Best Online Bookkeeping Certification Programs

In general, bookkeeping is only offered at the certificate level. Online degree programs that are most closely related to bookkeeping are usually accounting degree programs. Some students may also choose to pursue related degrees in various areas of business. Typically, degree programs in accounting are longer than certificate programs in bookkeeping. They also tend to prepare students for accounting- or other business-related careers, while bookkeeping certificate programs are hyper focused and usually prepare students for professional certification and a career as a bookkeeper. Degree programs in accounting also usually include additional general education courses, while certificate programs in bookkeeping consist of courses more specific to the field.

Online bookkeeping programs are generally offered by community colleges and other higher education institutions. These organizations commonly hold regional, institution-wide accreditation from organizations approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These include accrediting bodies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Accreditation helps indicate a level of academic quality and also allows students at the institution to accept financial aid.

There are some fields that have more subject-specific accreditation at different degree levels in addition to school-wide accreditation. Although bookkeeping certificates typically do not hold this program-level accreditation, many accounting and business degree programs are accredited by business-related organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Employers may prefer to hire graduates who have graduated from a program that is accredited by a subject-specific organization.

There are many benefits to earning a certificate in bookkeeping online. The online aspect of the program generally offers greater flexibility to students for their schedules. It allows them to work at their own pace and not have to travel to campus for class. Earning a certificate is also much faster (about half the time when compared to an associate degree) because they typically don't include the general education coursework that a degree program does. This saves students time and money and allows them to enter the workforce much sooner.

Students who are interested in business may choose to earn a certificate in bookkeeping to gain the practical accounting skills to enter the field right away. Students should consider these programs if they are well-organized, detailed-oriented and interested in math and numbers. Graduates from these certificate programs can often pursue additional education or earn professional certification in the field and find a job. This gives students flexibility in their options after graduation.

The most common career for a degree or certification in bookkeeping is that of a bookkeeper. Bookkeepers or Quickbooks specialists are needed in many different organizations in a variety of fields to help manage financial activities. Their skills can also translate to other entry-level business jobs, such as those of financial clerks or bill and account collectors. Additional career information is available for those who earn a degree or certification in accounting. Accounting programs generally help students advance their careers in the field of business. Below, we explore a few of the possible entry-level positions available for those with a certificate in bookkeeping.

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks typically need some postsecondary education and can earn professional certification in the field to demonstrate their expertise. They typically undergo some on-the-job training to help learn about their specific job duties. These job duties could include entering financial transactions, creating financial reports, ensuring accuracy on various records, and receiving cash and checks. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn a median annual wage of $42,410, as of 2020.

Financial Clerks

While financial clerks usually only need a high school diploma, some employers may want clerks with some college courses or a college degree. These clerks typically undergo some on-the-job training and may advance their careers with experience. Financial clerks are responsible for maintaining financial records, performing financial transactions, and helping customers as needed. The BLS reports that financial clerks bring home a median salary of $41,520 per year.

Bill and Account Collectors

A high school diploma is typically required for bill and account collectors, but some employers prefer those with some college courses. These collectors also need some on-the-job training, primarily to learn about the different laws and regulations for the field. Bill and account collectors negotiate with consumers or businesses with overdue bills. They may help explain the terms of contracts or sales, refer clients to a debt counselor, and negotiate payment. According to 2020 numbers from the BLS, bill collectors make a median annual income of $38,100.

Some students who earn their certificate in bookkeeping may decide to pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in a similar field, such as accounting or business. This may lead them to more advanced positions and pay raises. However, earning a certificate is still better than taking courses for credit, as it prepares students for a specific career they can enter after completing the program. Since some of the coursework for certificate programs in bookkeeping include topics in accounting and business, students may be able to transfer some of these credits to their desired degree program. In some cases, courses taken in a certificate program will count for credits toward a degree. This could save them some time and money when earning their degree.

Depending on the program, online certificate programs in bookkeeping may require around 20 credits of coursework or about 6 courses or more to complete. Typically, bookkeeping coursework covers topics in accounting, business math, accounting software, and other essential skills for the career. Many courses include hands-on training opportunities with accounting software and other beneficial computer programs. Some programs may also include professional development courses, such as courses in business ethics or those that help prepare students for job applications and interviews. There are also some certificate programs that are designed for bookkeepers with some experience and these programs may include more advanced courses in specific business topics, such as payroll and inventory.

Principles of Accounting

Accounting courses are designed to give students an overview of accounting theory and focus on the specific accounting practices used by bookkeepers. Many programs also include accounting skills with payroll in these courses.

Accounting Software

Courses in accounting software are where students get the most hands-on training with current software programs used by bookkeepers. Typically, this is Quickbooks, but students may also take courses that help train them in other programs, such as Microsoft Excel. Using these programs, students learn and practice skills such as creating invoices, editing information and forms, and paying bills.

The great thing about online programs is that they generally allow students to work at their own pace and around their personal schedules. This allows for greater flexibility in the time that it takes to earn a certificate in bookkeeping. In general, most of these programs are designed to be completed in 2 semesters (about 1 year) or less. Some programs are designed to be completed in as few as 22 weeks. The time that it takes for students to finish the certificate program usually comes down to how many courses a student is able or willing to take at once.

There are many different factors to consider when comparing and trying to choose an online bookkeeping certificate program. Students should first ensure that bookkeeping is a field that interests them and then they can start comparing online vs. on-campus programs. Online students must be prepared to work more independently, but they also gain some flexibility in their schedule as they will not need to meet on campus for class. For this reason, online programs are preferable for people who plan to hold down a job throughout their studies.

After students have selected to earn an online certificate program, they should begin to compare the unique aspects of different online programs. For instance, students should be sure to find a program that includes hands-on training with bookkeeping tools and software programs. They may want to look for a program that prepares them for the specific professional certifications that most closely align with their career goals, such as American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) certifications vs. Intuit Quickbooks Certified User Online and Microsoft Office Suite (MOS) Specialist certification exams.

Other important considerations for choosing an online bookkeeping certificate program include the time to completion and the cost of the program. Some students may need to find a program that allows them to finish and enter the job market as quickly as possible. Other students may want to take their time earning their certificate while working or completing other commitments. The cost of a program or the availability of financial aid may be limiting factors for some students. Students should find a program that fits within their personal budget and time frame.

Once students have decided that an online bookkeeping certificate program is the right choice for them, they will need to begin the admissions process. Generally, these certificate programs do not have prerequisites for admission. However, there are some advanced certificates or training programs in the field that are designed for bookkeepers with at least 2 years of work experience in accounting or bookkeeping. Most online certificate programs in bookkeeping first require students to apply to the school. Typically, this requires having a high school diploma or GED. This is also the time that students can include any additional college courses they have taken to possibly earn transfer credit. Then, students should apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Depending on the institution and/or program, incoming students may need to complete some placement exams to determine which courses they should be placed in. Finally, students can register for their courses, usually with the help of an academic advisor.

The total cost of earning an online bookkeeping certificate varies from school to school. Students should conduct careful research to calculate their expected tuition, as well as consider any additional fees their school may have. Tuition rates for each school vary greatly. For instance, some schools charge different rates for different amounts of credit hours, different residency statuses, or different course formats. There are some schools that may charge between $166 and $175 per credit hour. Some schools charge more for out-of-state students. There are schools that charge an additional fee, such as $30 more, per online credit hour and institutions that have additional services fees or other charges that may increase the total cost of tuition. Fees may also include technology fees, parking fees, activity fees, athletic fees, and more. Students should also be aware of any late drop fees, graduation fees, or other fees that may only apply under certain circumstances.

One benefit to taking an online certificate program may be saving on housing and the cost of food and other living expenses, depending on a student's situation. Students living at home or off-campus will likely save money compared to those living in dorms.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources for Online Bookkeeping Certificate Programs

To help cover all of the various costs associated with earning a certificate in bookkeeping, students should explore all of their financial aid options. The first step in this process should always be filling out the FAFSA for each academic year. This allows students to view any federal loans or grants that they may qualify for that can help pay for their education. To qualify for aid, students must be a U.S. citizen or meet other resident requirements, hold a high school diploma or GED, be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program, and have a social security card. To keep getting aid, students must demonstrate academic progress.

While financial aid can be helpful, loans have to be repaid. Therefore, students may also want to explore their scholarship options. Scholarships are widely available from various sources, including local businesses, organizations and post-secondary institutions. Many colleges or universities will offer their own scholarships, sometimes through the school's foundation. For example, the Central Lakes College Foundation (from Central Lakes College, which offers an online bookkeeping certificate program) provides thousands of dollars in scholarships to students to help pay for tuition, books, fees, and other expenses. Bookkeeping students may also qualify for other accounting- or business-related scholarships offered by outside organizations.