Bookkeeping Schools in Idaho

Bookkeepers contribute to the success of businesses across the country in several ways. They ensure that financial transactions are properly recorded and leverage tools and software to optimize processes where necessary.

In the following guide, we outline the steps Idaho residents need to take to launch a successful bookkeeping career in the state. These are not limited to educational requirements; they also include other optimizable factors that can contribute to career growth.

We also provide key resources, including a list of top training programs and average annual salaries for this field.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Idaho

The following guide covers the steps necessary to become a bookkeeper in Idaho.

High School Qualifications

A high school diploma or GED is not always required to enter the top bookkeeping programs in Idaho, but some institutions do require it. This is one reason candidates are encouraged to have a solid high school foundation before starting their bookkeeping journey.

Proper Education

Proper education for aspiring bookkeepers encompasses both theoretical and practical components. Both can be cultivated by choosing a high-quality training program.

Here, students will learn essential topics, including how to use tools and software and basic accounting principles. They will also be able to prepare for upcoming certification.

For those who want to continue improving their skills in the real world before choosing a full-time position, they can first complete a bookkeeping internship. Some programs may also require internships for graduation.

We explore some of the best programs to attend in an upcoming section.

Employment & Career Growth

Anyone who is properly trained can secure employment as a bookkeeper in Idaho. Career advancement in the bookkeeping profession can be achieved through several pathways.

Candidates can, for instance, continue to learn. Credits from foundational programs can be transferred to bachelor’s degree programs in accounting.

Certification can also facilitate career growth, as discussed below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Although certification is not technically required, bookkeepers in Idaho pursue it for the career advantages it provides. These include helping professionals meet industry standards, networking opportunities, continuing education, skills validation, and potential for higher-level roles with better salaries.

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers are the most prominent certification providers nationwide. Both offer well-respected credentials that can help candidates access the benefits mentioned above.

Once they complete a training program, candidates can register with either organization and pass a credentialing exam to become officially certified.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Idaho

Aspiring bookkeepers may become successful bookkeepers in Idaho by following the guide below.

#Idaho

College of Western Idaho

Online, ID Online Only

College of Western Idaho offers one of the top programs for future bookkeepers in Idaho. These online programs allow candidates to choose between several pathways, including an Associate of Applied Science and an advanced technical certificate.

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Tuition
$3,203 - $10,071 per Program
Contact
  • (208) 562-3000

  • visit@cwi.edu

#Idaho

North Idaho College

Coeur d'Alene, ID Campus + Online

North Idaho College is another respected institution with a program for prospective bookkeepers in Idaho. This program covers bookkeeping and accounting principles, and helps students prepare for certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

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Tuition
$147 - $370 per Credit
Contact
  • (208) 769-3371

  • tmbennett@nic.edu

#Idaho

College of Eastern Idaho

Idaho Falls, ID Campus Only

Finally, future bookkeepers in Idaho can also start their careers at the College of Eastern Idaho. The school provides a campus-based business management program with an emphasis on bookkeeping and entrepreneurship.

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Tuition
$150 - $300 per Credit
Contact
  • (208) 524-3000

  • admissions@cei.edu

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Idaho by city:

Salary & Career Outlook

Hayden, with an average annual salary of $58,392, and Sandpoint, at $48,894, are the two cities with the highest average annual salaries for bookkeepers in Idaho. Nampa, with an average annual salary of $47,713, and Coeur d’Alene, with $46,515, are also among the top performers.

Generally, bookkeepers in the top 10% of earners in Idaho can earn up to $59,226 per year. Median earners earn about $44,418 annually, according to Indeed, and those in the bottom 10% earn about $33,313 annually.

Some of the determining factors for where a professional falls within these categories are experience, employers, networking, and, of course, location, as noted earlier.