Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers keep financial records up to date and help prepare accounts.
Average annual salary (starting - experienced): £18,000 - £35,000
Typical hours (a week): 37 to 39
Related videos on a bookkeeper
How to become a bookkeeper
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could take a recognised accounts or bookkeeping qualification while looking for work. These are widely available. They include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
- Level 2 Certificate in Manual and Computerised Bookkeeping
College (Entry requirements)
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
College (More info)
Apprenticeship
You could do an accounts and finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
Apprenticeship (More info)
Work
You could start as an admin assistant with a company, for example on a part-time or temporary contract in an accounts department. You could then take a relevant qualification to become a bookkeeper.
Direct application
If you want to apply for jobs directly, you may find some employers ask for up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English. An A level in business studies, maths, economics or equivalent qualifications could also be useful.
More info
You can find out more about training in bookkeeping through The Association of Accounting Technicians and the International Association of Bookkeepers.
What it takes
Skills & Knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- administration skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you'll do
Day to day
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- dealing with sales invoices, income, receipts and payments
- preparing statements showing income and payments
- completing VAT returns
- checking that accounts are accurate
- preparing wages and managing claims for expenses
- helping to prepare annual accounts
- using computerised accounting systems
- giving administrative support to accountants
- handling commercially sensitive and valuable information
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
Career path & progression
With experience and training, you could become an accounting technician and take on more complex work. You could also become self-employed and set up your own business. You may decide to take a degree and qualify as an accountant.
