A trainee bookkeeper supports the recording of financial transactions such as sales, purchases, receipts, and payments. Daily tasks often include entering invoices, reconciling bank statements, preparing ledgers, and assisting with month-end processes under supervision.
What is a trainee bookkeeper?
From processing invoices to analysing bank statements, your day will be varied and challenging. In addition to the technical requirements of the role, you could be assisting colleagues with counting stock, improving business processes and contacting customers.
The role of bookkeeper also offers good opportunities for progression. Some bookkeepers even go on to run their own company, providing services to small and medium-sized organisations.
As a trainee, you will help drive the future of accounting which sees an accelerated shift from traditional practices towards AI and automation. An increasing part of your role will be to learn new software packages and tools that will streamline and speed up processes, and help you deliver more accurate and precise insights and reports.
How do I achieve it?
Bookkeeper is a perfect role if you’re great with numbers and highly organised. You must be able to work quickly, accurately and to deadlines. You will acquire good computer skills, particularly using accounting software packages. Your presentation and communication skills will also improve.
The initial knowledge and skills required for this position are available through our Foundations level qualifications. Those interested in progressing to more senior positions will also benefit from progressing to the Applied Skills exams of the ACCA Qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Formal qualifications aren’t always required at entry level, though many employers look for good numeracy and IT skills. Completing courses such as AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) or working towards ACCA can strengthen your prospects.
Familiarity with accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage is highly valued. Strong Excel skills are also essential for tasks like reconciliations, analysis, and reporting.
You can gain experience through entry-level roles, internships, or volunteering to support bookkeeping in small businesses or charities. This hands-on exposure helps you build confidence and apply your knowledge in real situations.
After gaining experience, you can progress to assistant bookkeeper, accounts assistant, or full bookkeeper. Many then move into more advanced roles such as management accountant, financial accountant, or pursue full accountancy qualifications.
ACCA provides a globally recognised pathway to becoming a professional accountant. Starting with trainee bookkeeping experience gives you a solid foundation, while ACCA exams and the Practical Experience Requirement help you progress into higher-level finance roles.
Trainee bookkeepers are needed in almost every sector, from retail and hospitality to healthcare, construction, and professional services. Both small businesses and large corporations require bookkeeping support.
In the UK, trainee bookkeepers typically earn between £18,000 and £23,000 a year, depending on location, employer size, and prior experience. With progression, salaries can increase significantly as you move into more senior accounting roles.
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