How to Become a Bookkeeper in Utah

Are you wondering what it is like to be a bookkeeper in Utah?

If that is the case, look no further.

We are here with a guide on how to start working as a bookkeeper in this state.

You will get to read more about the education and training required in Utah.

So, read on for more detailed information!

How to Become a Bookkeeper – Step by Step

Getting certified can make bosses trust you more, which means you’ll have more job options.

You can get licensed by:

• Studying
• Gaining real-world experience

Both choices are alike in some ways, but they also have their own special aspects.

Step 1 – Earn Your High School Diploma

Keep in mind, that you must complete high school first.

Without a diploma, you can’t become a bookkeeper here.

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 wise move.

Having one can make your skills stronger and open up more opportunities for better jobs later on.

Most companies prefer candidates who have some formal training.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), getting a degree is a good idea if you’re pursuing education.

You have 3 degree options to choose from:

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

Even if you’re not considering a master’s degree, it’s still helpful to understand what it involves.

Now, let’s check out the bookkeeping programs available in Utah.

Step 3 Education – Train on-the-job

The first step is training, which is very important to start everything off right.

You’ll spend six months learning while working.

During this time, you’ll focus on understanding how things operate, even though you won’t start doing them right away.

If you opt for education, it’s really important to become skilled at using the company’s software.

You’ll also learn how to review the company’s transactions carefully.

Step 2 Practice – Gain Experience

A license can be earned only if you gain some experience.

There are 2 credentials to earn, each with a different experience requirement:

• The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) license – requires 2 years of experience.
• The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) certification – requires 1 year of experience.

Step 3 Practice – Earn the Credentials

No matter which license you choose from the ones mentioned earlier, it’s valid all across the USA.

Don’t forget that a license is better than a certificate, in the eyes of possible employers.

You’ll need to pass four tests to get it.

If you’re going for two licenses, that’s eight tests in total.

These tests happen at Prometric centers, and there’s probably one near you.

You can’t use your books for the first tests, but you can for the second round.

The great thing? You can start working on getting licensed even while you’re still in school.

Once you’re certified, it’s good for a year.

But to keep it current, you’ll need to attend 24 more classes.

Bookkeeping Programs in Utah

Here are some schools where you can enroll as a future bookkeeper in Utah.

Salt Lake Community College

This college has the Bookkeeping Clerk Program that helps students learn about office bookkeeping.

It focuses on using the latest tools needed to find and keep a job.

The program teaches standard accounting office tasks, like using accounting software and computer-based accounting.

It also covers other important skills like customer service, using spreadsheets, business management, and word processing.

To earn the certificate of achievement you must attend classes for 470 hours.

As for the costs, they are broken down as follows:

• Tuition: $1,151.50
• Student Fees: $75.20
• Books/Supplies: $826.75

The total estimated cost of the program is $2,053.45.

You should also know that the application is free of charge.

Bookkeeper Salary in Utah

After your education and training are done, it is time to learn more about your salary.

This will definitely impact your decision, and you should know bookkeepers in Utah earn a yearly median wage of $42,148.

Of course, there are factors impacting this number, like your location and how much experience you have.

Take a look at the below table to learn more about your potential earnings.

Regional Salary in Utah

Bookkeeper Schools by State