Bookkeeping Schools in Alaska

The following guide covers the key considerations a prospective bookkeeper in Alaska should know to start their career on the best possible foundation. This will enable competitive earnings from the start, as well as opportunities for rapid career advancement.

To begin, we explore general considerations, including how to properly prepare for formal education and the kinds of programs to consider. We then review employment opportunities, certification pathways for career growth, and unique programs with comprehensive curricula and qualified instructors.

Finally, the guide analyzes the average annual salaries for bookkeepers in Alaska and the factors professionals can leverage to increase their earnings.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Alaska

People in Alaska can begin successful bookkeeping programs by following the guide below.

Step 1: Receiving Proper Training

Proper education is key to becoming a successful bookkeeper, just like it is in any other profession. Candidates in Alaska must develop the necessary technical proficiency not only to secure employment but also to continue improving.

Attending a formal academic program is the best way to develop these skills as a bookkeeper. Of course, candidates can also be self-taught, but this is usually less effective.

For those who are skeptical about attending an academic program because of their business schedules, they will be glad to know that several community colleges and technical schools offer online bookkeeping programs that allow self-paced learning.

Step 2: Internship & Practical Experience

Students who have completed an academic bookkeeping program already have the fundamentals to succeed. However, they must build upon this with real-world training to take their skills to the next level.

This can be achieved through an internship. Candidates can start by working as interns for small businesses or even big accounting firms.

This can also lead to a full-time placement opportunity. It’s also possible to gain practical experience as a new bookkeeper through freelance engagements.

Step 3: Job Placement & Career Advancement

Anyone in Alaska who has been trained can become a successful bookkeeper. They can secure employment or even work entirely as freelancers.

An important thing to keep in mind is continual growth. Even after securing employment, candidates must prioritize certifications, experience, and continuing education to advance into leadership roles and more advanced accounting specialties.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a travel agent in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Anyone who is formally trained or has real-world experience as a bookkeeper in Alaska can become certified. All they have to do is choose a credentialing organization and pass the certification exam.

Of course, pursuing certification is not technically compulsory. However, it remains popular because of the professional benefits it offers.

Certified bookkeepers leverage certification to validate their skills, boost employment opportunities, gain access to a network of professionals, and even enjoy continuing education resources. One of the most popular organizations offering these benefits is the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

As with certification, licensing is not mandatory for bookkeepers in Alaska.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Alaska

The following are some of the most prominent training programs for aspiring bookkeepers in Alaska.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Alaska by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

In Alaska, most bookkeepers earn at the median, with an average annual salary of $55,018 according to Indeed. Some professionals at the start of their careers may fall into the bottom 10%, with an average annual salary of $43,230.

Ultimately, professionals can also reach the top 10% bracket, earning an average annual salary of at least $70,021. Factors that help this upward trajectory include experience, credentials, job establishment, and, of course, location.

Regarding the last point, Fairbanks has the highest average earnings for bookkeepers in Alaska. Those who work here earn an average annual salary of $65,067.

In Anchorage, the average annual salary for a bookkeeper is approximately $54,230.