Bookkeeping Schools in Washington

Understanding cash flow and overall financial well-being is as crucial to a business’s success as its product. Bookkeepers are professionals who help individuals and companies optimize their finances and monitor cash flow.

These professionals are very well rewarded in Washington, as they are across the country. What’s more, it’s very straightforward to enter this profession if you know what you are doing.

Below, we guide readers by breaking down everything they need to become a successful bookkeeper in Washington. We explore educational considerations, certification options, and average annual salaries, among other factors.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Washington

The following is a step-by-step framework for becoming a bookkeeper in Washington.

Step 1: Major Prerequisites

Having a high school diploma or GED can make it easier to start a bookkeeping career. Many employers look for either of these credentials, and some training programs also require them for admission.

Possessing soft skills, including effective communication, attention to detail, analytical, and organizational skills, is also important.

Step 2: Finishing a Program

For their education, prospective bookkeepers in Washington may consider earning an associate degree or a certificate. This is not required by law, but it can offer advantages and career opportunities. For those who don’t want to earn a degree, it is possible to learn conveniently and flexibly through an online program that prepares them for certification. Below is a list of the top training programs for prospective bookkeepers in Washington.

Step 3: Completing an Internship

To build real-world confidence, graduates of bookkeeping training programs should complete an internship. This will allow them to work with real-world data and make mistakes they cannot afford to make in a full-time role.

Other ways to build confidence and real-world skills as a fresh bookkeeper in Washington is to spend some time working as a freelancer.

Step 4: Employment & Growth

After completing the academic requirements, candidates can begin pursuing a full-time placement. It is also necessary to continue growing by pursuing certification and taking advanced courses.

The next section discusses the certification process for bookkeepers in the state.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical biller and coder in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Bookkeepers across the country, including those in Washington state, can validate their skills through certification. Although this and licensing are not legally required in the state, they remain very popular for this reason.

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers and the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers are two of the most popular credentialing bodies in the field. Individuals must participate in a certification examination before they can be certified by either institution.

The exams test proficiency in payroll, accounting, adjustments, and more. Professionals must also continue to improve to maintain their credentials through continuing education.

Top Bookkeeping Schools in Washington

Candidates may attend any of the programs below for strong bookkeeping training in Washington.

Explore bookkeeping Schools in Washington by city:

• Bookkeeping schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

The majority of bookkeepers in Washington earn an annual average salary of $53,683. This is good enough to be in the median category according to Indeed.

Professionals in the top 10% earn more than this, with an average annual salary of $73,947 . Those who are just starting their careers may fall in the bottom 10%, with an annual average salary of $38,972.

Candidates can improve their annual earnings by optimizing factors such as experience, professional credentials, and business strategy. It is also possible to increase revenue by optimizing location.

The cities with the highest average bookkeeper salaries in Washington are Seattle ($59,687), Kent ($57,882), and Olympia ($57,774).