Bookkeeping

Career Diploma 6 months

Bookkeeping Training Program

If you have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy thinking critically to solve problems, becoming a bookkeeper could be the perfect career for you. With Penn Foster College's online Bookkeeping classes, you can take the first steps toward a new job you enjoy while learning essential finance and accounting skills and exploring a career in business.

Prepares students for jobs in finance in roles such as bookkeeper or accounting clerk.
Curriculum covers essential knowledge from assets and liabilities to revenue and expenses, a comprehensive understanding of QuickBooks Online Plus™, and a special final project involving business ownership.
Enrolled students receive a one year subscription to QuickBooks Online.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$789

$1,039 Save $250

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

What You Will Learn

How to become certified in areas of bookkeeping by being able to carry out all bookkeeping tasks, including overseeing payroll and balancing accounts, according to accepted accounting procedures.
How to create financial reports using QuickBooks Online to complete bookkeeping tasks, ensure accuracy in receiving and recording payments, handle banking transactions, and monitor business accounts.
How to use Microsoft Excel® to organize and format data, including charts, formulas, and more complex tables.
How to apply proper procedures for receiving and recording cash, checks, and vouchers in compliance with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Bookkeeping Career Outcomes

Bookkeeping Clerk

AVG SALARY*

$47,440/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

1,663,800

Our online Bookkeeping classes can help prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in finance. With nearly every business needing to keep accurate financial records, there are job opportunities in a variety of industries from retail to technology.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Bookkeeping Diploma Helps Graduate Grow at Work

Bookkeeping Course Curriculum

8 courses
29.1 continuing education units (CEUs)
14 exams
3 submitted projects

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 6 months
Average time = 12 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our online Bookkeeping courses, you'll learn the fundamental skills and knowledge to begin an entry-level career in finance. Your bookkeeping courses include:

Assets, Liabilities, and Owner's Equity
Payroll and Wholesale Accounting
Computer Applications in Accounting - Quickbooks
Excel® for Bookkeeping

Show Full Curriculum

Bookkeeping Student Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Bookkeeping Program can help prepare you for the first step in your financial career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Kristin N.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“The communication, the classes, the cheering for you along the way really makes you feel like you’re set up for success!”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Bookkeeping Program Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Bookkeeping Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program¹

$789

$1,039 Save $250

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$999

$1,039 Save $40

Pay $59 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program¹

$1,039

Pay $59 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven Bookkeeping Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Learning Resource Center and digital library
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

Related Programs

Accounting

Associate Degree

Prepare for a rewarding career in accounting with online college classes in financial accounting, management, and more.

5 months per semester As low as $65/mo

New

Tax Preparation

Career Diploma

Learn about preparing taxes for individuals and businesses in our online Tax Preparation Career Diploma Program.

4 months As low as $59/mo

New

Payroll Clerk

Career Diploma

Learn how to become a payroll clerk online through flexible courses covering payroll, deductions, and accounting.

2 months As low as $59/mo

Bookkeeping Courses FAQs

What is the salary for a bookkeeping role?

According to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for bookkeepers in 2023 was $47,440.* However, salary can vary based on your employer, education and experience, and where you live.

What can I expect to do as a Bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers who work for multiple firms may visit their clients’ places of business. They often work independently in offices, but sometimes they collaborate with accountants, managers, and auditing clerks from other departments, working in fields such as science, retail, wholesale, healthcare, insurance, and more. Becoming a bookkeeper can be a solid career choice for someone who wants to work in many industries.

How much does a bookkeeping program cost?

We keep our program costs low so you can keep your goals within reach! We offer customized payment plans with 0% interest. Visit our tuition page for the most current tuition information.

Is the bookkeeping program from Penn Foster accredited?

Penn Foster College is nationally accredited by the DEAC. You can find more accreditation details on our Program Details page.

What bookkeeping skills will I learn in this course?

Skills covered in the Penn Foster Bookkeeping Program include financial reporting, assets and end-of-month activities, basics of Excel® and Quickbooks, accounting, revenue, expenses, and trial balances, inventory and payroll, liabilities and owner’s equity, and more.

What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

While bookkeepers and accountants can often be found working closely together, the biggest difference between these jobs is the level of training required to do them and what, exactly, you do day to day. Accountants need further training - usually a degree - and often work on translating and interpreting financial records. Bookkeepers, on the other hand, can complete career training to prepare for the role and complete the vital process of recording the financial information accountants will use later.

Can you work from home as a bookkeeper?

Today, more and more roles are able to be done remotely. As a bookkeeper, there is the potential to work from home — eventually. Unless you’re working for yourself or find a remote-only position in the field, you may have to put in time in an office before being given the opportunity to work from home.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks." Accessed November 14, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.