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Bookkeeper
Accounts clerk
Bookkeepers keep financial records up to date and help prepare accounts.
Average salary (a year)
£18000
Starter
£35000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
between 8am and 6pm
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
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
You may need:
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could do an accounts and finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship.
This typically takes around 12 months to complete.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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
Direct Application
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.
More Information
Further Information
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
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
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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