Bookkeeping is the process of recording and organising financial information for a business. It involves tracking expenses, sales and other transactions to make sure that all money coming in and out of the business is accounted for.
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If you're looking for a career that allows you to work flexibly, earn a good living, and even start your own business, bookkeeping could be the ideal solution.
The best thing about studying bookkeeping is you don't need any prior qualifications or an expensive university degree; anyone can study to become a bookkeeper - through a structured, online accredited bookkeeper course.
At e-Careers, we offer a range of convenient distance learning solutions for individuals and businesses, allowing our students to achieve more in their professional lives.
With flexible payment plans and a dedicated team of tutors, you'll have everything you need to complete your accredited bookkeeping course.
Bookkeeping is the process of recording and organising financial information for a business. It involves tracking expenses, sales and other transactions to make sure that all money coming in and out of the business is accounted for.
Manages a company’s financial records
Bookkeeping plays a critical role in every business, regardless of size or industry. Simply put, a bookkeeper manages a company's financial records, ensuring that they are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
Recording all financial transactions
More specifically, a bookkeeper is responsible for recording all financial transactions, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments. They organise and maintain financial records, prepare and send invoices, track overdue payments, reconcile bank and credit card statements, and generate financial reports.
Managing payroll
In addition to these day-to-day duties, bookkeepers may also be involved in managing payroll, preparing tax returns, and communicating financial information to other stakeholders, such as accountants, auditors, and business owners..
Company’s banking activity
A skilled bookkeeper is essential to the success of any business, as accurate financial records are crucial for making informed decisions and complying with legal obligations.
With e-Careers' AAT and ICB accredited courses, students can gain the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to excel in this vital role.
Becoming a bookkeeper can offer numerous benefits, both professionally and personally. Here are some of the key advantages:
Bookkeeping is a vital function for businesses of all sizes, and there is a constant need for skilled bookkeepers. As long as there are financial transactions, there will be a demand for bookkeeping services, providing good job security and numerous employment opportunities.
Bookkeeping skills are transferable across various industries and sectors. Whether you choose to work for a corporation, a small business, a nonprofit organisation, or as a freelance bookkeeper, the skills and knowledge you acquire can be applied to different contexts, making it a versatile profession.
Bookkeeping offers flexibility in terms of work arrangements. You can choose to work full-time or part-time, and there are often opportunities for remote work or freelancing. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance and the ability to tailor your schedule to fit your personal needs.
Bookkeeping involves staying up to date with financial regulations, tax laws and accountancy software . This constant learning provides an opportunity for professional growth and development. Additionally, by staying current with industry trends, you can expand your skills and increase your value in the job market.
Many bookkeepers eventually start their own bookkeeping business or work as independent contractors. This entrepreneurial path allows you to have more control over your work, set your rates, choose your clients, and build a business according to your vision. It can be a rewarding way to apply your bookkeeping skills and have more autonomy in your career.
Bookkeeping can be an effective entry point into the field of accounting and finance. While it is a distinct profession, acquiring bookkeeping skills is relatively straightforward compared to many other career options and being qualified as a bookkeeper can serve as a foundation for further career growth. It can provide a stepping stone to more advanced roles such as accounting, financial analyst, or even business owner.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) estimates that there are approximately 5.5 million small businesses in the UK which accounts for 99.2% of total businesses in the UK!
The majority of these businesses do not have in-house accounting services and rely on independent bookkeeping professionals to manage their financial records. This trend has created a significant demand for bookkeepers, who can offer affordable and high-quality services to small business owners.
Furthermore, new regulatory requirements such as Making Tax Digital (MTD) have been introduced to encourage businesses to file their taxes online. This has increased the demand for bookkeeping professionals who are proficient in digital accounting software, as well as knowledgeable about the latest tax laws and regulations.
According to a report published by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), there is currently a significant shortage of bookkeeping professionals in the UK. The report shows that 76% of businesses are experiencing difficulties in hiring and retaining bookkeeping staff due to a skills shortage.
In conclusion, the growing demand for bookkeepers in the UK marketplace is driven by several factors, including a skills shortage, increasing awareness of the importance of financial management and a more expansive economy.
With the right skills and bookkeeping qualifications, individuals can enter this rewarding and dynamic field and contribute to the success of businesses across the UK.
A successful bookkeeping career requires an individual to have a range of personal skills and attributes beyond just having an aptitude for numbers. Accurate bookkeeping depends on your ability to maintain focus, pay attention to detail, and communicate effectively with clients. The ability to stay organised while working with complex data sets is also a must.
Moreover, bookkeeping is an industry that values trust and professionalism. You need to possess high ethical standards and respect the confidentiality of your clients' financial data. It is crucial that you have a strong commitment to integrity and instill confidence in your clients about the trustworthiness of your work.
While bookkeeping is a specialised skill, there are several transferable skills from other fields that can prove useful. For example, those who have had experience in administrative roles may already have a good understanding of the importance of record-keeping and carrying out tasks methodically. People who have worked in customer service roles tend to be effective communicators, which is also a crucial skill in bookkeeping.
Finally, individuals with analytical and critical thinking skills possess a natural ability to wor0k with numerical data, a core component of what bookkeeping is all about.
If you feel that you would like to become a bookkeeper then we recommend taking the following steps:
Do Your Homework
The first step is to research what a bookkeeper does and determine whether you want to specialise in this field. Also try and determine if you are looking to enter bookkeeping as a pathway into the accounting industry, or just want to focus on the bookkeeping profession.
Understand Your Options
If you are already working in an organisation and are looking for a career change then you can speak to your employer about your aspirations and explore opportunities for you to do bookkeeping tasks within that company. If you are a career starter, or you are unemployed then we suggest you focus on getting yourself trained before starting a bookkeeping career.
Research Courses
Research bookkeeping courses. Completing a bookkeeping course and obtaining professional bookkeeping qualifications will not only provide you with the knowledge and skills you will need to progress but will also give you the accreditation that employers seek.
Choose Learning Method
Decide if you wish to study online bookkeeping courses, through virtual classrooms or in a physical classroom. All methods have their advantages, and you should research which option is best for you.
Select Training Provider
Choose the right training partner. Whether you are a career starter or seeking a qualification to push your career forward, it is important to choose a provider such as e-Careers that has a good track record to deliver bookkeeping courses that help people make a tangible impact on their career development.
Apply Whilst Studying
You do not necessarily need to finish your bookkeeping course or be a fully qualified bookkeeper before you start applying for jobs. An employer will see it as a positive that you have invested in yourself and may offer employment opportunities within their organisation whilst you continue studying.
Bookkeeping is an essential part of any business, and bookkeepers are in high demand across a range of industries. After completing bookkeeping training, you will have the skills and knowledge required to conduct bookkeeping duties effectively and efficiently.
But what career paths are available to bookkeepers?
The good news is that the options are vast and varied. Here are just a few examples:
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you could start your own bookkeeping business and offer your services to small businesses and individuals. With your expertise and practical experience, you could build a successful career that allows you to work for yourself and set your own schedule.
Many accounting firms require the services of a skilled bookkeeper to support their clients. You could work in a team alongside other professionals and gain valuable experience across a range of industries and sectors.
Bookkeepers are also employed in the public sector, particularly in local government and education. You could work for a local council or school and be responsible for managing their financial records and budgets.
Non-profit organisations rely on good financial management, and bookkeepers are a vital part of the team. You could work for a charity or non-profit and be responsible for managing their accounts, ensuring that donations and grants are properly recorded and allocated.
Once you have mastered bookkeeping skills, you could use your qualifications and experience to develop a career in accounting.
Whatever career path you choose, a bookkeeping qualification from e-Careers will provide you with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed.
With our self-paced eLearning courses with expert tutor support, you can learn at your own pace and develop the expertise needed to become a skilled bookkeeper.
And with our interest-free payment plans, our courses are accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Invest in your future today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in bookkeeping.
If you are considering pursuing a bookkeeping career, you may be wondering about the potential salary range for various roles.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most common bookkeeping positions and their corresponding salaries:
Bookkeeper
Source: Glassdoor UK18,000 - £40,000 per annum
Accounts Assistant
Source: Reed UK£17,000 - £30,000 per annum
Accounts Payable Clerk
Source: Totaljobs UK£18,000 - £25,000 per annum
Payroll Administrator
Source: Indeed UK£20,000 - £25,000 per annum
It's worth pointing out that the above data shows average salaries across the industry, and the exact figure you receive may depend on several factors such as experience, location, qualifications, and the specific company. However, with the demand for bookkeeping skills being high, it's safe to say that starting salaries are competitive, and experienced professionals have the potential to earn significantly more.
In conclusion, obtaining bookkeeping qualifications that are recognised and accredited by professional bodies such as AAT and ICB can significantly boost your employability and earning potential in the UK.
To become a bookkeeper, it's often necessary to have a set of qualifications that demonstrate your ability to perform bookkeeping duties with the utmost accuracy.While there are no specific prerequisites for aspiring bookkeepers, employers often require candidates who have up to date knowledge and certifications.
In this regard, AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) offer internationally recognised bookkeeping qualifications at different levels, namely Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping, Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping.
e-Careers is accredited by both of these leading awarding bodies and deliver online bookkeeping courses that are designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, accreditation and practical experience required to carry out bookkeeping duties effectively and confidently.
AAT Level 1 Certificate in Bookkeeping
At Level 1, learners will cover the basics of bookkeeping, such as double-entry bookkeeping, profit and loss account, balance sheet, credit control, journals and ledger accounts. The qualification also covers the use of basic accounting software, so learners have a firm grounding in computerised accounting systems.
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
At Level 2, learners build on the foundation provided by Level 1, and cover more advanced bookkeeping topics. These include adjustments for financial statements, reconciliations and trial balances. In addition, learners will gain an understanding of how to prepare VAT returns and how to use accounting software to produce final accounts.
AAT Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
At Level 3 which is the highest certificate offered through ICB courses and AAT bookkeeping courses, learners will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of both bookkeeping and accounting. They will also cover more advanced practical applications of bookkeeping. Upon completing a course at this level, learners will be well-equipped to provide professional bookkeeping services and take on supervisory roles.
AAT and ICB qualifications are highly respected in the industry, and are widely recognised by employers, including some of the UK's top accounting firms. By completing such bookkeeping training, learners can set themselves apart from the competition and demonstrate their competence and expertise to potential employers.
e-Careers' accounting and bookkeeping courses are delivered through our award-winning online learning platform with support from expert tutors. Our learners can study and their own pace and in their own time. All our accounting and bookkeeping courses can be purchased through interest-free payment plans, making them accessible to everyone.
Everyone should have the opportunity to learn and develop a better future for themselves, regardless of age and experience. Our range of online bookkeeping courses are designed to give you the practical skills and professional knowledge to become a fully qualified bookkeeper.
Here's why over 630,000 people from across the world have chosen e-Careers
Our bookkeeping courses are delivered as a combination of self-paced online and tutor support from our expert tutors, so you can study wherever, whenever and at your own pace; through our highly engaging, modern learning platform.
We have trained over 630,000 people and received over 14,000 positive Trustpilot reviews from our students.
We have won multiple awards and nominations for our online courses.
Our bookkeeping courses come with teaching support from highly skilled and passionate tutors.
Our bookkeeping courses are developed by our team of experts, including professionals who teach in college, bringing classroom quality training to your online courses.
We work closely with employers to ensure you are workplace-ready with in-demand skills
We will work with you to find an affordable way to get trained and qualified.
You will be given an exclusive invitation to join our Growth Masterclasses where you will develop techniques to fully unlock your potential, a great addition to your knowledge based qualification.
Available to e-Careers students, it provides discounts on dining, fashion, tech, travel, and daily essentials. Over 400 deals are available, with new brands added monthly.
No matter your budget, there are a variety of options available to help you succeed in the bookkeeping and accounting profession.
e-Careers offer flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of your bookkeeping course over several months or years, often interest-free.
Some employers may even pay for your bookkeeping course if they see the value in having employees who possess a certain skill set or qualification, particularly if it is related to their business needs.
Yes, absolutely! Thanks to the latest technological advancements, learning bookkeeping online has become more accessible and flexible than ever. With e-Careers, you're in good hands - our courses are accredited by the world's largest bookkeeping institution - ICB and the leading accounting institution - AAT, which guarantees that you'll receive industry-leading training.
The courses we offer are designed specifically for online, flexible study. This means you can learn from anywhere, at any time, and at your own pace. You can study at home, on your lunch break, or even on your morning commute - all you need is a stable internet connection!
As our courses are self-paced, you're able to complete them in a time frame that suits you. Some people prefer to dedicate a few hours each day, while others choose to absorb as much information as they can over intensive weekend studying periods - it's up to you.
Over the years, thousands of people have studied a bookkeeping course with e-Careers and have gone on to build successful careers in the industry.
When it comes to bookkeeping qualifications, the most recognised are the ones accredited by Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). Both organisations are credible and reputable, with a long-standing history of providing high-quality education and a range of bookkeeping courses.
AAT, is the UK's leading qualification and professional body for vocational accountants, with over 130,000 members worldwide. They have been providing bookkeeping and accounting qualifications for over 35 years and are known for their rigorous curriculum, as well as their strong emphasis on ethics and professionalism.
The ICB is the world's largest professional organisation for bookkeepers, with over 200,000 students across 100 countries. They have been providing bookkeeping qualifications for over 20 years and are known for their practical, hands-on approach to training. The ICB is also recognised by many employers, including the UK government, which uses their qualifications as a benchmark for their own recruitment processes.
Both the AAT and ICB offer globally recognised bookkeeping qualifications that are highly valued by employers around the world. Their qualifications are designed to give students the practical skills and knowledge needed to effectively carry out bookkeeping duties in a professional and accurate manner.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a credible and highly recognised bookkeeping qualification, then AAT and the ICB are excellent choices. With their long-standing history, global status, and recognition from employers, you can be confident that their qualifications will help you to stand out in the job market and excel in your bookkeeping career.
Looking for a trustworthy way to earn your bookkeeping qualifications? Look no further than e-Careers.
Each bookkeeping course is certified and globally recognised, providing a gateway to gain employment and career advancement regardless of your experience level.
Contact us now to explore our comprehensive range of online training and qualifications for bookkeeping. Get ahead in your career with e-Careers!