(1888PressRelease)
January 12, 2007 - Essex County, NJ, January 11, 2007- The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) administers a stringent four-part exam in order to certify bookkeepers who meet high national standards. With the intent of helping bookkeepers pass the institute’s exclusive certification exam and advance their careers, Essex County College partnered with the AIPB to sponsor, the Certified Bookkeeper Program.
In Fall Semester 2006 the following 5 students: Katarzyna Parlej of Nutley, Dorothy Solomon-Austin of Newark, Sousana McKenzie of Roselle, Geraldo Desouza of Belleville, and Shai-Ron Edwards of Newark all completed the 120-hour course, which was offered through Office of On-Campus Continuing Education at Essex County College. Earning the bookkeeping certification can increase earning potential, enhance professional reputation and give job seekers a sizeable edge in a competitive market.
“The demand for bookkeepers is increasing, and professionals who have obtained a certification will have the best opportunities,” said Anna D. Banks, GCDF, Program Instructor at Essex County College. “Earning a certification is no easy task, however, which is why our course is so beneficial. It truly puts students in a better position to succeed.”
According to a 2005 survey of certified bookkeepers conducted by the AIPB, 97 percent of respondents recommended attaining certification, more than half used the certification to obtain new clients and reported a salary increase following certification, 41 percent received a promotion or new job because they were certified, and about a third raised their client rates or were given higher-level responsibilities as a result of becoming certified.
“I believe this course is a big help to bookkeepers who might otherwise struggle with the certification exam,” said Angela McKinney, Director of Continuing Education at Essex County College. “It prepares you to pass a very rigorous exam on your first attempt, sharpens your skills, keeps you current on industry trends and introduces you to timely topics and issues such as fraud prevention. Additionally, the course is structured to move you through it quickly, so you can really learn to maximize your efficiency.”
The course is divided into six distinct subject areas: adjusting entries, correction of accounting errors including bank reconciliation, book and tax depreciation, basic payroll, merchandise inventory and internal controls and fraud prevention. Upon completing the course, students will have gained a broad understanding of the industry, including the benefits and requirements of certified bookkeeping and how to apply accounting concepts and principals to several key operations.
Essex County College career training courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.
Founded in 1987 as the bookkeeping profession’s national association, the AIPB strives to achieve recognition of bookkeepers as accounting professionals, keep bookkeepers up to date on changes in bookkeeping, accounting and tax, answer bookkeepers’ everyday bookkeeping and accounting questions, and certify bookkeepers who meet national standards. The association currently has approximately 30,000 members.
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