Also referred to as a Finance Clerk or Accounts Clerk, a Bookkeeper is responsible for recording an organisation's financial transactions and keeping them up to date. A Bookkeeper deals with many aspects of a company's accounts, therefore it is a sought-after position, for which employment agencies look to recruit for. There are an abundance of agencies stationed throughout the UK that hire staff for Accounting & Finance roles including Bookkeepers.
The role of Bookkeeper is in demand by Public Sector organisations as well as throughout the business sector. It is a job role that has increased in demand during recent years, with recruitment agencies able to advertise more unique Bookkeeper vacancies. It is true that Bookkeeper jobs are popular in London, but recruitment agencies are hiring for these positions in other places such as Manchester, Cambridgeshire and Watford.
Job overview, qualifications & salaries
A Bookkeeper is responsible for many aspects of a company's activities. The candidate will be expected to help prepare and balance accounts, arrange purchase orders and deal with all invoices, receipts and payments. The role, which is usually full-time but can also include part-time or flexible work, involves managing wages and expenses claims, preparing annual accounts, completing VAT returns and assisting Accountants where necessary. Recruitment agencies and employers looking to hire Bookkeepers will look for people who are organised and enjoy working with figures.
Employers start by looking for candidates with five A* - C GSCEs, with subjects including English and Maths. Other routes into this career include A Levels in business studies, economics or maths, or alternatively, an apprenticeship could provide a way into roles such as this. Recognised Bookkeeping qualifications such as Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting Skills, along with work experience dealing with accounts would also be advantageous to enter a career that can offer a starting salary of £19,000, rising to £25,000 and beyond as experience increases.
There is demand for Bookkeepers in a number of sectors. Employers such as the NHS, education establishments like colleges and universities, and local councils all hire Bookkeepers.