Bookkeeping Schools in Vermont

Preparation is key when starting a career in virtually any profession, and bookkeeping is no different. Yes, the field has a relatively smooth entry pathway compared to some other professions, but the advantage still goes to those who are well prepared and understand the requirements before starting the process.

Aspiring bookkeepers in Vermont can achieve this level of preparedness with the guide below. We break down every major step on the journey, including basic prerequisites, training options, continuing education opportunities, and certification organizations.

We also provide key figures that highlight the various earning brackets for bookkeepers in Vermont.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Vermont

The following are common steps to becoming a successful bookkeeper in Vermont.

High School Requirements & Soft Skills

Depending on their training destinations, aspiring bookkeepers in Vermont may need a high school diploma to begin their education. Those who don't have a high school diploma can use a GED equivalent in its place.

Soft skills such as organizational skills, planning, critical thinking, computer literacy, and effective communication are also highly valuable when entering this discipline.

Bookkeeping Education

There are generally two approaches to receiving bookkeeping education. The first is to receive academic training at the technical institution, while the second is to learn on the job.

However, many agree that the most effective approach is to combine both. Candidates can do this, for instance, by attending an academic program, earning an academic award, and then participating in an internship to consolidate their skills.

Academic training programs are also very popular because they can prepare students for certification. In fact, those who learned bookkeeping on the job may have to take an online program to prepare for certification.

Employment & Certification

Finally, candidates can leverage their education and potential academic awards to secure bookkeeper positions. A bookkeeper can work in several capacities, including as a fully-fledged bookkeeper, a payroll clerk, an accounts receivable clerk, and more.

Certification makes employment easier and also opens opportunities for career growth. We explore this aspect in more detail below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a freight broker in Vermont

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Bookkeepers in Vermont can earn certification from the AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers). Many training programs prepare students for AIPB certification and offer vouchers that qualify candidates to sit for the exam.

Those seeking certification from another organization may consider the NACPB (National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers). The organization also has its own exam through which candidates can become Certified Public Bookkeepers.

These organizations expect candidates to comply with ethical standards and participate in continuing education to renew their credentials. Licensing is not compulsory for bookkeepers in Vermont.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Vermont

Candidates may attend any of the programs below to get their bookkeeping careers in Vermont off to the right start.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Vermont by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Burlington

Salary & Career Outlook

The top-earning bookkeepers in Vermont can earn as high as $61,227 at the end of each year. However, most will fall in the mid category, while some will be in the bottom tier.

This is due to factors like experience, location, credentials, employers, and more. At the lower end, the expected annual average salary is $40,792.

In the middle category, candidates earn an average annual salary of $49,976 according to Indeed, roughly in line with the national average.

As for top locations, Montpelier and White River Junction have the highest average earnings for bookkeepers in Vermont. The figures for both places are $59,184 and $57,528, respectively. On average, bookkeepers in Colchester earn approximately $52,864 per year.