Bookkeeper

You could take a college course while looking for work. These are widely available and include:

• bookkeeping
• accounting
• computerised accounting for business

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a financial company, such as:

• Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Payroll Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as an admin assistant with a company, for example on a part-time or temporary contract in an accounts or payroll department. You could then take a relevant qualification to become a bookkeeper.

You can apply for jobs directly. Some employers may ask for up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English. An A level in business studies, maths, economics or equivalent qualifications can also be useful.

Career Tips

Familiarity with bookkeeping software can be helpful but employers will give you training in the the systems they use if they take you on.

Further Information

You can find out more about training in bookkeeping through the:

• Association of Accounting Technicians
• Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers
• Institute of Certified Bookkeepers

As a bookkeeper, you could:

• process purchasing and sales invoices
• make sure bank statements match income and payment records
• prepare VAT returns
• check that accounts are accurate and up to date
• prepare wages and manage claims for expenses
• help to prepare annual accounts
• use computerised accounting systems
• handle commercially sensitive and valuable information

You could work in an office.