Bookkeeper Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Bookkeeper jobs in Tucson sit inside small businesses, nonprofits, contractors and larger employers' accounting offices, often under titles like accounting clerk or accounting technician. No license is required, and Pima Community College offers a one-year certificate. Current openings are below, followed by pay and how to get started.

Bookkeeper Work in Tucson

Federal wage data counted about 2,630 bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks in the Tucson metro in May 2024, which makes it one of the larger office occupations in town. Much of that work is at small and mid-size employers that need someone to post transactions, reconcile accounts and run payroll but do not need a full accounting department.

The job rarely says "bookkeeper" at bigger employers. At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base the nonappropriated fund accounting office hires accounting clerks and accounting technicians, and manufacturers post accounts receivable and accounts payable roles that do the same ledger and reconciliation work. Search several titles, and expect contract and temp-to-hire roles through staffing firms alongside permanent jobs.

Top Tucson Employers Hiring Bookkeepers

These Tucson employers have posted bookkeeping-type roles on their own careers sites:

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base - the 355th Force Support Squadron's nonappropriated fund accounting office has hired Accounting Clerks and Accounting Technicians for ledgers, reconciliations and receivables.
• Rain Bird - has posted Accounts Receivable Representative roles in Tucson covering cash application, bank reconciliations and month-end work.

Bookkeeper Salaries in Tucson

• Entry level (accounting clerk, bookkeeping assistant): roughly $18 to $21 an hour.
• Experienced (full-charge bookkeeper, accounting technician): roughly $21 to $27 an hour.
• Senior (lead bookkeeper, bookkeeping manager): roughly $27 to $32 an hour.

These are estimates that vary by employer and experience. Federal data put the average Tucson bookkeeping and accounting clerk at about $24 an hour, or roughly $50,000 a year, in May 2024. Davis-Monthan's accounting office posted $18.52 an hour for an Accounting Clerk and $20.05 for an Accounting Technician this summer. Payroll, full-cycle closing and strong QuickBooks or Excel skills push pay to the top of the range.

How to Become a Bookkeeper in Tucson

Arizona does not license bookkeepers; only certified public accountants are licensed, by the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. Most employers want a high school diploma, solid math and spreadsheet skills, and hands-on experience with accounting software. Pima Community College's Bookkeeping Certificate takes about one year full time, online or hybrid at the Downtown and Northwest campuses, and covers accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, ledgers and accounting software. It also counts toward Pima's Accounting AAS, which offers a bookkeeping focus and an optional internship or VITA tax experience.

What the Job Involves

Bookkeepers record daily transactions, code invoices, post payments, reconcile bank and credit card accounts, process payroll and help close the books each month. At a small business one person may handle the whole cycle and hand clean records to an outside accountant at tax time; at a larger employer the work is split into payables, receivables and general ledger.

Skills Employers Look For

• Accounting software, especially QuickBooks, plus strong Excel
• Bank and account reconciliations
• Accounts payable and receivable processing
• Payroll basics for full-charge roles
• Accuracy, organization and deadline discipline at month-end
• Discretion with financial records

Career Path and Advancement

A common Tucson path runs accounting clerk, full-charge bookkeeper, then staff accountant or office manager. Adding Pima's Accounting AAS, then a bachelor's at the University of Arizona's Eller College, opens the door to accountant roles and eventually the CPA. Some experienced bookkeepers build independent practices serving several small businesses.

Related Careers in Tucson

These Tucson guides cover the closest alternatives for bookkeepers:

• Accountant
• Accounts Payable Clerk
• Accounts Receivable Clerk
• Tax Preparer

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a license or degree to be a bookkeeper in Tucson?

No. Arizona does not license bookkeepers, and most Tucson postings ask for a high school diploma plus accounting software experience. A Pima Community College Bookkeeping Certificate or Accounting AAS helps you stand out but is not required.

How long does it take to become a bookkeeper?

Pima Community College's Bookkeeping Certificate takes about one year full time. People who already know QuickBooks or Excel and basic accounting can often start in an entry-level accounting clerk job right away.

How much do bookkeepers make in Tucson?

Most Tucson bookkeepers earn roughly $18 to $27 an hour, with senior and full-charge roles higher. Federal data put the average for Tucson bookkeeping and accounting clerks at about $24 an hour in May 2024. These are estimates that vary by employer and experience.

What job titles should I search besides bookkeeper?

Try accounting clerk, accounting technician, accounts payable specialist and accounts receivable representative. Larger Tucson employers, including Davis-Monthan's accounting office, usually post bookkeeping work under those titles.

What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

Bookkeepers record and reconcile day-to-day transactions and keep the books current. Accountants analyze those records, prepare financial statements and tax returns, and the CPA title in Arizona requires a license from the Arizona State Board of Accountancy.

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