Bookkeeping Schools in Iowa

Businesses and companies across Iowa work with bookkeepers to ensure that financial transactions are properly recorded. These professionals also help business owners make important decisions by identifying areas for optimization to improve success.

As an aspiring bookkeeper in the state, the guide below should serve as an excellent starting point. It covers the general requirements for quality education, certification and licensing considerations, and prerequisites for admission to top programs.

Readers will also find annual average salary ranges by career stage.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Iowa

Prospective bookkeepers in Iowa may launch their careers by following the pathway below.

Step 1: Choosing an Appropriate Program

One key factor to consider when choosing a program for aspiring bookkeepers in Iowa is the training structure. Some programs are structured for self-guided virtual learning, while others require on-campus training.

It is also important to monitor the program duration. Some bookkeeping programs can be completed in a few months, while others take up to 2 years. The right choice depends on a candidate’s vision and availability.

In one of the coming sections, we analyze some of the best programs to choose from as prospective bookkeepers in Iowa.

Step 2: Participating in an Internship

It is important to note that while graduates of academic training programs are always capable bookkeepers, it is crucial to complement this training with practical experience. This is one reason candidates may choose to pursue an internship after completing an academic program.

Step 3: Employment

Finally, having cultivated theoretical and practical skills, individuals can prepare a resume and apply for positions. It is possible to work full-time as a bookkeeper for a single company or as a freelancer.

Professionals must also continue to improve. Continuing education and certification can help towards this cause. We discuss this issue further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Iowa

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensing is not mandatory for bookkeepers in Iowa. Certification is optional, but it offers a range of professional benefits that make it essential.

These include the opportunity to secure a high-level role and boost income, access to continuing education and networking resources, and, of course, skill validation.

The bottom line is that employers prefer to work with a certified bookkeeper over an uncertified one.

There are several options for key certification providers nationwide. However, the two most prominent credentials are offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Iowa

Below are some of the best training programs for prospective bookkeepers in Iowa.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Iowa by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Des Moines

Salary & Career Outlook

The top 10% of professional bookkeepers in the state of Iowa will end the year with an average salary of around $56,130. The bottom 10% category earns an average annual salary of $31,882, and the median category earns $42,303 according to Indeed.

Of course, the median category is where most professionals will fall. This is also generally in line with the national average.

Those who want to continue improving their annual earnings can do so by gaining more experience, seeking better locations and roles, and leveraging their certifications and networking skills.

Specific places within Iowa with the highest average earnings for bookkeepers are West Des Moines, with an annual average salary of $58,067; Waukee, with an annual average salary of $47,025; Des Moines, with an annual average salary of $46,123; and Davenport, with an annual average salary of $42,740.