Bookkeeper

Keep small businesses' financial records accurate and ready for the accountant or HMRC.

This UK bookkeeper career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.

Quick facts

Starting salary
£20,000 - £28,000
Mid-career salary
£28,000 - £40,000
Senior salary
£45,000 - £65,000
Work environment
Office or hybrid
Time to entry
6 - 18 months (AAT route)
Degree required
Not required
Category
Business, Finance and Legal

What a Bookkeeper does

Keep small businesses' financial records accurate and ready for the accountant or HMRC.

  • Small Business Bookkeeper - Day-to-day books for SMEs.
  • Cloud Accounting (Xero/QuickBooks) - Run client books in cloud accounting tools.
  • Sub-contracted Bookkeeping - Outsourced bookkeeping for accountants.
  • Construction CIS Bookkeeping - Specialist CIS and subcontractor bookkeeping.

How to become a Bookkeeper

  1. Look up Bookkeeper roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
  2. Talk to someone already working as a Bookkeeper - even a 15-minute call helps
  3. Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
  4. Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
  5. Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month

Key skills

  • Xero / QuickBooks
  • VAT
  • Reconciliation
  • Discretion
  • Communication