JOB PROFILE
What Is a Bookkeeper?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What does a Bookkeeper do?
- What is the job of a Bookkeeper?
- What is the difference between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper?
- What qualifications does a Bookkeeper need?
- What is the average salary of a Bookkeeper?
- Who employs a Bookkeeper?
- What are the progression opportunities for a Bookkeeper?
- What makes a good Bookkeeper?
- Where are the latest Bookkeeper jobs and how can you apply for them?
What Is a Bookkeeper?
A Bookkeeper keeps and maintains the financial records of a business or individual. They will help a business to understand and manage their finances and cash flow. Bookkeepers will record all financial transactions and regularly provide detailed, accurate, and up-to-date reports.
What Is the Job of a Bookkeeper?
A Bookkeeper is responsible for dealing with the day-to-day financial activities of a business. They keep on top of bookkeeping data and provide reports in order to ensure financial accuracy and support the work of Accountants within the company.
While working as a Bookkeeper, you could be required to:
- Balance accounts.
- Prepare financial statements which detail the income and expenditure for the business.
- Manage employee wages and expenses.
- Process payments, income, sales invoices and receipts.
- Enter data into accounting software or databases.
- Complete VAT returns.
- Prepare invoices for the Inland Revenue.
- Pay vendor invoices in a timely manner.
- Ensure inaccuracies are highlighted and rectified.
- Organising paperwork and filing.
While working as a Bookkeeper, you could be required to work with:
- Bank reconciliations.
- General, sales and purchase ledgers.
- Sales invoices.
- Statements.
- Remittances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Do Bookkeepers Need?
There are no official or minimum entry requirements to become a Bookkeeper but due to the nature of the role, employers would prefer a candidate with high qualifications in maths and English.
Qualifications specific to accounting, finance or specifically bookkeeping would also be extremely advantageous. These include NVQs/SVQs, ICB (The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) qualifications and AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications.
However, many Bookkeepers begin their career in a junior role and learn the skills and knowledge they require ‘on the job.’ Some employers will employ a Junior Bookkeeper and provide on/off site training to enable them to earn a qualification while in employment.
What Is the Average Salary of a Bookkeeper?
Through independent research conducted by Spencer Clarke Group, the average salary of a Bookkeeper is:
- London - £34,925
- Manchester - £30,010
- Birmingham/Wolverhampton - £26,350
- Leeds/Bradford - £26,650
- Liverpool - £24,675
- Newcastle - £23,994
- Glasgow - £27,550
- Southampton/Portsmouth - £25,750
Who Employs a Bookkeeper?
Every business will have bookkeeping needs but depending on the size of the business will determine whether the business owner is also the Bookkeeper, or if they employ a person or team to manage financial tasks.
As a business grows, keeping track of vendors, customers and employees can be challenging and it is usually at this point when an employer will employ a Bookkeeper to take care of financial matters.
What Are the Perks of a Bookkeeper Job?
Popular perks of the job for a Bookkeeper include:
- Company social events.
- Company pension.
- Casual dress.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Comprehensive healthcare.
- Private pension.
- Hybrid, remote and flexible working.
- Gym membership.
- Private medical insurance.
- Sick pay.
- Birthday off.
- Free parking.
What Are the Progression Opportunities for a Bookkeeper?
Within many financial roles, there are direct opportunities for progression into senior positions which involve greater responsibilities like overseeing the work of junior Bookkeepers.
With the necessary qualifications and training, a Bookkeeper may also look to progress to the role of Financial Controller. This senior-level position manages and oversees the financial activities of a company or organisation.
What Is the Difference Between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper?
While a Bookkeeper will take care of day-to-day financial activities, an Accountant will provide the business with enhanced financial insights (based on the bookkeeping data).
Both Accountants and Bookkeepers contribute to financial management; however, Accountants have a broader and more complex role, requiring advanced education, certification, and expertise. Bookkeepers, on the other hand, primarily handle the day-to-day recording and organisation of financial data.
Businesses often use both professionals to ensure their financial affairs are well-managed and compliant with legal regulations.
What Makes a Good Bookkeeper?
Key skills of a Bookkeeper include:
- A natural flair and love of working with numbers and spreadsheets.
- Strong attention to detail to ensure all data is accurate.
- The ability to recognise mistakes and rectify them.
- Exceptional organisational skills.
- A comprehensive understanding of accounting and payroll softwares such as QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Sage, ZohoBooks and Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent verbal and communication skills to liaise effectively with vendors.
- The ability to translate complex financial terminology or processes into language which is accessible to everyone.
- The ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Ensure financial confidentiality is kept at all times.
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