Bookkeeper Job Career Profile
Their duties could include:*calculating the cost of a new product or service
*completing VAT returns and preparing accounts for Inland Revenue
*keeping records of payments, invoices, receipts and debit/credit notes
*checking bank statements against records
*preparing cash-flow statements
*calculating wages and national insurance contributions
*dealing with enquiries on the phone and by letter
*filing paperwork.
*Most organizations now have computerized systems and accounts clerks will probably need to use a range of software packages including databases and spreadsheets.
To be an accounts clerk you need:
*numeracy
*to be able to work quickly and accurately
*good concentration and attention to detail
*a logical, methodical approach
*an interest in business and finance
*the ability to work to strict deadlines
*to be able to work unsupervised
*to be honest, discreet and trustworthy.
There are no minimum entry requirements but employers often ask for GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent in Maths and English. Computer skills are also useful.
For details of qualification equivalents see:
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
Scottish Qualifications Authority
A number of useful qualifications are available. These include:
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) offers a number of qualifications including NVQ/SVQs in accounting at levels 2, 3, and 4. There are no minimum entry requirements. The AAT Bookkeeping Certificate (ABC) is also available. The AAT also offers a range of specialist qualifications including the NVQ/SVQ in Audit (Internal), the NVQ/SVQ in Payroll Administration and the AAT Diploma in Government Finance. After successfully completing any of AATs qualifications, except ABC, students automatically become AAT Affiliates and can progress to Membership.
International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB) offers a range of examinations at various levels. After passing certain IAB exams you can apply for IAB membership.
LCCI Practical Bookkeeper (first level), Bookkeeper (first level) and Bookkeeping and Accounts (second level).
OCR Practical Book-keeping (stage I-II) Bookkeeping (stage I) and Computerized Accounting (stage I-II).
SQA National Units in Accounting at Intermediate 1 level.
Pitman qualifications in Bookkeeping and Accounts, Computerised Accounts and Accounting.
Training
You might start work as a junior in the accounts or wages department of a large organization on general procedures. This may include computer software packages used by employers. You would train on the job, supervised by senior staff. You could attend in-house training courses, day release or evening classes, or work for qualifications via distance learning.
Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships (MAPPs) may be available for people aged 16-24.
For details see: MAPPs (England); Skillseekers MAPPs (Scotland); National Traineeships MAPPs (Wales); and MAPPs (Northern Ireland).
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Starting salary is around £10,000 per year.
With skills and experience, earnings rise to around £15,000.
A senior bookkeeper can earn up to £19,000.
Further information:
Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
154 Clerkenwell Rd
London
EC1R 5AD
Tel: 020 7837 8600
www.aat.co.uk
International Association of Bookkeepers (IAB)
Burford House
44 London Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1AS
Tel: 01732 458080
www.iab.org.uk
LCCI Examinations Board
Athena House
112 Station Road
Sidcup
Kent
DA15 7BJ
Tel: 020 8302 0261
www.lccieb.com
OCR Information Bureau
Westwood Way
Coventry
West Midlands
CV4 8JQ
Tel: 024 7647 0033
www.ocr.org.uk
Pitman Qualifications
1 Giltspur Street
London
EC1A 9DD
Tel: 020 7294 3500
www.pitmanqualifications.com
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
Hanover House
24 Douglas Street
Glasgow
G2 7NQ
Tel: 0141 242 2214
www.sqa.org.uk