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Bookkeeper

Alternative titles for this job include Accounts clerk

Bookkeepers maintain an organisation's financial records and help to prepare accounts for filing returns.

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

between 8am and 6pm Mon to Fri

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

College

You could take a college course while looking for work. These are widely available and include:

  • bookkeeping
  • accounting
  • computerised accounting for business

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a financial company, such as:

  • Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Payroll Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an admin assistant with a company, for example on a part-time or temporary contract in an accounts or payroll department. You could then take a relevant qualification to become a bookkeeper.

Direct Application

You can apply for jobs directly. Some employers may 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 can also be useful.

More Information

Career tips

Familiarity with bookkeeping software can be helpful but employers will give you training in the the systems they use if they take you on.

Further information

You can find out more about training in bookkeeping through the:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • maths knowledge
  • administration skills
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a bookkeeper, you could:

  • process purchasing and sales invoices
  • make sure bank statements match income and payment records
  • prepare VAT returns
  • check that accounts are accurate and up to date
  • prepare wages and manage claims for expenses
  • help to prepare annual accounts
  • use computerised accounting systems
  • handle commercially sensitive and valuable information

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and training, you could become an accounting technician and take on more complex work.

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

You could also become self-employed and set up your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: Harrow

Accounts Assistant Apprentice

  • Wage: £18,200 a year Annually
  • Location: 1 THE CLOCK HOUSE, BRIZE NORTON ROAD, CARTERTON
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Bookkeeping - Level 3

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 27 January 2026
  • Location: Blackpool

Bookkeeping Level 3 Certificate

  • Provider: NEW CITY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 26 January 2026
  • Location: Ilford
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

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