Bookkeeping Schools in Massachusetts

The most common requirements to launch a successful bookkeeping career in Massachusetts are education and certification. With the right level of education, candidates can develop technical expertise and stand out.

Of course, just as important as the education students obtain is what they do to position themselves for rapid career advancement. Below are the major considerations and steps residents should take to be best positioned for a thriving bookkeeping career.

We analyze the top programs, preparatory steps before education, educational arrangements, certification organizations, and annual average salary projections.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Massachusetts

The following steps are necessary to become a top bookkeeper in Massachusetts.

Transferable Skills

Certain transferable skills make it much easier to succeed as a bookkeeper in Massachusetts. For instance, individuals who love numbers and have an analytical mindset will find education and career growth straightforward.

Communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are also important.

Attending a Technical School

Massachusetts boasts several colleges and technical institutions where candidates can learn to become successful bookkeepers. Moreover, many of these programs are highly convenient, allowing students to study part-time or online in a self-guided manner.

Of course, those who desire traditional, self-guided education will also be able to find suitable options. Below is a list of prominent programs to consider.

It is also worth noting that not all bookkeeping programs offer an associate degree; some may lead to a certificate or diploma. Candidates may need a high school diploma or a GED to be admitted to some institutions.

Practical Skills & Employment

Although candidates can secure employment after studying to become bookkeepers, it is still important to build real-world experience first. Those who would like to pursue this route may complete an internship or work as a freelancer for a period of time.

Certification & Continuing Education

Finally, recent graduates can leverage certifications to enhance their credibility and appeal to potential employers. They can also leverage continuing education to acquire more skills, take on leadership roles, and even become business administrators or accountants.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical biller and coder in Massachusetts

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Bookkeepers in Massachusetts can choose to become certified to improve their career chances. The choice is up to the individual, as it is not legally required.

However, because most professionals choose to become certified, those who do not are usually at a disadvantage. Thankfully, the steps to become certified are quite straightforward.

Candidates need only select a certification organization, complete the registration process, and pass the credentialing exam. The Certified Bookkeeper credential from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the Certified Public Bookkeeper credential from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) are the two most respected credentials nationwide.

Top Bookkeeper Schools in Massachusetts

All of the institutions listed below offer excellent training programs for future bookkeepers in Massachusetts.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Massachusetts by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Boston

Salary & Career Outlook

In Massachusetts, the average annual salary for a bookkeeper is approximately $53,738, according to Indeed. This is the most common figure and is relevant to people in the median-earning category.

In the top 10% category, bookkeepers in the state earn an annual salary of $70,033. For the bottom 10%, the expected annual salary is $41,234.

Candidates can move from the lower brackets to the top 10% category by optimizing their experience, professional credentials, employer, networking, and specific locations within the state.

Currently, Danvers has the highest average annual salary for bookkeepers in Massachusetts at $87,180. Also notable are Woburn ($82,364), Worcester ($66,007), and Wilmington ($63,480).