Are you thinking of a career change? Perhaps you’re at university or college and starting to think about your future? Are you organised and methodical, honest and discreet, with good communication skills and attention to detail? Do you lean towards maths and computing subjects? If you tick all these boxes, maybe you should consider a career in bookkeeping.
Any business, regardless of size, is legally required to ‘keep the books’, otherwise known as records of its financial transactions. These include receipts, purchases, sales and other payments. A bookkeeper’s main role is to gather and record accurately a business’s financial transactions, detailing how much money the company makes and spends.
They can also get involved in processing payrolls, estimating revenue and expenditure and balancing the books, and often prepare management reports, and VAT and CIS returns. Good organisers make great bookkeepers.
You may wonder what the difference is between a bookkeeper and an accountant. Although both deal with business finances, they operate at different stages of the financial cycle. Accountants are responsible for interpreting, classifying, analysing, reporting and summarising financial data. Bookkeepers are responsible for recording financial transactions.
They work across a wide range of industries, including property, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, insurance – the list is endless! Working for a bookkeeping company means you will have a varied portfolio of organisations and will gain a fascinating insight into business life across the spectrum. It’s fast-moving work with excellent career prospects and the chance to gain professional qualifications as you progress. It’s also an occupation which is hugely in demand – you’re unlikely to be out of a job!
Bookkeepers say that they find their work enormously satisfying and full of variety. No two companies have exactly the same challenges – and their managers can have widely differing attitudes towards finances! The ability to work to deadlines is important, as is a genuine interest in clients’ challenges and ambitions. It’s very satisfying to watch a business grow and know your steady hand on the tiller has made a big contribution.
We have a dedicated team of experts at AMR Bookkeeping Solutions. Take a look around our website to find out more, and if you’re interested in furthering your career with us, get in touch. We’re always on the look-out for the best bookkeepers in the business.