Become a Certified Bookkeeper in San Diego County
Bookkeepers are needed in almost every organization across the U.S., including those in San Diego County. Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping an accurate record of each financial transaction made within an organization. Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper (CB) sets you apart as an efficient and qualified member of the profession. This 100% online course will fully prepare you for a successful career as a bookkeeper and with the knowledge needed to earn your certification from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
Job Outlook for Bookkeepers
The job outlook is promising for bookkeepers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California employs more bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing clerks than any other state, with over 176,000 employed. CareerBuilder.com has listed bookkeeping as a skill that is extremely transferable. The site even goes so far as to list bookkeepers as an “ideal choice” for people motivated to keep financials organized.
The BLS reports that the annual median wage for bookkeepers in the San Diego-Carlsbad metro area is $53,050.
Certified Bookkeeper FAQs
WHAT DOES A BOOKKEEPER DO?
Bookkeepers are responsible for ensuring the financial health of a person, organization, or company. A good bookkeeper will set up and manage ways to track the flow of funds in and out of accounts—while using good communication skills and strong reporting capabilities to keep stakeholders aware of the current financial status as well as improve performance related to money matters.
IS TECHNOLOGY REPLACING BOOKKEEPERS?
While technology now plays a huge role in the bookkeeping field, it has not replaced bookkeeping as a profession. Bookkeepers are wisely using technology to conduct administrative tasks so that they are able to be more strategic in their view of finances. Technology will never be able to fully replace the attention to detail and reporting communication that a bookkeeper brings to the table.
IS CERTIFICATION FOR BOOKKEEPERS IMPORTANT?
Absolutely. While you can work as a bookkeeper without obtaining certification, becoming a certified bookkeeper establishes your credibility as a skilled and highly trained member of the profession. Certification will show employers, coworkers, and clients that you have high standards and a commitment to excellence.
HOW DO I GET CERTIFIED AS A BOOKKEEPER?
In order to become a Certified Bookkeeper, you must pass the AIPB certification exam and prove that you have at least two years of full-time work experience or a minimum of 3,000 hours of part-time work experience.
CAN I WORK REMOTELY AS A BOOKKEEPER?
Yes, you can! Bookkeepers rely on technology and digital tools, so it is a job that can easily be completed in a remote setting. Indeed.com reports that remote bookkeepers typically provide financial record-keeping for a client or employer. Some work as independent contractors, while others might work for a single company or a third-party company that provides bookkeeping services to other companies.
Course Objectives
- Prepare to take and pass the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) certification exam
- Understand eligibility requirements, code of ethics, and maintenance requirements for bookkeeper certification
- Apply the concepts of accrual accounting to transactions that span fiscal periods and trace the effect of accrual and deferral transactions
- Record book and tax depreciation, using various methods of calculating depreciation
- Perform basic payroll duties, including paying wages, handling payroll deposits, and reporting taxes
- Know how to value inventory, record costs, make entries, and report inventory on financial statements
- Use basic internal controls to prevent theft, embezzlement, or check and credit card fraud by employees, customers, or vendors
This program is eligible for tuition assistance through the Workforce Partnership.
Meet Your Instructors
Wade Lindenberger
Wade Lindenberger is a CPA with over 20 years of financial accounting and management experience in public accounting and private industry. He is currently the Director of Finance and Administration for New Children's Museum. Before his current position, he worked as the National Finance and Accounting Service Line Leader for Premier Alliance Group, a national professional services firm. Wade was also Director of the Finance and Accounting service line for the San Diego office of a global, publicly held professional services firm. He has previously served as an instructor for courses at Coopers & Lybrand and at the University of California at San Diego for the Extension Course and is currently an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Business.
Helene K. Liatsos
Helene K. Liatsos is a business advisor and QuickBooks Certified Advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She consults for a range of companies, from travel agencies to startups. Her company Home Office Management Experts was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Helene holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.