How to become a Bookkeeper

Would you like to be a bookkeeper? Are you good with numbers and have a basic understanding of accounts? Do you enjoy recording and processing data? More and more people have started or are considering going self-employed or starting their own business. As a consequence there is a growing need for bookkeepers. In fact, the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) predict within approximately 10 years half the workforce will be contractors.

So, do you want to know how to become a bookkeeper?

Visit: How2Become and you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Most people that opt for self-employment or starting their own business want to focus on their skills, knowledge or talent. Bookkeeping tends to be a chore and an administrative burden to people running their own business. In fact, it tends to take up a lot of time. This is time they are not being paid. Smart people will outsource these services to people who are good at bookkeeping as they are more efficient.

Essential Behavioural Competencies

Meeting Deadlines

This is probably one of the most important parts of a bookkeeper’s role and the ability to meet deadlines is critical. Anyone in accounts will know there are set deadlines for limited companies and sole traders to submit their accounts or self-assessment. These are set by HMRC and are non-negotiable.

Planning and organising

The nature of bookkeeping is managing, recording, sorting and processing volumes of data, so you really need to be very organised. They will be collating receipts, bank statements, invoices and credit notes. And, it’s essential to keep track of income and expenses.

Accuracy and Attention to detail

The role a bookkeeper is to gather all the information (receipts and invoices etc.), input accurately and then maintain accounts, verify and post transactions. They will be balancing accounts on a day-to-day or week-to-week basis and recording client assets and handling investments. So, another essential skill, is accuracy and attention to detail.

Customer Service and Communication

You will be liaising with lots of different people and the client of course. If you are looking to work in a company, then you’ll be working alongside accountants. You’ll also be liaising with customers, supplier and banks. As well as excellent communication skills you’ll need to take pride in providing excellent customer service.

Visit: How2Become and you’ll find all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Tasks and duties:

Here are the main responsibilities: Inputting and recording sales, invoices and expenses using financial processes and systems and enhancing and updating daily

Management of sales ledger and purchase orders
Maintaining accounts, verifying and posting transactions
Reconciliation and balancing accounts on regular basis
Recording client assets and handling investments
Managing client invoices & payments
Liaising with clients, suppliers and banks
Working closely with accountants to prepare VAT returns
Preparing schedules, statements and reports as requested
Managing & filing relevant documentation

How to become a Bookkeeper