Bookkeeping Certification Programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

If you’re considering a career as a Certified Bookkeeper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, you’re on the right path to entering a field with steady demand and rewarding opportunities. A Certified Bookkeeper is a professional who has demonstrated proficiency in bookkeeping through education, experience, and certification. There are various paths to becoming a bookkeeper, including formal education programs, online courses, and self-study options. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming certified, the local educational opportunities, and the employment landscape in Pittsburgh.

About Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, known as “The Steel City,” is a bustling metropolis in western Pennsylvania. With its rich history in industry and innovation, Pittsburgh is home to numerous cultural landmarks such as the Carnegie Museums, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the historic Point State Park. The city is also known for its diverse neighborhoods, including Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and the Strip District. For more information about Pittsburgh, visit the official city website.

Bookkeeping Training Programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh offers several options for those looking to pursue bookkeeping training programs:

1. Pittsburgh Technical College
   Located in Oakdale, Pittsburgh Technical College offers an online Certified Bookkeeper course that includes comprehensive training, practice quizzes, and exam preparation strategies. The course also provides prepaid vouchers for the AIPB certification exams.
   Pittsburgh Technical College Bookkeeping Program

2. Penn Highlands Community College
   This college offers an online Certified Bookkeeper course, similar to Pittsburgh Technical College, providing all necessary resources and exam vouchers for the AIPB certification.
   Penn Highlands Community College Bookkeeping Program

3. Penn State Fayette
   Located a short drive from Pittsburgh, Penn State Fayette offers a Bookkeeping Essentials program. This program consists of three four-week courses covering bookkeeping basics, general ledger and month-end procedures, and closing procedures and financial statements.
   Penn State Fayette Bookkeeping Program

Bookkeeping Employment Opportunities in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to several major financial institutions and accounting firms that may employ bookkeepers:

1. PNC Financial Services Group
   Headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, PNC is one of the largest banks in the United States, offering a wide range of financial services.
   PNC Careers

2. BNY Mellon
   Also located in downtown Pittsburgh, BNY Mellon is a global investments company providing financial services for institutions, corporations, and individual investors.
   BNY Mellon Careers

3. Ernst & Young (EY)
   Situated in the heart of Pittsburgh, EY is a multinational professional services firm offering assurance, tax, consulting, and advisory services.
   EY Careers

Prerequisites for Bookkeeping Programs

To enroll in a bookkeeping program, you typically need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some courses are designed for those with prior experience or for entry-level bookkeepers. For experienced bookkeepers, the Certified Bookkeeper course requires at least two years of full-time or 3,000 hours of part-time bookkeeping experience.

Bookkeeping Certification Requirements

The primary certification for bookkeepers in the U.S. is the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). To earn the CB designation, you must pass a four-part, multiple-choice examination and submit proof of at least two years of full-time or 3,000 hours of part-time bookkeeping experience. You also need to sign a Code of Ethics. Another organization offering certification is the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a Certified Bookkeeper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a promising step towards a stable and fulfilling profession. With various educational programs and employment opportunities available, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Contact a school today to learn more about their bookkeeping programs and take the first step towards certification.

For more information on the job outlook for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.