As with any profession, individuals who are knowledgeable about the steps to become a bookkeeper in New Mexico and well prepared for other career-benefiting considerations are more likely to succeed. The following guide provides this necessary foundation.
Readers will understand the preparatory steps to consider when choosing a training program, how to pursue certification, and other steps to help them launch their careers and grow as quickly as possible. For training, we also list out unique institutions with flexible programs.
Finally, the guide concludes with several key figures that reflect the average annual salaries for bookkeepers in New Mexico.
How to Become a Bookkeeper in New Mexico
Aspiring bookkeepers in New Mexico can enter the profession through the pathway below.
Formal Education
New Mexico offers campus-based programs for prospective bookkeepers. These can be structured as bookkeeping, accounting, or business administration programs.
Campus-based programs are thorough but can be quite demanding on schedules. Ultimately, candidates may not even need to attend campus-based programs to receive a thorough education and prepare for certification.
Several non-credit courses allow candidates to study online and learn at their own pace. We cover suitable options in the next section.
Hands-On Education
Training programs provide hands-on education by allowing candidates to work with tools and software using simulated data. Professionals can improve their skills in the real world by completing an internship before securing a full-time position.
Freelancing can also be leveraged for the same benefits.
Employment & Certification
While it is possible to secure employment with theoretical and practical skills alone, the competitive field requires candidates to set themselves apart. Certification is the most effective way to do this.
In the next section, readers will find out what they have to do to become certified bookkeepers in New Mexico. Finally, those who have earned certification will be able to secure employment with leading organizations.
They will also be able to leverage advanced and continuing education credits to take on leadership roles in the industry and ultimately work as business administrators or accountants.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Licensing and certification are not compulsory for bookkeepers in New Mexico. However, unlike licensing, certification is still very much encouraged.
It is encouraged because it is an effective way to establish legitimacy and verify skills. It may also lead to straightforward job placement, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) are the leading providers of bookkeeping certification nationwide. Candidates who complete a training program can register with either organization and pass a professional exam to become officially certified.
Top Bookkeeping Schools in New Mexico
All of the schools below have thriving bookkeeping programs for interested individuals in New Mexico.
University of New Mexico
Online, NM Online Only
University of New Mexico boasts an online program for future bookkeepers that is one of the most popular in the state. The program includes 140 course hours of learning materials and allows students to learn at their own pace.
Tuition
$2,695 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Northern New Mexico College
Online, NM Online Only
Another excellent training program for future bookkeepers in New Mexico is offered at Northern New Mexico College. The Bookkeeping Certificate program prepares students for entry-level employment and certification.
Tuition
$211 - $597 per CreditContact
(505) 747-2111
admissions@nnmc.edu
Eastern New Mexico University
Roswell, NM Campus + Online
Finally, Eastern New Mexico University also boasts a top-class bookkeeping training program. Those who complete their education here will earn a Certificate of Occupational Training.
Tuition
$78 - $218 per CreditContact
(575) 624-7294
advising.center@roswell.enmu.edu
Explore bookkeeping Schools in New Mexico by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The average annual salary for a bookkeeper in New Mexico is typically influenced by experience level. The specific city where a professional works in the state, their professional credentials, and the establishment where they are employed are other important determinants of how much they take home at the end of the year.
Generally, those in the top 10% earn an average annual salary of $61,980, indicating a favorable standing across these factors. Those in the bottom 10% still earn at least $32,744 per year.
In the median category, the annual average salary for a bookkeeper in New Mexico is $45,050, according to Indeed.
Regarding location, bookkeepers in Santa Fe and Bernalillo earn the highest salaries in the state, at approximately $55,520 and $49,029, respectively. Those who work in Albuquerque earn an average annual salary of $46,244.




