All jobs are essential, it’s just that some jobs are more essential than others.
A good bookkeeper, for example, is absolutely crucial to the success of any business.
After all, they must keep their eyes on the bottom line at all times.
In a nutshell, a bookkeeper deals with the day-to-day tasks involved in managing a company’s financial records. It’s their responsibility to record all the daily financial transactions that take place, from who paid what for the lunchtime doughnuts to huge commercial transactions.
The job differs from an accountant who will review and analyse the financial records for the whole year and complete any tax returns or adjustments.
Saying that, in smaller businesses the roles may have more of an overlap. While bigger companies may have different people working on different specialisms, a small organisation is more likely to have one person looking after all things financial.
So what does a bookkeeper actually do on a daily basis?
Well, usually the role involves looking after all income, receipts, sales invoices and payments, then preparing statements and reports to log them.
Completing VAT returns and helping to prepare annual accounts can also be a big part of the job. Using computerised accounting systems is also par for the course.
Some bookkeepers will also take on the job of payroll, responsible for preparing wages and dealing with expense claims. Others will be called upon to give admin support to accountants.
What do you need to get started? A qualification in accounting or business administration is a good way into this kind of work.
Alternatively, work experience in an accounts department will also stand you in good stead, while you could also get in through an apprenticeship.
To make yourself stand out from other candidates, soft skills can help. The role means you will be privy to highly sensitive financial information so discretion is always required.
Attention to detail is also a must. A misplaced decimal point can make a world of difference when it comes to the company accounts. No-one wants to be billed £8 million for the office Krispy Kremes.
Employers will also be looking for good communication skills and the ability to work to deadlines. It goes without saying that you’ll have a good head for numbers and tip top organisation skills.
A bookkeeper’s salary can range from £15,000 when starting out and up to £25,000 for the highly experienced.
Some choose to go on and qualify as accountants, while others use their experience to set themselves up as a freelancer.
Whatever your ambition in bookkeeping, why not start a new chapter with the best Accountancy vacancies at s1jobs.com?