Careers In Book-Keeping
In any business, cash is king. So if you can provide an efficient and accurate Book-Keeping service you're a valuable asset.
Book-Keeping is all about the process of accounting for money that comes into and goes out of a business or organisation. The law requires that every business and organisation provides an accurate accounting function so that taxes can be declared and collected. So as a qualified Book-Keeper, your skills will be in constant demand.
Finance departments need to have systems that enable the financial accounting to be completed accurately. This means they are 'structured' departments where you can start as a Clerk or Assistant and progress through to supervisory and management levels. As finance is about money, you can move from one area of business to another without too much difficulty. Running a payroll, or balancing a set of figures is the same whatever business you're in.
And once you have a qualification, you should find it relatively easy to find a job that has prospects for the future. You can even set yourself up as a self-employed Book-Keeper who looks after the accounting function for businesses. Let's examine your options:
The employment route
Businesses have many needs specific to their own area of operation, but Book-Keeping is a universal skill in any company. As a qualified Book-Keeper you could look for employment in either the public or private sector.
You may wish to look at the possible employee benefits that you'd get from each area. For example, if you go for a public sector job at the local Council or in the Health Service, you might get good conditions of service such as a pension scheme, flexible working time, or time off during the school holidays. But, if you go for a job in retail or travel, you may get discounts from your company that enable you to give the family a treat now and then. So, don't just look at the job, think about the side benefits too.
The self-employed route
Working from home, getting a cup of tea whenever you want, or looking out into the garden seems to be a dream for lots of people. But, don't be fooled! It can be hard sometimes to detach yourself from the everyday running of the house to concentrate on work.
However, if you are going to choose a home-based career, Book-Keeping is ideal. You just need a computer, an Internet connection, some reference books, and you're ready to get started. Your clients will come to you with their sales and purchase invoices and receipts, and your job will be to account for all the monies coming into and going out of the business. So in terms of space to run your business, you really won't need much more than a spare bedroom.
For a career in finance, a qualification of some sort is essential. A Book-Keeping qualification can provide a good stepping stone for career development. Once you are a Book-Keeper, you should always be able to find work.
- Data-entry/Junior Accounts Clerk £16-18k per annum
- Book-Keeper for small company or sole traders, £18-20k per annum
- Certified Book-Keeper for larger limited liability companies £30k (although this can depend on the type of company)
- Self employed Book-Keeper - hourly rate from £15 per hour upwards
Careers In Book-Keeping
In any business, cash is king. So if you can provide an efficient and accurate Book-Keeping service you're a valuable asset.
Book-Keeping is all about the process of accounting for money that comes into and goes out of a business or organisation. The law requires that every business and organisation provides an accurate accounting function so that taxes can be declared and collected. So as a qualified Book-Keeper, your skills will be in constant demand.
Finance departments need to have systems that enable the financial accounting to be completed accurately. This means they are 'structured' departments where you can start as a Clerk or Assistant and progress through to supervisory and management levels. As finance is about money, you can move from one area of business to another without too much difficulty. Running a payroll, or balancing a set of figures is the same whatever business you're in.
And once you have a qualification, you should find it relatively easy to find a job that has prospects for the future. You can even set yourself up as a self-employed Book-Keeper who looks after the accounting function for businesses. Let's examine your options:
The employment route
Businesses have many needs specific to their own area of operation, but Book-Keeping is a universal skill in any company. As a qualified Book-Keeper you could look for employment in either the public or private sector.
You may wish to look at the possible employee benefits that you'd get from each area. For example, if you go for a public sector job at the local Council or in the Health Service, you might get good conditions of service such as a pension scheme, flexible working time, or time off during the school holidays. But, if you go for a job in retail or travel, you may get discounts from your company that enable you to give the family a treat now and then. So, don't just look at the job, think about the side benefits too.
The self-employed route
Working from home, getting a cup of tea whenever you want, or looking out into the garden seems to be a dream for lots of people. But, don't be fooled! It can be hard sometimes to detach yourself from the everyday running of the house to concentrate on work.
However, if you are going to choose a home-based career, Book-Keeping is ideal. You just need a computer, an Internet connection, some reference books, and you're ready to get started. Your clients will come to you with their sales and purchase invoices and receipts, and your job will be to account for all the monies coming into and going out of the business. So in terms of space to run your business, you really won't need much more than a spare bedroom.
For a career in finance, a qualification of some sort is essential. A Book-Keeping qualification can provide a good stepping stone for career development. Once you are a Book-Keeper, you should always be able to find work.
- Data-entry/Junior Accounts Clerk £16-18k per annum
- Book-Keeper for small company or sole traders, £18-20k per annum
- Certified Book-Keeper for larger limited liability companies £30k (although this can depend on the type of company)
- Self employed Book-Keeper - hourly rate from £15 per hour upwards