Individuals who want to become bookkeepers should complete a diploma program in bookkeeping that lasts a year or less or a 2-year associate degree program in accounting. Community colleges offer these types of programs. At a bookkeeping school that offers an associate degree program, students take not only major-specific courses but also general education classes, such as math and English. At some 2-year schools, students can choose to complete an occupational accounting degree program, which will prepare them for not only bookkeeping roles but also those of tax preparers or accounting clerks. In addition, some schools for bookkeeping offer 2-year degree programs in accounting that can transfer to a 4-year university, where students can complete a bachelor's degree in accounting.
To get into a school for bookkeeping, students should have a high school diploma or general equivalency degree. They also must complete an admissions application, pay an application fee and meet with an admissions representative for an interview, according to Atlantis University in Florida, which offers a bookkeeping diploma program. During an admissions interview at schools for bookkeeping, aspiring bookkeepers can share their goals with school representatives and learn more about the school's curriculum and services.
Classes at a bookkeeping school cover topics such as introduction to business, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting and federal taxation, according to Education-Portal.com. Other classes include how to use spreadsheets, the auditing process, ledger maintenance, accounts payable/receivable and methods of inventory. Students learn skills such as how to prepare bank deposits, balance financial records and produce receipts. They learn how to use an accounting software program and practice how to prepare charts and reports for upper management as well. Some schools, such as U.S. Career Institute, which features a 4-month diploma bookkeeping program, offer classes online.
Students who want to expand their employment opportunities can seek certification as a bookkeeper through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, or AIPB. To gain certification, they must complete 2 years of bookkeeping experience as well as a four-part national multiple-choice examination that covers topics such as adjusting entries, payroll and depreciation. The exam takes more than 4 hours to complete. Individuals then must complete continuing education requirements to renew their certification every 3 years.