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Bookkeeping offers an accessible and rewarding career path for anyone interested in finance and numbers.
And in today’s busy world, keeping on top of finances is crucial to the success of businesses, big and small. Therefore, the demand for reliable, supportive bookkeepers, to manage financial records and keep business transactions accurate and up to date, is ever increasing.
In this guide we explore how you can become a bookkeeper, the qualifications you need, the potential earnings, and the flexibility this role offers.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
Simply put, the role of a bookkeeper in any organisation is to maintain accurate financial records.
A typical day could include handling financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, preparing reports, and maintaining ledgers. Bookkeepers also use accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero to automate and streamline their tasks, making them more efficient.
As bookkeepers are essential in any type of business, this is a role that offers lots of benefits including job security, the opportunity to work in various industries, and the flexibility of working from home or in part-time positions.
And with the ever-increasing demand for financial accuracy, certified bookkeepers are highly sought after, meaning it offers a stable career path with lots of growth opportunities.
How to Become a Bookkeeper?
The first step in becoming a bookkeeper is understanding whether you have the necessary skills and qualifications required for the role.
The profession doesn’t necessarily require a degree, and many successful bookkeepers start with little to no formal education in finance. But there are certifications and qualifications that will enhance your career prospects. And by taking bookkeeping courses and gaining hands-on experience you can quickly build the skills necessary to succeed.
There are several routes you can take, depending on your career goals and the level of expertise you want to achieve:
- Bookkeeping Courses
You could start by joining a course, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping, which provides the foundational knowledge required to handle financial transactions. A valuable way to gain the skills necessary for success in the field, these courses cover the core aspects of bookkeeping, including double-entry accounting, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow management.
- AAT Licence
You’ll also want to obtain accreditation from the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), which will allow you to be a licensed bookkeeper and demonstrates your expertise and credibility. The AAT Licensed Bookkeeper qualification is widely recognised in the UK and internationally. It demonstrates a high level of expertise in managing financial transactions and understanding accounting software.
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB):
If you’re looking to become a certified bookkeeper, you could also consider joining organisations like the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers that offer memberships and further certifications. The ICB offers various levels of certification that can help you advance in your bookkeeping career. And these organisations are recognised internationally too, so you could even take your career overseas in the future.
Bookkeeping as a Career Path
Once you have the qualifications you need, bookkeeping is a very flexible career, whether you choose to be employed or to start your own business.
Freelance Bookkeeping
If you prefer more control over your schedule, freelance bookkeeping can be great choice. There’s the option to work remotely and with a wide range of clients. And with the opportunity to set your own rates and work hours, you can have full independence. Freelance bookkeepers can relatively easily set up their own business with accounting software, a dedicated workspace, and a reliable internet connection.
Employed Bookkeeper
Alternatively, you can look for an employed role within a local business or national organisation to handle all financial records for a single company. Many businesses will often need part-time bookkeepers too, making this role perfect if you’re looking for more flexibility in your work-life balance.
Bookkeeper Earnings and Salary Expectations
The earning potential for bookkeepers varies depending on experience, location, and the type of work you do.
Entry-level bookkeepers can earn between £18,000 and £22,000 annually, with opportunities for pay increases as you gain experience and qualifications.
The average salary for a bookkeeper in the UK is typically between £22,000 and £28,000 per year, with experienced bookkeepers earning up to £40,000 annually.
Bookkeepers with additional certifications, such as AAT membership, or those working in particular industries, may command higher salaries. With freelance bookkeepers having the opportunity to earn more, depending on the number of clients they take on and the rates they charge.
Keep an eye on our own careers page for details of bookkeeping opportunities here at Scrutton Bland. Or take a look at our outsourced bookkeeping services for more information on how we can support your business.
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