Bookkeeping Schools in Texas

There are numerous reasons to consider a career as a bookkeeper, including the ease of entry, job availability, competitive salary, and occupational freedom. By occupational freedom, we mean that professionals in this field are free to work on their own time, especially when they work as freelancers.

Below, we explore the various ways candidates can enter the bookkeeping profession as Texas residents. We also explore possibilities in terms of work environment and timing, and of course, we provide a list of top training programs to consider.

Finally, the guide concludes with an analysis of licensing and certification requirements, as well as annual average salary expectations.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Texas

Below are the requirements to become a successful bookkeeper in Texas.

Training Programs

The amount of time a prospective bookkeeper spends in training depends on their specific approach. Those who wish to attend a formal academic program typically spend around nine months earning a certificate, which gives them a competitive edge in employment opportunities.

It is also possible to participate in longer programs that may take more than 2 years to complete. In an upcoming section, we explore some of the best options for candidates to consider in this regard.

Hands-On Education

Hands-on education involves working with actual, real-world data as a bookkeeper. Although candidates receive significant preparation for this during their training program, the real world presents unique challenges that may not be covered in the program.

This is why some bookkeepers spend time working in an associate or assistant position and participating in an internship before securing full-time employment.

Certification, Employment, & Career Growth

After understanding the fundamental requirements of the profession in both academic and practical environments, candidates may consider further enhancing their career prospects through certification. There are several options to consider in this regard, and we examine the most notable choices below.

Bookkeepers can choose to pursue more advanced positions for career growth. It is common, for instance, for professionals to start as bookkeepers and eventually become Certified Public Accountants.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a medical biller and coder in Texas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

To become certified as a bookkeeper in Texas, candidates must pass a professional examination and commit to a code of ethics. However, professionals must remember that they are not necessarily mandated to do so by the state or by potential employers.

However, the majority of bookkeepers still choose to become certified because of the benefits. These include career opportunities, credibility, and networking opportunities.

Currently, the most prominent organizations from which to receive nationally-recognized credentials as a bookkeeper in Texas include the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Texas

All of the entries below offer comprehensive training for aspiring bookkeepers in Texas.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Texas by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Dallas

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of bookkeepers conducted on Indeed.com revealed that professionals in this field can be among the lowest earners, median earners, or top earners, where a professional’s earnings depend on several factors, including their experience level, location, employer, and professional credentials.

Candidates in the low-earning category make an annual average salary of $29,357, while those in the high-earning category end the year with an annual average salary of $60,942. In the most popular category, which is the median category, candidates can expect an annual average salary of $42,298.

As for favorable locations, they include Austin, with an annual average salary of $50,045; Dallas, with an annual average salary of $49,711; Cedar Hill, with an annual average salary of $48,095; and San Antonio, with an annual average salary of $45,379.