Bookkeeping Schools in Ohio

Bookkeepers in Ohio typically begin a professional career in the discipline by attending a training program and securing a job placement with a business in their chosen industry. However, it is also possible to enter this profession by learning “on the job.”

Below, we explore these possible routes while providing a comprehensive analysis of other key steps in the process, from basic educational requirements to licensing and certification. Afterwards, we examine specific programs that Ohio residents can attend to receive foundational training.

Readers will also gain a clear sense of what to expect when it comes to annual average salary returns.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Ohio

These are the steps needed to become a bookkeeper in Ohio.

High School Qualifications

In most cases, training programs and employers in Ohio will be willing to work with candidates who have a high school diploma. It is also possible to gain admission to top programs with a GED-equivalent credential.

Completing a Bookkeeping Program

Ohioans looking to become bookkeepers typically complete an academic training program to improve their chances of employment and certification. They have a lot of flexibility in their training destination and program length, with some preferring shorter programs and others longer ones.

It is also possible to complete an online training program to enjoy maximum flexibility. Aspiring bookkeepers commonly pursue programs in business administration or accounting.

Understanding Software

Candidates must have a strong academic background and be proficient in using accounting software such as QuickBooks. An internship at a local company or accounting firm will help students become familiar with real-world issues not covered in official programs.

Employment & Career Growth

After training, bookkeepers in Ohio can work as freelancers, taking on multiple customers and setting their own hours. They may also choose to work with a specific firm or local business.

Professionals in the field can facilitate career growth in many ways, including pursuing certification and continuing education. In the next section, we explore some of the most reputable certifying organizations for bookkeepers in Ohio.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a freight broker in Ohio

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certified bookkeepers in Ohio are generally perceived as more proficient than uncertified bookkeepers. Certification can be a very effective way to improve credibility, improve employability, and gain access to better-paying positions.

Several popular certifications are available for bookkeepers in the state, including the Certified Bookkeeper designations offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

The former requires one year of education or professional experience, while the latter requires a self-paced fundamental course. Both credentials require passing a professional examination.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Ohio

Aspiring bookkeepers in Ohio may attend any of the following training programs to start their careers.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Ohio by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Columbus

Salary & Career Outlook

Location can be very important in determining how much a bookkeeper earns in Ohio. Currently, the top destinations to work as a bookkeeper in the state for high salaries include Shaker Heights, with an annual average salary of $70,655; Cleveland, with an annual average salary of $48,960; Cincinnati, with an annual average salary of $48,117; and Columbus, with an annual average salary of $47,918.

As for the general categories, bookkeepers in the state who are among the top 10% will manage an annual average salary of around $61,243 or more. Those who are among the bottom 10% manage an annual average salary of $31,842, while the median earners end the year with an annual average salary of $44,160, according to Indeed.

Experience, professional credentials, and workplace skills can also be very important in determining a bookkeeper’s salary in Ohio.