Bookkeeping Schools in North Carolina

The following guide outlines the general requirements and considerations everyone in North Carolina must consider when starting a bookkeeping career. It covers the general educational requirements, the prerequisites for admission to training programs, and possible training avenues, including their expected program lengths and curriculum structures.

Students will also discover specific programs to enroll in and what to expect at each destination. We analyze certification and licensing requirements for career growth and professional opportunities.

Finally, the guide concludes with an overview of salary expectations for bookkeepers in North Carolina.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in North Carolina

The requirements below are necessary to become a bookkeeper in North Carolina.

Required Skills

Even before education, aspiring bookkeepers in North Carolina can begin developing the skills they need to do the job. These skills are different from technical skills in that they are soft, transferable attributes that apply to most work environments.

These include attention to detail, organization and planning, time management, clear communication, and good memory.

Educational Background

To build a strong educational background, candidates often pursue a training program at an academic institution. They will be able to earn a degree or certificate, which can significantly improve immediate job placement.

Candidates who would like to have formal academic training but do not have enough time can consider part-time or online programs.

Work Experience

Many bookkeepers enter the profession by applying for internships and entry-level assistant positions. They will be able to work as an associate bookkeeper for a while, learning the fundamentals of the profession, and ultimately secure a position of their own.

Work Environments

At the beginning of their careers, bookkeepers can work for any business or company. They can also work from home or freelance with multiple institutions.

Regardless of their choice of work environment, certification can greatly improve bookkeepers’ career prospects in North Carolina. We analyze this specific consideration below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

To become certified as a bookkeeper in North Carolina, candidates must be prepared to pass a professional examination. The most prominent certifying organizations also require professionals to uphold a code of ethics, which they must commit to upon passing the exam.

Among the most prominent organizations, the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers is often among bookkeepers’ first choices for certification. Here, candidates may attain the Certified Bookkeeper designation.

Another organization that is just as reputable with a similar credential is the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in North Carolina

Some of the best programs for future bookkeepers in North Carolina are outlined below.

#North Carolina

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, NC Campus Only

Central Piedmont Community College offers a two-year associate's degree in accounting that provides a strong foundation for candidates pursuing careers in bookkeeping.

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Tuition
$76 - $268 per Credit
Contact
  • (704) 330-2722 Ext: 3507

  • busacc@cpcc.edu

#North Carolina

Wake Tech

Raleigh, NC Campus + Online

Wake Tech provides two main pathways for those aiming to establish themselves in bookkeeping: a basic bookkeeping certificate and an associate degree in accounting and finance.

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Tuition
$1,368 - $5,168 per Program
Contact
  • (919) 866-5859

  • mathomas@waketech.edu

#North Carolina

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Online, NC Online Only

University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a comprehensive online certified bookkeeper program ideal for individuals seeking flexibility and professional certification. This training course is structured to help students prepare for the AIPB certification exam, with the exam fee already included in the tuition.

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

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Salary & Career Outlook

The salary ranges of bookkeepers in North Carolina can be separated into three key categories as follows:

  • The top earners earn an average annual salary of $60,304.
  • The bottom level makes an annual average salary of $30,341; and
  • The middle level earns $42,774 per year, according to Indeed.

The major factors that influence where professionals fall within salary ranges include experience level, specific location within the state, and work environment. Of course, their specific employer and specialty area also matter.

When we analyze the data strictly by location, the following places are shown to have the highest annual average salaries for bookkeepers in North Carolina:

  • Raleigh, with an annual average salary of $55,363;
  • Cary, with an annual average salary of $49,950;
  • Greensboro, with an annual average salary of $48,838; and
  • Durham has an annual average salary of $47,616.