Bookkeepers are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for businesses and organisations. Their main tasks include recording financial transactions, reconciling accounts, preparing invoices, and managing payroll. Bookkeepers make sure that all financial data is up to date and compliant with current regulations. They often work closely with accountants to prepare reports and support financial decision-making. Bookkeepers are needed in almost every industry, and many also work on a self-employed basis, offering their services to multiple clients. Attention to detail, good organisational skills, and a strong understanding of numbers are important qualities for this role.
The average salary for a bookkeeper in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 60,000 bookkeepers employed across the UK, with demand in both small businesses and larger organisations.
Most bookkeepers work full-time, but around 25% are employed part-time, offering flexibility for different lifestyles.
Handles the payment of wages and salaries, ensures tax deductions are correct, and manages employee pay records for a business.
Focuses on managing incoming payments, producing invoices, and keeping track of money owed to the business by customers.
Specialises in processing and recording invoices from suppliers, ensuring payments are made accurately and on time.
Obtain at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including maths and English.
Most employers look for candidates with good numeracy and literacy skills. Maths and English GCSEs are particularly important for a bookkeeping career. If you do not have these qualifications, you can take equivalent courses at a local college or online.
Take A-levels or a Level 2/3 vocational qualification in business, accounting, or finance.
A-levels in subjects such as maths, business studies, or economics can be helpful. Alternatively, Level 2 or Level 3 vocational qualifications, like a BTEC in Business or an NVQ in Accounting, provide practical knowledge relevant to bookkeeping.
Complete a recognised bookkeeping course, such as those offered by AAT or ICB.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) offer widely recognised courses. These can be studied full-time, part-time, or online. They cover essential topics like double-entry bookkeeping, payroll, and using accounting software.
Familiarise yourself with bookkeeping software such as Sage, Xero, or QuickBooks.
Employers value candidates who are comfortable using digital tools. Many bookkeeping courses include software training, but you can also access free online tutorials. Practising with demo versions will help you become more confident.
Apply for junior bookkeeping jobs, apprenticeships, or voluntary positions to gain experience.
Many employers offer entry-level roles or apprenticeships for aspiring bookkeepers. Volunteering to manage accounts for a local charity or small business can also help build your CV. Real-world experience will deepen your understanding and improve your employability.
Join a professional body and consider further qualifications to progress your career.
Membership of professional bodies like AAT or ICB can enhance your credibility. You might also decide to pursue additional qualifications, such as becoming a chartered accountant, to open up more advanced career opportunities.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Bookkeeper. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a recognised accounts or bookkeeping qualification while looking for work. These are widely available. They include:
You may need:
You could do an accounts and finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship.
This typically takes around 12 months to complete.
You'll usually need:
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.
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.
You can find out more about training in bookkeeping through the:
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