degrees:

• Associate’s Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree

While master’s degrees are less common for bookkeepers, they can elevate your status in the field.

We’ll discuss some schools for education later on.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

Before stepping into the role of a bookkeeper, you’ll need to undergo some training.

You can learn on the job, and this training typically lasts less than six months.

If you’re studying, it’s important to become proficient in using the company’s bookkeeping software.

You’ll also need to focus on improving your speed and accuracy in managing the company’s financial transactions.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

To work as a bookkeeper, having a license is typically required.

But before obtaining a license, you’ll need to gain some on-the-job experience.

When it comes to certification, you have two options.

The first one is for you to get licensed by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) after two years of work.

Alternatively, you can become certified by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) after just 12 months of experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

All of these certifications are recognized nationwide.

Each license consists of four tests, so if you pursue both licenses, that adds up to eight exams in total.

You can take two tests at designated testing locations, and the other exams allow you to refer to your notes.

Prometric manages these testing locations.

It’s important to remember that once you’re certified, you need to keep your certification current.

To maintain it, you’ll need to complete an additional 24 hours of classes.

Bookkeeping Programs in Missouri

Check out the programs where you can train as a bookkeeper in Missouri.

Missouri State University

When you finish 12 credit hours of business courses, you earn the Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping.

These courses cover topics like computer skills, business math, financial and managerial accounting, QuickBooks, and tax preparation and payroll accounting.

Completing this certificate also meets the requirements for the Certificate of Basic Office Management and the Associate of Applied Science in Business – Accounting Emphasis.

With the Certificate in Basic Bookkeeping, you’ll have the skills for an entry-level job in business.

Northwest Missouri State University

This is a reliable program that you can attend online, from the comfort of your home.

There is a variety of classes you can take, and some of the courses are:

• Requirements for AIPB CB designation, ethical guidelines, and upkeep rules
• Applying accrual accounting to transactions spanning fiscal periods
• Mastering adjustment entries, identifying and fixing accounting errors, and reconciling bank accounts
• Completing book and tax depreciation, including different calculation methods
• Basics of payroll, from wage payment to tax reporting
• Valuing inventory, recording costs, and reporting on financial statements
• Using basic internal controls to prevent theft or fraud by employees, customers, or vendors

There are many ways in which attending this program can give you an advantage.

Some of these include:

• Access to instructional videos demonstrating concepts and scenarios
• Interactive scenarios for practicing calculations and concepts
• Preparedness to take the AIPB exam upon course completion
• Option to take the exam at any Prometric Test Center

Bookkeeper Salary in Missouri

After school, it’s key to consider your potential earnings.

Let’s focus on bookkeepers in Missouri.

On average, they make around $42,128 per year.

Keep in mind, your workplace and experience level can impact your salary.

Refer to the table below for a clearer view of the salary range.

Regional Salary in Missouri

Bookkeeper Schools by State