Bookkeeping Schools in Colorado

Prospective bookkeepers in Colorado must understand what is expected of them, not only in terms of education but also in terms of considerations that can help them grow their careers quickly. They must also be able to identify the top training destinations for the best possible education.

The guide below provides resources to help candidates navigate all of these issues. We begin by reviewing the preparatory steps to take before entering a training program, then analyze the different training options.

We also dedicate sections to analyzing certification steps and options, specific training institutions, and the field’s average annual salaries.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Colorado

The following framework is the most widely adopted for starting a successful career as a bookkeeper in Colorado.

Basic Skills & High School Qualifications

In addition to technical skills, aspiring bookkeepers need soft skills to thrive in the role. These include attention to detail, numerical proficiency, and effective communication skills.

Individuals considering prominent programs may also need a high school diploma or a GED to be admitted.

Learning in a Structured Environment

While it is technically possible to become a bookkeeper through self-study, most candidates choose to attend a training program. This allows them to learn key principles in a structured environment while preparing for potential certification.

There are several program options, including associate and bachelor’s degrees. Although there are dedicated bookkeeping programs, candidates may also pursue business administration or accounting.

We will provide a list of suitable options in the next section.

Real-World Skills & Career Growth

Academic proficiency doesn’t always translate to practical skills. This is why candidates are expected to complete an internship to gain firsthand experience working with real businesses and data.

Those who would like to start earning as early as possible may work as freelancers to achieve the same objectives. Finally, after securing employment, candidates should focus on career growth through continuing education and certification. We discuss the certification options in the next section.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Colorado

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensing is not required for bookkeepers in Colorado. Certification is not a requirement, either, in a rigid sense.

However, it remains an effective way for professionals to gain a competitive edge and to secure employment. It also offers opportunities for networking, continuing education, and overall career advancement.

Anyone can become certified in the state as a bookkeeper, provided they have formal education or practical experience. They must pass an examination administered by their chosen certification body.

The two most popular credentialing bodies in the field remain the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Colorado

Residents of Colorado may receive comprehensive bookkeeping education from any of the institutions below.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Colorado by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Denver

Salary & Career Outlook

It is possible to sort bookkeepers’ annual average salaries in Colorado by location. In this case, Centennial has the highest average annual salary.

Those who work here earn an average annual salary of $66,196.

Professionals in Boulder are also well compensated, with an average annual salary of $61,229, while those in Longmont rank third at $59,381. Location, of course, is not the only factor that can influence how much a bookkeeper earns in Colorado.

Other factors, such as experience, professional credentials, and securing employment, are just as important, if not more so.

Generally, those who are on the positive side of these factors are among the top 10%. In this case, they will earn an average annual salary of approximately $75,405.

Those in the bottom 10% earn an average annual salary of $37,833, while median earners earn $53,411 according to Indeed.