Bookkeeping Schools in Tennessee

One of the major advantages to keep in mind when starting a bookkeeping career in Tennessee is certification. This is an excellent way to stand out and access benefits that are virtually impossible for non-certified professionals.

Of course, while important, certification is not the only area to focus on as a future bookkeeper in the state. Below, readers can identify and understand the key considerations and steps to be completed throughout the journey.

They will also become familiar with certification organizations and processes, specific institutions and programs, and average annual salaries. We also include a few optimization considerations for increasing bookkeeping salaries in Tennessee.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Tennessee

The steps below outline everything candidates must do to become fully qualified bookkeepers in Tennessee.

Foundational Skills

Prospective bookkeepers in Tennessee need transferable skills such as organizational and analytical thinking to succeed in the role. Those who are strong in interpersonal relationships, communication, and data entry accuracy will also have an edge over the competition from the start.

Choosing a Training Route

There are several routes to comprehensive bookkeeping training. The most popular options are online programs, which allow candidates to learn conveniently without committing to a strict schedule.

However, individuals who prefer a more interactive educational experience may opt for campus-based programs. Community colleges and technical schools offer these programs and may be structured as bookkeeping, business administration, or accounting programs.

They can also lead to short-term certificates, long-term certificates, or associate degrees, depending on their durations. One of the sections below explores specific suitable options.

Employment & Continuing Education

Individuals with the right level of bookkeeping training can immediately secure employment. However, candidates are advised to pursue certification to improve their career prospects.

We analyze how to do so below. It is also worth noting that bookkeepers can work in various capacities, including payroll clerks, accounting assistants, accounts receivable specialists, and accounts payable specialists, among others.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical biller and coder in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Candidates seeking certification as bookkeepers in Tennessee must select a suitable provider and pass a credentialing exam. Currently, the two most notable certification providers for bookkeepers in Tennessee and nationwide are the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

Candidates must pay the required fees and pass a certification examination to become credentialed. Those who pass the AIPB certification examination will become Certified Bookkeepers, while those who pass the NACPB exam will become Certified Public Bookkeepers.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Tennessee

Aspiring bookkeepers in Tennessee may attend any of the following institutions for the best education.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Tennessee by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

According to Indeed salary estimates, the data showed the general classifications based on annual average salary. In the first classification are the bottom-tier earners, with an average annual salary of $28,639.

This is typically applicable to those just starting their careers who have not yet optimized factors such as location, employment, credentials, and more. Those at the top earn an average annual salary of $60,845, while middle-level earners earn $41,744.

The highest average salaries for bookkeepers in Tennessee are in Hendersonville ($58,380), Murfreesboro($49,865), and Nashville ($49,116).