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Bookkeeping and Accounting Jobs
Whether you are looking for an entry-level job, or for a senior managerial position, the field of bookkeeping and accounting presents you with a wide range of job opportunities.
What Type Of Work Will I Be Required To Do If I Am Employed In A Bookkeeping Or Accounting Job?
The type of work that you will be required to do will depend on the role that you are hired to perform. For example, if you are hired as a bookkeeper, you most likely won’t be expected to perform the intricate financial analysis that will be expected of a management accountant.
In general, however, bookkeeping and accounting jobs involve the following tasks and activities:
- Creating and maintaining financial records.
- Compiling reports.
- Performing financial calculations.
- Using bookkeeping and accounting software programs.
- Ensuring compliance with financial laws, regulations and policies.
The roles and positions that are available in the field of bookkeeping and accounting include:
- Junior Bookkeeper
- Senior Bookkeeper
- Accounting Clerk
- Audit Clerk
- Account Manager
- Office Administrator
- Payroll Administrator
- Chartered Accountant
- Technical Financial Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Public Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Financial Administrative Assistant
- Financial Manager
- Financial Advisor
Each of these roles comes with its own set of duties and responsibilities. However, while relatively standard job descriptions do exist for these positions, the job descriptions are still likely to vary from one organisation/employer to another.
What Is The Working Environment Like?
Bookkeepers and accountants work in an office environment. While many bookkeepers and accountants work full-time, there is also a substantial number who work part-time. Bookkeepers, in particular, may even have the option of working from home.
Bookkeepers and accountants usually work regular office hours, but may be required to work overtime during busy periods such as month-end and year-end.
The bookkeeping and accounting environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven. This means that you will need good time management skills if you want to succeed as a bookkeeper or accountant.
There is a moderate to high level of social interaction, as bookkeepers and accountants are required to liaise with clients and communicate with colleagues on a regular basis.
What Skills Do I Need If I Want To Work In Bookkeeping Or Accounting?
If you want to work in the field of bookkeeping and accounting, you will need the following skills and characteristics:
- Numerical skills
- Communication skills
- Analytical thinking skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Computer skills (including competency in the relevant software programs)
- Time management skills
- High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
- High ethical standards
- Honesty and integrity
What Training Do I Need?
Your training requirements will depend on the career path that you want to follow. If you want to become a bookkeeper, you can either complete a relevant bookkeeping course, or you can look for an entry-level job with a company that will be willing to provide you with on-the-job training. Once you have completed your basic bookkeeping training, you can always go on to study towards more advanced qualifications, and even go on to become an accountant.
If you want to become an accountant, you will usually need to complete a recognised qualification in accounting. Once you have completed your initial qualification, you may be required to pass additional exams if you want to become a Chartered Accountant.
Have A Look At The List Below To See Which Bookkeeping And Accounting Courses You Can Complete Via Distance Learning At Oxbridge Academy:
Short Learning Programmes
National Qualifications (N4-N6)