How to Become a Bookkeeper in Rhode Island

Do you want to be a bookkeeper?

If that’s your dream, let’s learn about it first.

A bookkeeper knows a lot about accounting and math and is great at organizing.

Your daily tasks include keeping records of purchases and sales.

If you enjoy office work, this job might be right for you.

Now, let’s find out what you need to become a bookkeeper in Rhode Island.

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

Having a certification makes employers think you are dependable.

So, how do you get one?

There are two main ways:

• By studying
• Through practical experience

These methods share some similarities, which we’ll look into next.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

Before anything else, you need to complete high school and earn your diploma.

If that’s not possible, keep in mind that getting a GED is also a good option.

Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree

If you choose to pursue education, getting a degree is a good idea because it shows your commitment to your career.

Having a degree also increases your chances of getting a job since many employers prefer bookkeepers who are already trained.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aiming for a degree is wise if you’re taking the education path.

You can choose from:

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

Even if you don’t plan to get a master’s, it’s helpful to learn more about it.

This article will also help you find places where you can get trained.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

The initial step is training, and it’s incredibly crucial.

Throughout your on-the-job training, you’ll invest around six months learning.

This training isn’t like practice because it’s briefer and concentrates on actual tasks.

If you’re following the educational route, you’ll need to grasp how the company’s bookkeeping software operates.

You’ll also need to be quick at managing the company’s transactions.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

Those on a practical path need to accumulate 1 or 2 years of experience.

This depends on whether they want to be licensed or just certified.

Entry levels in the field are good ways of gaining the needed experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

Regardless of which credential you choose, they are both accepted everywhere in the country.

These are offered by the:

• American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
• National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)

To become certified, you must pass four tests for each license.

You have a total of eight tests to take and pass if you choose both certifications.

You can take two tests at Prometric testing centers in your area.

For the remaining two tests, you can rely on your study materials.

Luckily, you can begin the certification process even while you’re still studying.

Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to complete 24 hours of learning each year to stay updated in the field.

Bookkeeping Programs in Rhode Island

You are probably wondering where you can train in Rhode Island, so read more below.

The University of Rhode Island

This university offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration training program.

If you dream of a career in public accounting, being a corporate controller or treasurer, or working in government or at a nonprofit, studying accounting is a great choice.

In this major, you’ll take classes on:

• Financial reporting
• Auditing
• Data Analytics
• Tax
• Cost accounting

You’ll learn how to measure, report, and analyze the financial performance of individuals or businesses.

Once you finish your degree, you’ll know everything to take the Certified Public Accountant exam.

Community College of Rhode Island

This college has a single program, for a certificate in the field.

This certificate program gives students enough knowledge to apply for beginner-level jobs as accounting clerks and bookkeepers.

It also teaches students how to maintain basic accounting books and records.

Many of the credits earned in this program can be used for an Accounting Certificate or an Associate Degree.

Bookkeeper Salary in Rhode Island

Now, let’s talk money.

You can earn around $46,270 each year as a bookkeeper in Rhode Island.

However, factors like where you live and how much experience you have can affect your earnings.

Take a look at the table below to see which areas pay bookkeepers more.

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

Bookkeeper Schools by State