Bookkeeping Schools in Oregon

Aspiring bookkeepers in Oregon can start their careers without spending years in a training program. The discipline also offers genuine opportunities for career growth and a rewarding salary from the early stages.

Individuals who understand the general requirements even before starting the process of becoming bookkeepers in Oregon have a greater chance of success. This is one of the reasons we have provided the guide below, which outlines everything readers need to prepare for as they start this journey.

We analyze educational options, licensing and certification requirements, training programs, and average annual salaries.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Oregon

Below is a step-by-step guide to becoming a bookkeeper in Oregon.

Step 1: Foundational Skills

Several foundational skills can give candidates a significant edge when starting a bookkeeping career in Oregon. Computer literacy is one of them, as students will work with tools such as Excel and QuickBooks.

Other skills, such as organization and planning, communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills, are also very important.

Step 2: Comprehensive Training

In Oregon, prospective bookkeepers can earn their education at training institutions such as community colleges and technical schools. However, it is also possible to learn the trade by working under an established professional and learning in an on-the-job environment.

Either way, candidates have to develop the right technical skills and proficiency with tools and software. One of the main reasons people attend technical institutions is to earn academic awards, which can make employment and career growth much easier.

One upcoming section discusses the best programs to consider.

Step 3: Internships, Job Placement, & Career Opportunities

During a training program, candidates learn theoretical principles and work with simulated data. However, graduates can complete internships to gain firsthand experience of how the field operates in a real-world environment.

It is possible for a bookkeeper to specialize and to work as accounts payable clerks, payroll clerks, accounts receivable clerks, accounting assistants, and more. Certification and advanced education can help professionals continue to grow on the job.

We discuss this further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a freight broker in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification for bookkeepers in Oregon may not be required by law, but it is an excellent way to enjoy career benefits. It sets professionals apart, helps improve earnings, and provides a strong platform for networking and continuing education.

A popular provider of bookkeeper certification in Oregon is the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. The AIPB offers the Certified Bookkeeper credential.

Another suitable option is the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB), which offers the Certified Public Bookkeeper credential. Both organizations are well respected and recognized nationwide.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Oregon

Below are the most prominent training programs for future bookkeepers in Oregon.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Oregon by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

When sorting annual average salaries for bookkeepers in Oregon by location, Tigard has the highest average at $74,065. Also among the top three are Clackamas and Bend, with annual average salaries of $54,858 and $54,443, respectively.

In addition to location, a professional’s experience level, credentials, and employer all influence their compensation as bookkeepers in Oregon. Most people fall in the middle, earning an average annual salary of $51,229 according to Indeed.

Those who are in the bottom 10% make around $37,988 on average every year, while the annual average salary for the top 10% can be as high as $69,086.