Bookkeeping Schools in Mississippi

Beyond curiosity about numbers, an analytical mindset, and an affinity for problem-solving, foundational skills that go a long way toward producing successful bookkeepers in Mississippi include: Candidates who would like to build upon these skills can utilize the guide below to gain a strong understanding of what to do and what not to do when starting a bookkeeping career in Mississippi.

The guide covers key aspects of the journey, including preparing for training, selecting a training program, optimizing for practical learning, and exploring certification opportunities. It also lists out specific institutions with respectable programs.

Finally, readers will learn how to optimize their salaries as bookkeepers in Mississippi.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Mississippi

The following is a step-by-step guide to becoming a successful bookkeeper in Mississippi.

Step 1: Acquiring Technical Skills in a Suitable Program

Candidates can attend bookkeeping training programs in Mississippi to earn an associate degree, a short-term certificate, a long-term certificate, or a diploma. They can also enroll in non-credit courses that prepare them for certification.

Ultimately, the most important thing is for candidates to attend a program that provides technical training, practice with tools and software, and prepares them for certification. Those who desire flexibility can also choose online programs that allow them to learn at their own pace without committing their entire schedules to the course.

We explore some of the top options in an upcoming section.

Step 2: Real-World Experience

Employers across domains typically prefer candidates with academic training and some real-world experience. This is why some prospective bookkeepers choose to complete an internship or work as freelancers for a period before accepting positions at relevant companies and organizations.

In some cases, internships can lead candidates to secure full-time positions at the same organization.

Step 3: Finding Suitable Employment

After completing both classroom and practical training, new bookkeepers can find suitable employment with local companies. One of the best parts of being a bookkeeper is that professionals in this field are not limited to a single industry.

They can work anywhere as long as business is conducted and cash flow needs to be recorded. We explore certification for career growth in the next section.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Mississippi, anyone with the appropriate training can obtain certification by passing a professional exam.

Because there are multiple certifying organizations, the first step to becoming a certified bookkeeper is to choose a credentialing body. Afterward, candidates can register with their chosen credentialing body and sit for the certification exam.

Those who pass the credentialing exam offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) will become Certified Bookkeepers. In contrast, those who pass the credentialing exam offered by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) will earn the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) credential.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi residents can attend any of the schools below for strong bookkeeping training.

#Mississippi

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Online, MS Online Only

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offers an excellent online training program for prospective bookkeepers in Mississippi. The program is very popular for its convenience, allowing candidates to start learning at any time.

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Tuition
$180 - $500 per Credit
Contact
  • (228) 896-2536

  • questions@mgccc.edu

#Mississippi

Mississippi State University

Online, MS Online Only

Mississippi State University offers a robust online training program that helps students refine their bookkeeping skills and become familiar with software such as QuickBooks and Excel. The courses are well-rounded and maintain a high standard despite being virtual.

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Tuition
$3,295 - $3,345 per Program
Contact
  • (855) 520-6806

#Mississippi

Greenville Higher Education Center

Online, MS Online Only

Finally, future bookkeepers in Mississippi have another amazing online program to consider at the Greenville Higher Education Center. This program covers technical topics and encourages students to develop transferable skills, including communication, organization, and analytical thinking.

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Tuition
$2,370 per Program
Contact
  • (855) 520-6806

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Mississippi by city:

Salary & Career Outlook

The most popular category of average income for bookkeepers in Mississippi is the median earners. Professionals in this bracket earn an average annual salary of $34,944 according to Indeed.

The least common are the top 10% earners. In this bracket, the average annual salary is typically $48,824 or more.

Finally, the bottom 10% earners earn an average annual salary of $25,011. It is possible to improve yearly earnings as a bookkeeper in Mississippi by optimizing experience, professional credentials, and location.

When it comes to the best locations with the highest annual averages, Flowood leads the way with an annual average salary of $51,347. Also prominent are Ridgeland, with an average annual salary of $46,919, and Oxford, at $45,390.