Every business needs a bookkeeper. If you have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy thinking critically to solve problems, becoming a bookkeeper can be an exciting career option. With Penn Foster College, you can take your first step toward bookkeeping certification, while learning from expert faculty who have real-world bookkeeping experience.
With mobile-friendly coursework, progress-tracking and goal-setting tools, virtual simulations, informative videos, and personal coaches to help you succeed, the Penn Foster Experience (PFx) is online learning like no other.
Important State Requirements: Be sure to check here for the requirements in your state.
Q. What is the salary for a bookkeeping role?
A. Bookkeepers have a median salary of $41,230 per year¹.
Q. What can I do with a Bookkeeping certification?
A. 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.
Q. How much does a Bookkeeping program cost?
A. We keep our program costs low so you can keep your goals within reach! We offer discounts and customized payment plans with 0% interest. Visit our tuition page for the most current tuition information.
Q. Is the Bookkeeping program from Penn Foster accredited?
A. Penn Foster College has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations, certifications and licensing. Most importantly, Penn Foster College is nationally accredited by the DEAC. You can find more accreditation details on our Program Details page.
Q. What bookkeeping skills will I learn in this course?
A. 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.
Q. What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
A. 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.
Q. Can you work from home as a bookkeeper?
A. 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.
Hundreds of leading employers and workforce organizations partner with Penn Foster to attract, develop, and retain talent for today’s in-demand middle skilled occupations.
