Bookkeeping Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Bookkeepers perform several duties that make them vital to the success of any business. These professionals are typically responsible for managing accounts payable and receivable, ensuring that all records are accurate, up-to-date, and regularly reviewed and updated.

Additionally, a bookkeeper must also understand how to edit and write budgets, spot financial discrepancies, and manage employee payrolls. For this reason, the demand for bookkeepers in Chicago has been steadily increasing for decades.

Below, we examine a few training programs in the city that offer the best educational experience for prospective bookkeepers.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Chicago

Becoming a bookkeeper in Chicago involves preparing for the role by understanding the prospective duties and developing transferable attributes such as planning, organization, communication, and interpersonal skills. To develop technical proficiency, candidates typically attend a technical institution or program.

The most common approach is to complete a certificate program; however, some individuals may also choose to participate in associate degree programs in fields such as finance and accounting.

It is common for new bookkeepers to work as interns before securing full-time employment to develop real-world experience and confidence. Finally, for career opportunities, candidates can choose to become certified by an organization like the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers also offers amazing credentials to consider.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Chicago, Illinois

The following are the most prominent training programs for future bookkeepers in Chicago, Illinois.

#Illinois

Illinois Central College

East Peoria, IL Campus Only

Illinois Central College boasts an Accounting Bookkeeper Certificate program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the accounting field as bookkeepers or bookkeeping assistants. The program spans five semesters and requires the completion of 32 credit hours.

Tuition

$5,120 per Program

Contact

(309) 694-5200
admissions@icc.edu

#Illinois

Southern Illinois University

Online, IL Online Only

Southern Illinois University offers exceptional training programs for technical professionals in the state, including an online certified bookkeeper training course. The program enables candidates to understand the principles of financial organization while mastering computerized bookkeeping through the use of software such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.

Tuition

$2,195 per Program

Contact

(855) 520-6806
conferenceservices@siu.edu

#Illinois

University of Illinois Springfield

Online, IL Online Only

University of Illinois Springfield offers a convenient certified bookkeeping training program with the exam cost for certification already included in the tuition. The program enables students to acquire a comprehensive understanding of fundamental accounting concepts, which will enhance their employment prospects and certification opportunities.

Tuition

$2,195 per Program

Contact

(855) 520-6806

#Illinois

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, IL Campus + Online

Southwestern Illinois College offers a bookkeeping training program that enables candidates to earn a certificate upon completing their training. The program begins with an introduction to QuickBooks and financial accounting, followed by other concepts, including managerial accounting, cost accounting, intermediate accounting, and accounting for small businesses.

Tuition

$123 - $246 per Credit

Contact

(618) 222-5487
Dawn.Peters@swic.edu

#Illinois

Triton College

River Grove, IL Campus + Online

Triton College offers a robust bookkeeping certificate program that combines business and accounting topics. Those who get accepted will be able to develop the necessary background in business and introductory accounting before moving on to the use of business software applications.