The Role & Expectations
The work involves entering transactions into accounting software, reconciling bank statements, chasing invoices, preparing figures for VAT and payroll, and producing simple reports for the owner or accountant. Accuracy and honesty are everything, because other people rely on your numbers being right.
It is mostly desk-based, often weekday hours, and can be done in-house, for an accountancy firm or self-employed for several small clients. Pay tends to start modestly and rises with experience and qualifications, and self-employed bookkeepers must register with HMRC and follow anti-money-laundering rules.
You can get in by starting in an admin or finance role and learning on the job, through an apprenticeship, or by taking a recognised bookkeeping qualification. No degree is needed, and it can lead on towards accountancy.
Daily Responsibilities
- Record sales, purchases and expenses in software
- Reconcile bank statements against the accounts
- Prepare and send invoices and chase payments
- Help prepare VAT returns and payroll figures
- Produce simple financial reports
- Keep receipts and records organised
- Liaise with the business owner or accountant