Bookkeeping Schools in Minnesota

The following guide thoroughly examines the general requirements and considerations for becoming a thriving bookkeeper in Minnesota. Readers will leave the guide with not only an understanding of the profession’s general scope and requirements but also an in-depth guide to structuring their careers to maximize growth.

We begin with a general overview of preparing for bookkeeping education, then review suitable programs and training options.

We then move on to the licensing and certification requirements expected of prospective bookkeepers in Minnesota, and ultimately close with the potential annual salaries across several career stages.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Minnesota

Below are the most important steps to take when starting a bookkeeping career in Minnesota.

Foundational Requirements

Individuals may need a high school diploma or a GED to gain admission to top bookkeeping programs in Minnesota. Candidates with soft skills such as analytical thinking, critical thinking, communication, and proficiency with numbers also have an edge in their training and subsequent careers.

Formal Education

While candidates can learn the key principles to become a bookkeeper on their own, attending a training program provides a structured environment. It also gives them an edge when they earn valuable academic awards, which can provide a foundation for career growth.

Bookkeeping, accounting, and business administration programs are suitable for those looking to enter this field. Candidates may also pursue certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.

For those who prefer to learn at their convenience, some non-credit courses offer self-guided online learning.

Practical Proficiency

The field of bookkeeping is very practical. Even though students in formal programs learn using tools such as QuickBooks and Excel, they do so with simulated data. To handle the complexity of real-world data, individuals typically complete an internship before securing a full-time position. It is also possible to develop these skills by freelancing for a while.

Employment & Specialization

Candidates with the right experience can secure bookkeeper positions. Of course, it is also possible to succeed in this profession as a full-time freelancer.

After employment, candidates can continue to grow by leveraging continuing education and certification. This will allow them to work in specialized fields such as non-profit bookkeeping or small-business finance.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Professional bookkeepers are always seeking ways to gain an edge over competitors, and certification is an effective way to do so. Although it is not technically required, certified professionals are generally well regarded by employers.

They also value professional opportunities, including networking and continuing education. Residents of Minnesota can pursue bookkeeping certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).

Professional certification validates skills and demonstrates dedication to the field. Individuals are assessed in areas such as payroll, adjustments, and error correction through a formal exam prior to certification.

It is also worth noting that bookkeepers in Minnesota do not need a state professional license to practice legally.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Minnesota

The schools below offer high-quality bookkeeping programs for Minnesota residents.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Minnesota by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Minneapolis

Salary & Career Outlook

Unsurprisingly, the most popular earning category for bookkeepers in Minnesota is the mid-level bracket. Here, professionals earn an average annual salary of $48,537 according to Indeed, in line with the national average.

Experienced candidates at the top can earn approximately $68,214 per year. Those at the other end, in the bottom, still earn an average annual salary of $34,535.

Of course, experience alone does not determine how much professionals earn. Professional credentials, employment tenure, and location can also be crucial.

When sorted by location only, Minnetonka and Bloomington have the highest average earnings for bookkeepers in Minnesota, at $59,698 and $52,856, respectively. Saint Paul and Minneapolis are also among the top cities with annual average salaries of $52,691 and $50,562, respectively.