Bookkeeper

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

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

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You could do an accounts and finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 12 months to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

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.

Volunteering

You may be able to learn useful skills from volunteering to help organise a small charity's finances.

Search for opportunities in your area through sites like:

• Do IT
• NCVO

DirectApplication

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Bookkeepers keep financial records up to date and help prepare accounts.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• deal with sales invoices, income, receipts and payments
• prepare statements to show income and payments
• complete VAT returns
• check that accounts are accurate
• prepare wages and manage claims for expenses
• help to prepare annual accounts
• use computerised accounting systems
• handle commercially sensitive and valuable information

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

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 or teach in a further education college.

Find out more about teaching in further education from Teach in further education .

You may decide to take a degree and qualify as an accountant.