A Bookkeeper produces financial records for a business or individual.
Their day-to-day tasks involve:
- processing and recording financial transactions such as sales receipts, invoices or expenses
- producing reports such as annual tax returns
- checking figures and reports for accuracy and correcting any differences.
Bookkeepers can be employed working in the Accounts department of a business, or find themselves working for clients either as their own boss or as part of an accountancy practice firm.
What can I expect to earn?
A bookkeeper working for a business can expect to earn £18,000 to £25,000 depending on experience. However, if you decide to work as a self-employed bookkeeper, your earning potential could be much higher.
What skills do you need to be a good Bookkeeper?
- Self-motivated - you may at times find yourself working independently, particularly if you are self-employed or in a small business, so the ability to keep motivated will make you stand out
- Good communicator – you’ll often be dealing with suppliers, customers or clients and may have to chase invoices or query transactions. Being clear and concise will help you deal with these situations better.
How do I get into a career in Bookkeeping?
The most common route for someone new to Accountancy is to study the AAT Professional qualification. This gives you a solid overview of Accounting & Finance principles, with special modules dedicated to Bookkeeping and preparing accounts.
AAT also offer a shorter Bookkeeping Qualification which only focuses on the core Bookkeeping modules. This will allow you to qualify in a shorter period, with the option to return to the full diploma at a later date.
If you would like to find out more about training options, call our friendly advisors on 0161 259 7400.