Bookkeeping Schools in Maryland

Bookkeepers play a key role in the functioning and survival of any business in Maryland. They ensure financial records are accurate and that business owners understand how to remain profitable and continue growing their businesses.

Using the guide below, anyone who wants to start a bookkeeping career in Maryland will gain a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved. They will understand what to focus on and what to optimize to enjoy a long-lasting career.

We also provide useful resources, including a list of top training programs and the state’s average annual salaries for professionals in this field.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Maryland

All of the considerations below are crucial to launch a successful bookkeeping career in Maryland.

Getting Started

Even before attending a training program, individuals can begin developing key attributes such as analytical skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills to improve their chances of success as bookkeepers in Maryland.

To gain admission to top programs, it is also beneficial to have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Finishing a Suitable Program

Residents of Maryland have many options for formal training to start a bookkeeping career. There is no law requiring students to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Candidates may go for a business administration or an accounting associate degree program. They may also pursue certificate programs in bookkeeping or online programs that prepare them to sit for the Certified Bookkeeper exam.

During their training, candidates learn fundamental accounting principles and how to use relevant tools and software, such as Excel and QuickBooks.

Hands-On Training

Academic programs do ensure hands-on training through simulated data and software tools. However, there is nothing like working with real data to help professionals build confidence.

This is why it is common for graduates of bookkeeping programs to complete an internship before securing an official placement.

Employment & Growth

After completing the above steps, individuals will have everything they need to begin submitting their resumes to potential employers and secure a full-time placement. Certification is also important for career growth.

We outline the certification process below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an electrician in Maryland

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Several organizations offer bookkeeper certification in Maryland. Professionals typically leverage certifications to stand out and demonstrate to potential employers their commitment and the validity of their skills.

Among the most prominent certification organizations are the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Both institutions offer credentials that are well-regarded by peers and employers.

Individuals must register with their chosen credentialing agency and, of course, pass a certification examination to earn the credentials. Bookkeepers in Maryland do not need a license to start working professionally.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Maryland

The following are the most prominent bookkeeping programs for Maryland residents.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Maryland by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Baltimore

Salary & Career Outlook

Location is one factor that can help improve annual earnings as a bookkeeper in Maryland. Currently, the places with the highest averages include the following:

• Bethesda, with an annual average salary of $63,541;

• Silver Spring, with an annual average salary of $58,069;

• Rockville, with an annual average salary of $57,788; and

• Gaithersburg, with an annual average salary of $57,540.

Other important factors that can increase annual income include experience, professional credentials, and the employer’s nature. Generally, without analyzing through the lens of any singular criterion, the annual average salary distribution for bookkeepers in Maryland is as follows:

• Professionals at the top 10% make an annual average salary of $68,954;
• Professionals in the bottom 10% make an annual average salary of $37,556; and
• Professionals in the middle brackets earn an average annual salary of $50,889, according to Indeed.