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10 Things To Know About Rhode Island Bookkeepers & Bookkeeping

Written by: Georgia McKenzie
Last Updated: March 2, 2023
Disclosure: we may earn commissions if you shop through some of the links below

10 Things To Know About Rhode Island Bookkeepers and Bookkeeping

If you’re looking to find a Rhode Island-based bookkeeper that suits your needs, here are 10 things to know about Oklahoma bookkeepers and bookkeeping.

Sections

  • 1. How Much Do Rhode Island Bookkeepers Cost?
  • 2. What Are Typical Bookkeeper Hourly Rates in Rhode Island?
  • 3. What Is The Average Bookkeeper Salary in Rhode Island?
  • 4. What Does a Rhode Island Bookkeeper Do?
  • 5. How To Become A Bookkeeper in Rhode Island
  • 6. Do You Need To Be Certified or Licensed To Be a Rhode Island Bookkeeper?
  • 7. Can I Take Any Bookkeeping Classes in Rhode Island?
  • 8. What Software Can I Use For Bookkeeping in Rhode Island?
    • I. QuickBooks
    • II. FreshBooks
    • III. Zoho
    • IV. Xero
    • V. Sage
  • 9. How Many Bookkeepers Are There in Rhode Island?
  • 10. Where Can I Find The Best Rhode Island Bookkeepers?

1. How Much Do Rhode Island Bookkeepers Cost?

The cost of bookkeepers in Rhode Island varies depending on their experience, qualifications, and the scope of their job duties. 

For example, a basic bookkeeper may charge an hourly rate of $18-$25 per hour, while a more experienced bookkeeper may charge an hourly rate of $25-$35 per hour. Make sure to do your research and find the best option for your budget.

The cost of freelance bookkeepers in Rhode Island acquired from Upwork can vary from $15 to $100 per hour, while bookkeeping companies typically charge around $45 per hour. Hiring an in-house bookkeeper, however, is the most costly option with a regular salary.

The most cost-effective way to manage your finances is to use bookkeeping software. This subscription pricing varies depending on the plan. By taking advantage of this software, you can forgo hiring a bookkeeper, allowing for a more efficient means of keeping your finances in order.

2. What Are Typical Bookkeeper Hourly Rates in Rhode Island?

The salary for part-time bookkeepers in Rhode Island can range from $17 to $23 per hour, as evidenced by various websites with hourly rate information.

  • Indeed: $23.47 average hourly rate
  • Pilot: $21.21 average hourly rate
  • Glassdoor: $20.20 average hourly rate
  • Bookkeepers.com: $17.94 average hourly rate

The Bureau of Labor reports that the mean hourly wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing in Rhode Island is $23.08, with the lowest wage, reported being $17.94 and the highest being $25. This is quite close to the median wage of $22.88.

3. What Is The Average Bookkeeper Salary in Rhode Island?

According to sources online, bookkeepers in Rhode Island can expect to receive a full-time salary, with wages ranging from $36,000 to $59,000 per year. The wages for this job are:

  • Indeed: $66,072 average per year
  • Salary: $44,926 average per year 
  • Glassdoor: $40,153 average per year 
  • Zippia: $40,681 average per year 
  • Talent: $45,000 average per year 
  • ZipRecruiter: $44,307 average per year 

Before taxes and benefits are taken into account, the Bureau of Labor has reported that bookkeepers in Rhode Island make an average yearly wage of $48,010.

4. What Does a Rhode Island Bookkeeper Do?

Bookkeepers, accountants, and auditing clerks are responsible for a variety of tasks, as outlined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Bookkeepers in Rhode Island are responsible for maintaining and organizing financial records for businesses and organizations, as well as providing financial reports to those entities. 

They must ensure accuracy and complete accuracy in their work, which includes balancing accounts and reconciling bank statements, and must also adhere to relevant laws and regulations, including the Rhode Island Department of Revenue’s regulations. 

Bookkeepers may also be responsible for processing payroll, preparing invoices, and filing taxes. 

5. How To Become A Bookkeeper in Rhode Island

Becoming a bookkeeper in Rhode Island involves completing a variety of steps. In order to be a bookkeeper in the state of Rhode Island, an individual must meet certain educational requirements, be licensed or certified, and have experience in bookkeeping and accounting. 

  • Education requirements: In order to become a bookkeeper in Rhode Island, an individual must have a high school diploma or GED. It’s also beneficial to have some kind of postsecondary education in accounting or bookkeeping. 
  • Licensing/Certification requirements: In Rhode Island, bookkeepers are not required to obtain a license or certification. However, it’s highly recommended that bookkeepers pursue certification in order to be competitive in the job market. The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) exam, which is widely accepted as the industry standard. 
  • Experience requirements: Most employers require prospective bookkeepers to have at least two years of bookkeeping experience. This experience can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or paid positions. Additionally, having knowledge of certain bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks or Sage, can be beneficial. 

Once an individual has completed all of the necessary requirements, they are ready to begin their career as a bookkeeper in Rhode Island. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in bookkeeping and accounting, and continue to pursue additional certifications in order to remain competitive in the job market.

6. Do You Need To Be Certified or Licensed To Be a Rhode Island Bookkeeper?

No, you don’t need to be certified or licensed to be a bookkeeper in Rhode Island. However, many employers prefer to hire those who have completed some type of bookkeeping certification program or have experience in the field.

To become a Certified Public Bookkeeper in Rhode Island, applicants must have resided in the state before applying, earned 150 semester hours of university credit, and acquired the necessary experience.

7. Can I Take Any Bookkeeping Classes in Rhode Island?

The selection of bookkeeping classes available in Rhode Island is vast, with some of the best options being:

  • Rhode Island College: In the Bookkeeping and Accounting certificate program, students learn how to do manual and computerized accounting and bookkeeping tasks, such as setting up ledgers, journals, and adjusting closing entries, creating basic financial statements, dealing with cash and banking procedures, computing payroll, and handling accounts receivable and payable.
  • Providence College: The Accounting Certificate is designed for students enrolled in any degree program who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices. It provides a general education in business finance and is often combined with the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree program. This certificate enables students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to read, interpret and analyze financial statements, formulate effective business strategies, and understand the legal implications of financial decisions. 
  • Community Action Providence: Through CAPP’s adult training and certification programs, residents can gain the knowledge and skills they need to pursue the career of their choice. They offer two tracks: Bookkeeping and Customer Service. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the necessary tools to succeed in the workforce.

8. What Software Can I Use For Bookkeeping in Rhode Island?

In the state of Rhode Island, there are many different types of bookkeeping software available.

I. QuickBooks

Quickbooks landing page

QuickBooks is an easy-to-use accounting software that helps small businesses manage their finances. It includes features such as invoicing, expense tracking, reporting, and more. It also offers integrations with popular apps like PayPal, Stripe, and Square.

Although it is not the most cost-effective option, starting at $17 per month, its features are worth the expense. 

II. FreshBooks

Freshbooks landing page

With FreshBooks, bookkeeping, invoicing, and accounting are made easy. FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing software that makes it easy to track income and expenses, generate invoices, and collaborate with clients. It also includes features such as time tracking, project management, and payment processing.

The lite version starts at $15, and the premium is $55.

III. Zoho

Zoho books landing page

Zoho Books is a great software choice for bookkeeping in Rhode Island. It is a cloud-based accounting software that can help you manage your finances, including invoicing, expenses, bank reconciliation, reporting, and more. It is easy to use and can be set up quickly, plus it is compatible with other applications developed by Zoho.

At just $15 per month (paid yearly), you can take advantage of services such as sales tax reports.

IV. Xero

Zero landing page

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. It allows you to easily manage your bookkeeping, invoicing, and inventory management. The software also lets you manage your payroll and employee benefits, as well as track expenses, generate reports, and access real-time financial data.

Prices for these services begin at $13 for the basic version and increase to $70 for the established plan.

V. Sage

Sage landing page

Sage Accounting software is a comprehensive financial solution designed to help businesses of all sizes manage their finances. Subscription prices start at just $10 for the starter plan and $25 for the premium plan. 

Sage accounting software is a popular option for small businesses in Rhode Island. It offers a range of features, including invoice and bill tracking, tax filing, and payroll management.

9. How Many Bookkeepers Are There in Rhode Island?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 4,750 bookkeepers employed in the state of Rhode Island.

10. Where Can I Find The Best Rhode Island Bookkeepers?

Choose your city from the list below to find the top bookkeepers in Rhode Island:

About Georgia McKenzie

Hi, I'm Georgia and I'm a serial entrepreneur. I have over 20 years of experience building businesses both online and off. You can learn more about me here.

I started Switch on Business to help you realize your dream of starting your own business.

I extensively research each and every one of my posts but if I happen to get something wrong please feel free to let me know, by contacting me here.

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