Become a Certified Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping forms the backbone of every organization's need to carefully account for its financial activities. It accounts for sales, purchases and payments that flow through an entity. Bookkeepers are crucial to every organization and certified bookkeepers are the elite of their profession. This 100% online course will prepare you for certification by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
What you will learn:
- 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
To apply to the Certified Bookkeeper program at CSU Bakersfield, in partnership with Ed2Go, complete the following steps:
- Navigate to the CSUB/Ed2go website
- Click the ENROLL ONLINE button
- Continue to CHECKOUT
- Fill in required fields
- Complete payment information or make payment arrangements
Need help enrolling? Call (855) 520-6806
Applicants must:
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Be at least 18 years of age
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Meet one of the following requirements:
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High school diploma
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General Education Development (GED) Certificate
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The Certified Bookkeeper Program costs $2,145.
We understand that one of the biggest concerns tied to furthering your education is how to pay for it. To help, CSU Bakersfield and Ed2Go offer low tuition prices that provide big payoffs. We've also designed multiple tuition payment plans, allowing you to choose the funding option that best fits your needs.
We currently offer:
- A discount when you choose to pay your tuition in a single payment
- An interest-free, 3-month payment plan
- A low interest, 12-month payment plan
For more information on tuition and funding options, please contact us at (855) 520-6806.
Note: Program is not eligible for FAFSA-based financial aid.
Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper
Eligibility requirements, code of ethics and certification maintenance
Accruals, Deferrals and the Adjusted Trial Balance
Why accruals, deferrals and other adjustments are made; recognizing revenues collected in advance and expenses after a prepayment
Correction of Accounting Errors and the Bank Reconciliation
When and where accounting errors occur and how they are discovered; finding and correcting errors on the unadjusted trial balance
Payroll
How to pay different types of employees; federal and state wage-hour law
Depreciation
The difference between book and tax depreciation; depreciation under GAAP
Inventory
General concepts of accounting for inventory; the perpetual, periodic, FIFO and LIFO methods
Internal Controls and Fraud Depreciation
How to prevent or spot theft of inventory and other non-cash assets by employees; preventing employee theft, embezzlement or fraud by hiring the right personnel
The Certified Administrative Bookkeeper program is completely online and provided by our partner, Ed2go. Once you are registered with Ed2go, your password and access information will be emailed to you. Through the Ed2Go portal you will have access to:
- Readings
- Homework assignments
- Quizzes / tests
- Technical support
- Discussion boards
- One-on-one help from instructors
- Additional resources
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
What does the bookkeeper role involve?
Bookkeepers serve on the front lines of a person, company, or organization's financial health. Strong bookkeepers set up, deploy, and manage systems that record the flow of funds into and out of an entity's coffers. Using reporting tools and systems, bookkeepers help individuals and operational managers stay aware of and improve an entity's financial status and performance.
Hasn't technology replaced bookkeepers?
Technology has had a huge impact on the bookkeeping field. However, the bookkeeper's underlying organizational skills and precise attention to detail are as valuable as ever to their employers and clients. Programs like QuickBooks® or Microsoft Excel® have widely replaced the manual entry functions of traditional bookkeeping. However, the organization, reporting and use of financial data still rely heavily on human input and processing.
Is certification important for bookkeepers?
Certification in any profession signals to employers, colleagues and clients that a professional is committed to the highest standards of excellence and accountability. Certified bookkeepers meet the AIPB’s highest standards for financial accounting, business practices and ethical conduct.
How do I become a Certified Bookkeeper?
To earn your AIPB Certified Bookkeeper designation, you must pass the AIPB certification exam and be able to submit proof of at least two years of full-time or 3,000 hours of part-time experience.
Is bookkeeping a good option for remote work?
Because bookkeeping relies heavily on technology and can be done almost entirely using digital tools, it is considered an excellent prospect for remote, contract and work-at-home career opportunities.