Keeping a record of your cash flow is necessary, regardless of your business type. Understanding bookkeeping basics can help you manage your finances, and this knowledge is precious for individuals engaged in side businesses or freelance work.
Many people mistake bookkeeping for accounting, but bookkeeping is a vital part of the accounting process for each entity. Bookkeeping involves the daily recording of financial transactions, including income and expense tracking.
Try our online invoicing software for free
Accept online payments with ease
Keep track of who's paid you
Start sending invoices
Bookkeeping is essential to making for making wise financial decisions. When you do it, it can track your cash flow or expand your skill to land bookkeeping jobs as a part of your business; the skill will help you understand your financial health to take action accordingly.
In 2023, the market size of the bookkeeping industry hit a record in the UK with around £5.7 billion in total.
With the significant shift from manual to online bookkeeping, the demand for bookkeepers in the UK who can organize financial data and generate online financial reports is growing.
This article will explore where to find bookkeeping jobs in the UK and how you can prepare for the role.
Whether you aim for a full-time bookkeeping job or consider starting a bookkeeping company in the UK, here’s everything you need to know about the bookkeeping industry in the UK!
Where to Find Bookkeeping Jobs in the UK
With an average salary of around £27,000 per annum, bookkeeping can be a lucrative field to explore if you want to change industries.
To become an accountant, one should typically have a bachelor’s degree with additional qualifications like Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) or Associate Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA). Accountants interpret and present the data to develop a finance plan, while bookkeepers usually focus more on managing and recording the financial data.
Unlike accounting jobs that require those certifications, you can land an entry-level bookkeeping job with some GCSEs for an intermediate apprenticeship.
This section will outline some platforms where you can find bookkeeping job vacancies in the UK, whether you’re looking for a remote or in-house job.
So, where is the best place to find bookkeeping jobs in the UK?
1. Department for Work & Pensions Website
The Find a Job section on the Department for Work & Pensions website is the best place to find job vacancies in the UK. Whether you’re UK-based or looking for a chance to migrate to the UK with a sponsored job, it is the best place to find bookkeeping jobs in the UK!
You can shortlist bookkeeping jobs in your preferred areas on your account to get notified whenever a new relevant vacancy is posted. The site’s advanced search feature is also great for specifying other aspects you’re looking for in a bookkeeping job.
As a part of the Department for Work & Pensions, the transparency in each vacancy can benefit job seekers tremendously. To post job ads on the Find a Job section, companies must be fully verified by DWP to ensure the company’s legitimacy.
In addition, all job vacancies must meet the national minimum wage standards, so you don’t have to worry about applying for an underpaid bookkeeping job in the UK through the website!
2. Indeed
As one of the most popular job sites worldwide, Indeed is also a great place to find bookkeeping jobs in the UK.
Optimize your Indeed profile by creating one manually or importing your CV to your account.
Indeed allows companies to contact potential candidates with relevant professional experiences directly if their profile matches their opening bookkeeping jobs, so optimizing your Indeed profile can help you stand out among other Indeed users.
Alternatively, you can also set notifications to get updates for new bookkeeping jobs in the UK that you can apply for on Indeed. Use the advanced search feature to specify new jobs related to finance so you can apply for a bookkeeper position when you have a relevant vacation.
3. Reed.co.uk
Reed.co.uk is one of the most popular job portals in the UK, and you can use specific keywords like “bookkeeping” to find relevant vacancies.
You can also optimize your profile by uploading your CV to your account and adding the specific skillsets to attract potential employers for your dream bookkeeping jobs in the UK.
Apart from the job boards, Reeds.co.uk also offers various free and paid training courses that you can do online. Most courses will also grant you some relevant certification upon completion to support your career path in the bookkeeping industry.
4. Totaljobs
Whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time job, Totaljobs is also an excellent platform for finding bookkeeping job ads in the UK. Using their advanced search feature, you can find some remote bookkeeping jobs and on-site jobs.
In addition to enabling you to apply directly to employers, you can also connect with some of the best recruitment agencies in the UK for your bookkeeping role.
If you’re new to the bookkeeping industry, Totaljobs also offers some bookkeeping courses to help you transition. Starting at £50 per course, you can choose any specific skill to prepare yourself for the role of a bookkeeper!
5. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is one of the best job platforms for freelancers in the UK, and it’s suitable for advertising your bookkeeping service in the UK.
Many companies and entrepreneurs are looking for virtual bookkeepers, and PeoplePerHour provides the marketplace to connect businesses with freelancers.
If you’re familiar with freelancer platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, PeoplePerHour has functional similarities to both platforms as it focuses more on freelancing and remote work. However, unlike its competitors, users on PeoplePerHour typically charge the UK-based standard rate, which, makes it a great place to find bookkeeping jobs at a fair rate in the UK.
6. CV Library
As one of the first online job boards in the UK, CV-Library remains the most popular among job seekers.
CV Library only allows those already in the UK to sign up for their account, so it may not be a suitable platform for you if you’re outside the UK looking for a job opportunity in the country.
The best thing about CV Library is its transparency. Each job ad shows the role’s estimated salary and the number of applications sent for the vacancy.
7. LinkedIn
Job markets on LinkedIn may look saturated these days, but it’s still one of the best platforms to land a bookkeeping job in the UK. Moreover, LinkedIn is also a great place to network with other people in the industry.
Apart from taking advantage of the LinkedIn Job section, you can also join some bookkeeping groups on LinkedIn to network and get updated with industry trends.
Update your profile to match the bookkeeping roles so you can stand out among other candidates when a job ad comes up on LinkedIn. Use keywords related to the job descriptions, and don’t forget to add an attractive LinkedIn headline profile to optimize your LinkedIn profile’s SEO!
8. Facebook Groups
Some people are cynical about using Facebook for job searching. However, some Facebook groups can be more engaging than LinkedIn groups for networking and can provide free resources within the industry.
With a more casual approach than LinkedIn, Facebook groups can be an excellent platform for finding bookkeeping jobs if you know where to look.
If you want to land a local job as a bookkeeper in the UK, you can join some relevant Facebook groups to connect and network with others in the industry.
Groups like “Find a Bookkeeper UK” or “Accountants & Bookkeepers Services in the UK” can help you connect with potential clients or companies who need your bookkeeping services. Meanwhile, you can connect with other bookkeepers to share insights and get valuable tips through groups like “Bookkeepers & Accountant Resources UK” or “Bookkeeping Heroes” on Facebook.
9. BookCheck
BookCheck is a management firm that offers outsourcing services to UK companies, special. It specialises and accounting. As a firm, BookCheck has a wide range of clients that may be more suitable for your bookkeeping skills.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to work with small businesses or an experienced one wanting to expand your experience, joining a firm like BookCheck can be an excellent start to landing a job as a bookkeeper!
10. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is a UK-based organization for bookkeepers that promotes the highest standards in the industry. ICB offers vocational training in addition to membership, designed for anyone interested in adding bookkeeping skills to their career path.
If you’re looking to pivot your career path into bookkeeping, signing up for one of their programs to get certified and secure your membership at ICB upon course completion is worth signing up for.
For experienced bookkeepers who want to expand their networks, you can register to become an ICB member and pay the annual fee. As a member, you will be added to the ICB directory, which will help you connect with potential employers and clients based on your qualifications and location in the UK!
How to Start a Bookkeeping Company in the UK
While many platforms are available to find bookkeeping jobs in the UK, it’s also worth considering starting your own company to offer your bookkeeping service in the UK.
Some businesses prefer outsourcing their bookkeeping service instead of hiring an in-house bookkeeper. With the right skills and target market, starting a bookkeeping company in the UK can be lucrative.
In this section, we will share some tips for starting a bookkeeping company in the UK and how to land your first gig as a bookkeeper as an independent contractor!
1. Expand your bookkeeping skill
If you’re considering pivoting your career path to bookkeeping, you can consider taking some courses to get started. There are some free online courses, but it’s also worth taking a masterclass that can give you a community and connections within the industry.
For seasoned bookkeepers, you can improve your networking skills in the industry to share insights while keeping yourself updated on bookkeeping trends.
The field of bookkeeping is continuously evolving, including updates to local laws and regulations and the advancement of bookkeeping software and tools that can help improve the efficiency and quality of your task.
Updating your skills keeps you competitive in the job market—employers and clients value bookkeepers knowledgeable about the industry’s latest trends and technologies.
Familiarising yourself with invoicing and expense tracking tools like InvoiceBerry can be a good start, as many businesses switch to online bookkeeping to streamline their business operations. Online software like InvoiceBerry helps you automate the process, from invoicing and expense recording to generating reports when needed.
2. Understand the demand for bookkeeping services
For your business to work, you must understand your target market, as it’s crucial to start a bookkeeping business in the UK.
Conducting market research will help you understand the demand for your services, identify your target market, and offer your bookkeeping services to your ideal clients.
Network with local business communities to connect with potential clients. Direct conversations with them can provide valuable insights into how to package your service accordingly. It’s worth signing up for a membership at the local chamber of commerce if you aim for local businesses as your ideal target market.
3. Conduct a competitive analysis to stand out from your competitors
Once you understand what your potential customers need, you also need to understand the competition in the industry. This will help you differentiate your bookkeeping services from others in the market.
You can join bookkeeping-related groups to understand the industry’s challenges and needs and to network with others to stay updated on industry trends.
Active participation in the bookkeepers’ community can also help you gain insights into standard pricing, services offered, and the type of clients who need bookkeeping services. You can gather and analyze all the resources to help you find your unique selling proposition.
Moreover, being a part of the community will enable you to collaborate with your peers, which may open collaboration opportunities to expand your clientele through your network.
Some big companies hire freelancers and businesses to provide white-label services for them, and it can be a great way to kick off your business while building your brand through bookkeeping services!
4. Create a business plan
Now that you have general ideas about the bookkeeping industry in the UK, you can start creating a business plan to outline the roadmap for your bookkeeping business.
There are a few elements necessary in your business plan, which include:
- An executive summary consists of the overview of your business and its mission and objectives. You can also include a brief introduction to your services, target markets, and financial projections.
- A business description that includes a detailed description of your bookkeeping services, which covers the unique value proposition and how your business differs from your competitors.
- A market analysis that covers the needs of the bookkeeping industry for your target market, including a brief explanation about your direct competitor and how you can offer something different for your ideal clients.
- A marketing and sales strategy overview to outline a set of strategies to market and sell your services, along with the pricing strategy and client acquisition plans.
- An operation plan that includes details about the day-to-day operations of your business. For instance, if you plan to use InvoiceBerry as a bookkeeping software for your client, you can add it in this section, along with other equipment you need for your business operation.
- A management and organisational structure to ensure all your business stakeholders understand their roles to hold each other accountable. It’s especially important if you’re looking into starting a business with partners.
- A financial plan that contains the funding to start your bookkeeping company, along with revenue and cash-flow projections in the upcoming periods.
Developing a business plan can tremendously help in defining your business objectives and the strategy you’ll take to achieve them, while also serving as a valuable means to secure funding or loans if necessary.
Through the Prince’s Trust, eligible young people below 30 in the UK can get additional support for starting their businesses. It’s worth considering if you want complimentary assistance in turning your business into a reality through their mentoring and financial support!
5. Choose a business structure and register it with HMRC
Once everything is ready, it’s time to set up your bookkeeping business in the UK. To register your business with HMRC, you can choose one of the following business structures to get you started:
- Sole traders are suitable for solopreneurs looking to run a business on their own. It’s the simplest form of business in the UK, and you will be responsible for all of your business’s debts and liabilities in this business structure.
- Partnership business structure is best if you run your business with partner(s), in which you will share all responsibilities for the company. These include profits, liabilities, and any debt related to the business.
- Limited liability partnership (LLP) is similar to the Partnership business structure, except that it offers limited liability to all the members involved. When registering your business as an LLP, you will have a separate legal entity that outlines each stakeholder’s responsibilities regarding debts and other liabilities within the company.
- Limited Liability Company (Ltd) is a separate legal entity from its stakeholders, which offers limited liability protection to all the company members.
When registering your business with HMRC, keep in mind that you may also have to comply with other regulations related to your business operations.
Check with HMRC whether you need a specific licence relevant to your skillset as a bookkeeper. In addition, you may also require additional permits related to processing data as a bookkeeper, depending on where you are in the UK.
You will need a permit to process personal data in the UK, which you can do by notifying the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). As a bookkeeper, you will deal with your client’s personal data to track their income and expenses, so it will be necessary for your business.
6. Start marketing and networking as a business
Bookkeeping is a job that heavily relies on your client’s trust in you. Apart from the conventional marketing strategy, networking is the best way to expand your connection while gaining the potential client’s trust in your skillsets and business.
You can market your business online, whether you’re looking into creating a marketing funnel or setting up ads on social media like LinkedIn or Facebook.
If you plan to conduct a conventional marketing strategy through leaflets or billboards to advertise your business, you may also need to check with your local council to ensure you have a relevant advertising permit for your business.
Alternatively, you can offer free workshops or consultations to attract potential clients at the beginning of your business. This approach is proven effective in client acquisition strategy as a bookkeeper, since you can connect with the potential client while building trust through your initial consultation.
7. Develop a financial management strategy for your business and clients
As a bookkeeper, financial management strategy is your bread and butter whether you do it for your company or your clients. Streamlining your financial management will be crucial, and that’s why it’s important to choose the best bookkeeping software for your business!
InvoiceBerry offers a user-friendly interface, whether you’re new to bookkeeping or an advanced bookkeeper looking for alternative software to manage your cash flow projections.
The platform features various bookkeeping functionalities, including invoicing, tracking quotations and expenses, and generating finance reports. With its rich features, InvoiceBerry simplifies your bookkeeping process, whether you do it for your business or your client’s.
You can also export your reports to both PDF and Spreadsheet to make it easier for you to audit or even calculate all your financial responsibilities during the tax season!
Conclusion
Despite the competitive job market lately, there are various platforms where you can find bookkeeping jobs in the UK.
Whether you’re a professional bookkeeper looking to expand your clientele or a beginner looking to pivot into a bookkeeping role, the UK provides many resources and communities to grow within the industry.
You can sign up for some courses to develop your bookkeeping skills, so you can gain a basic understanding of accounting principles and how to manage financial records professionally.
With so many companies shifting their bookkeeping process online, you can also familiarise yourself with finance management software like InvoiceBerry to develop your bookkeeping skills. You can sign up for a 14-day free trial here to explore the various features to support your bookkeeping process!
Bookkeeping roles in the UK are still in high demand, with the industry revenue predicted to increase by 6.7% annually in the country. So, whether you seek a full-time job as an in-house bookkeeper or plan to start a bookkeeping company, the skill can bring a lucrative business as a source of income in the UK!