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Thinking about becoming a bookkeeper?
If that’s what you want, let’s begin by learning what it’s all about.
A bookkeeper is good with numbers and organization, especially in accounting.
You’ll spend your days keeping records of what’s bought and sold.
If you enjoy office work, this could be just right for you.
Now, let’s find out what you need to become a bookkeeper in Tennessee.
Article Table of Contents
How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step
Becoming certified can make bosses trust you more, which means more job options for you.
You can get a license by:
- Studying
- Getting hands-on experience
Both paths are alike in some ways, but they also have their own differences.
Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma
First off, you gotta graduate from high school.
If you don’t have a diploma, you can’t move forward.
Another option is to go for a GED if you can’t get a high school diploma.
Step 2 Education – Earn a Degree
If you’re thinking about getting educated, getting a degree is a smart move.
Having one can make your qualifications stronger and give you more chances for better jobs later on.
Most companies like to see that you’ve had some formal training.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), going for a degree is a wise choice if you’re going the education route.
You’ve got a few degree options:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Even if you’re not thinking about getting a master’s degree, it’s still good to know what it involves.
Next up, we’ll check out the bookkeeping programs available in Tennessee.
Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job
Let’s begin with training, which is super important to kickstart everything.
You’ll dedicate six months to on-the-job training.
During this time, you’ll focus on grasping how things operate, though you won’t start doing them yet.
If you opt for education, mastering the company’s software is essential.
Plus, you’ll learn how to carefully review the company’s transactions.
Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience
If you choose the experience path, you must train for a certain amount of time.
The experience period depends on which credential you want to obtain.
You can earn one or both of the following:
- The license from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) – 2 years of experience.
- The certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) – 1 year of experience.
Step 3 Practice – Earn Credentials
No matter which license you choose, it’s valid everywhere in the US.
You’ll need to pass four exams with flying colors.
If you’re going for two certifications, that’s a total of eight exams.
These exams take place at Prometric testing centers, and there’s probably one nearby.
The first set of exams doesn’t allow you to use your books, but you can bring them for the second set.
The good part? You can begin your licensing journey even while you’re still in school.
Your certification lasts for a year, but to keep it current, you’ll need to attend 24 additional classes.
Bookkeeping Programs in Tennessee
You can find at least 2 programs to enroll in, in this state.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 
Keeping track of money is important for all organizations.
This is like a skeleton holding everything together.
Bookkeeping is all about recording stuff like sales, buying stuff, and paying bills.
Bookkeepers are like superheroes who make sure everything adds up right.
If you want to be a top-notch bookkeeper, this course is for you.
It’s all online and it gets you ready to be certified by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology 
The bookkeeping course offered here is perfect for those who want to study on their own, at home.
The course is called “Bookkeeping and Payroll Management Training.”
Payroll is one of the most important operations in any company.
Through this online program you’ll learn:
- Managing bookkeeping
- Payroll operations
- Using QuickBooks Online
You can enroll at any time and there are no requirements to attend the course.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403, |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology | 1100 Liberty Street Knoxville, TN 37919 |
Bookkeeper Salary in Tennessee
Now, let’s talk about the last step of your journey: discovering more about your salary.
In Tennessee, folks in bookkeeping usually make about 41,040 dollars per year on average.
But keep in mind, that this amount can vary based on different factors.
Take a look at the table below to get a better idea of typical bookkeeping salaries in Tennessee.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Flintville | $42,193 |
| Belfast | $42,148 |
| Fayetteville | $42,148 |
| Petersburg | $42,148 |
| Ardmore | $41,838 |
| Lewisburg | $41,794 |
| Nashville | $41,749 |
| Hendersonville | $41,705 |
| Joelton | $41,661 |
| Ridgetop | $41,616 |
Regional Salary in Tennessee
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 3,400 | $43,300 | $20.82 | $59,930 | $29,700 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | 1,110 | $40,650 | $19.54 | $57,160 | $25,720 |
| Cleveland, TN | 560 | $40,200 | $19.33 | $55,690 | $28,150 |
| Jackson, TN | 810 | $41,730 | $20.06 | $58,390 | $28,270 |
| Johnson City, TN | 1,060 | $39,220 | $18.86 | $55,080 | $24,530 |
| Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA | 1,260 | $40,590 | $19.52 | $56,730 | $26,910 |
| Knoxville, TN | 6,350 | $42,970 | $20.66 | $57,950 | $28,090 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | 7,080 | $44,290 | $21.29 | $60,750 | $30,210 |
| Morristown, TN | 600 | $39,010 | $18.76 | $52,170 | $27,040 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 15,400 | $46,160 | $22.19 | $62,630 | $31,210 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are needed by bookkeepers in Tennessee?
There are essential skills for success in bookkeeping, especially in a state like Tennessee.
Let’s break them down:
- Attention to detail
- Proficiency in invoicing procedures
- Critical thinking abilities
- Strong organizational skills
- Effective communication skills
- Efficient time management
By honing these skills, aspiring bookkeepers can position themselves for success in their careers, whether working for a company, accounting firm, or as independent contractors.
Can I choose a different career path if bookkeeping is not for me, in Tennessee?
Absolutely!
Each of these roles offers unique opportunities for specialization and advancement within the bookkeeping field:
- Bookkeeper:
- Responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, including recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and producing financial reports.
- Accounts Receivable Clerk:
- Manages incoming payments from customers or clients, tracks account receivable balances and follows up on outstanding invoices.
- Accounts Payable Specialist:
- Handles outgoing payments to vendors or suppliers, processes invoices, and ensures timely payment of bills.
- Payroll Clerk:
- Manages payroll processes, including calculating wages, processing payroll taxes, and distributing paychecks to employees.
- Assistant to Accountants:
- Supports accountants in various tasks, such as preparing financial statements, analyzing financial data, and assisting with tax preparation.
- Paraprofessionals in CPA Firms:
- Assist certified public accountants (CPAs) with auditing, tax preparation, and other accounting tasks.
Each role requires specific skills and expertise, providing individuals with the opportunity to specialize in areas that align with their interests and strengths.
Additionally, advancement opportunities may arise as individuals gain experience and pursue further education or certifications in the field.
Bookkeepers play a crucial role in managing the financial health of an organization.
Payroll is indeed a significant aspect of financial management, and bookkeepers are responsible for accurately recording and managing payroll transactions.
They set up and maintain systems to track the flow of funds, ensuring that revenue, payroll, and expenses are recorded accurately and efficiently.
By effectively managing these financial processes, bookkeepers contribute to the overall financial stability and success of the organization.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Schools by State