A bookkeeper is a person who records and organizes the financial transactions of a business or individual. They’re responsible for making sure that all the money coming in and going out is accurately tracked and properly categorized.

1. Understand the Role

A bookkeeper is responsible for:

• Recording financial transactions

• Managing invoices, receipts, and payments

• Reconciling bank statements

• Preparing basic financial reports

It’s a detail-oriented job and often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced accounting roles.

Key Responsibilities of a Bookkeeper

• Recording Transactions: Logging all financial activity—sales, purchases, receipts, and payments.

• Invoicing: Creating and sending invoices to customers.

• Reconciling Bank Accounts: Making sure the business’s records match the bank statements.

• Managing Accounts Payable/Receivable: Tracking what the business owes and what it’s owed.

• VAT Returns: Preparing VAT records if the business is VAT-registered.

• Payroll Support: Sometimes bookkeepers also help with payroll processing.

• Producing Financial Reports: Summarizing income, expenses, and profit for business owners or accountants.

2. Choose a Path: Employed vs. Self-Employed

• Employed: Work for a company as an in-house bookkeeper.

• Self-Employed: Start your own bookkeeping business and work with clients.

Your path may affect what qualifications and registrations you need. Always check with your association.

3. Get Qualified (Recommended but Not Always Required)

While not legally required, gaining a professional qualification will boost your credibility and job prospects.

Popular bookkeeping qualifications:

• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) – Widely recognised, includes:

  • AAT Level 2: Foundation Certificate in Bookkeeping

  • AAT Level 3: Advanced Certificate in Bookkeeping

• ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers)

• ICB Level 2 & 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping

• IAB (International Association of Bookkeepers)

Courses are available online, at colleges, or through training providers like Kaplan, ICS Learn, or Open Study College. AAT is preferred and more recognised in the U.K.

4. Gain Experience

• Apply for junior bookkeeping roles or internships.

• Practice bookkeeping for a small business, charity, or even personal finances.

5. Learn Software

Data entry software for bookkeeping helps automate and simplify the process of recording financial transactions into accounting systems. Instead of manually typing every invoice, receipt, or payment, and reporting, this software can read and import financial data. Popular cloud accounting software used in the U.K: QuickBooks, Xero, Dext, Sage One. Using this type of software increases efficiency, reduces human error, and always you to see data in ‘real time’.