Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

• Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Post-secondary training, plus on-the-job training

Most bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks need some postsecondary education and also learn some of their skills on the job. Although not required, some candidates choose to get a bachelor's degree in a field such as business.

Insider Info

Additional Information

You do not need a particular certificate or diploma to offer your services as a bookkeeper or accounting technician. That's because these terms are not regulated at this time. This means anyone can market themselves as a bookkeeper or accounting technician.

"There is no 'common level of training,'" says Stephen Sahlein. He's co-president of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. "Many bookkeepers [and accounting technicians] have little or no technical training."

However, a certificate or a diploma in accounting from a community college will give you a solid foundation as an accounting technician. It will provide you with the necessary computer skills and accounting know-how.

Accounting firms and other employers will almost certainly require some formal education in accounting.

"We're looking for strong analytical skills and quantitative skills," says Ivan Desjardins. He's the coordinator of a two-year diploma program for accounting technicians.

"Typically, we want people who have strong math-related courses," says Desjardins. "You need a strong analytical mind and strong communication skills."

Katherine Culligan is an accounting technician with the City of Deltona in Florida. She has a two-year associate's degree in accounting from a community college.

Accounting technicians may choose to become accountants, depending on the level of responsibility they want, says Culligan. For instance, if Culligan chooses to become an accountant someday, it could allow her to become an assistant finance director for the City, and eventually a finance director.

Extra Requirements

Some bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks become certified. For those who do not have postsecondary education, certification is a particularly useful way to gain expertise in the field. The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, shows that those who have earned it have the skills and knowledge needed to carry out all bookkeeping tasks, including overseeing payroll and balancing accounts, according to accepted accounting procedures. The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers also offers certification.

For additional information, visit these websites:

• http://www.aipb.org
• http://www.certifiedpublicbookkeeper.org