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Published 7 Jan 2019

The Best Courses to Start Your Career in Bookkeeping

by CoursesOnline Contributors

View Bookkeeping courses

Let’s face it, there are a lot of courses out there, and the more options there are, the harder it is to find the perfect course that aligns with your career goals. If you want to break into the world of bookkeeping and accounting but don’t know where to start looking, we’ve simplified things for you.


Accounting Vs. Bookkeeping



Bookkeeper

What it Involves: Bookkeepers in the UK are primarily involved with keeping financial records up to date and preparing accounts. This career path differs from accounting as bookkeeping focuses on recording financial records and information, whereas accountants analyse and interpret this information to help make better financial decisions for businesses.

Career Outcomes: Bookkeeper, accounts officer, BAS Agent, Payroll Officer

Accountant

What it Involves: Accounting provides a greater insight into the financial decisions a business makes. Through analysis, reporting and projections; accountants are responsible for making sense of the records kept in bookkeeping practices.

Career Outcomes: Accounting Technician, Accountant, Xero Accountant

What is Xero and how can it help you?

If you’ve had your sights set on a career in accounting or bookkeeping, chances are you’ve come across the term ‘Xero’. If you haven’t don’t worry! We’ve broken it down for you so you can understand how it fits in this industry and why it’s so useful to know.

What is Xero?

Xero is a software company that provides cloud-based accounting software to businesses across the world. Founded in New Zealand in 2006, the company mainly provides accounting software to small and medium businesses. The easy to use platform helps small businesses manage their accounting and provides an opportunity to assist with their growth. Xero currently leads the way for cloud accounting in the United Kingdom and is used by over 1.5 million businesses world wide, meaning, the chances of coming across an employer that uses the system is very high.


The Courses That Can Take You There

Now that you understand more about the industry and the career outcomes available to you, let’s look at the bookkeeping and accounting courses that can take you there. We’ll start with the best entry-level courses first and work up to courses at a more advanced level. Entry level bookkeeping courses in the UK range from only a few hours, to up to 100, which can be completed online at your own pace. These courses are a great way of furthering your knowledge in this area while working, or having to manage study around existing commitments.


Basic Bookkeeping Courses


Certificate in Bookkeeping & Diploma in Xero

Browse Course

About this course:

Learn how to use the Xero Payroll system and connect it to your accounting software, saving you time on your payroll management. Xero is one of the most trusted accounting systems and a great skill set to have. This course will help you learn how it is used and how it can be integrated with existing programs and systems you or your business have in place.

Do this course if you:

Have a small business, or looking to work for one and are looking to update existing payroll systems and learn how to use Xero

Duration:

180 Hours

What You Learn:

  • How to set up Xero Payroll
  • Managing the Xero Payroll System
  • Managing new employees and leave requests
  • Xero pay templates
  • Payslips and payroll reporting
  • More


Certificate in Bookkeeping

About this course:

Learning the art of balancing books and business accounts isn’t easy, but this course will provide you with the knowledge you need to feel confident managing a business’ books. From analysing and interpreting data to learning how to accurately manage ledgers, the Certificate in Bookkeeping is perfect for anyone starting out in this area.

Do this course if you:

Have an interest in pursing a career in bookkeeping or accounting.

Duration:

180 Hours

What You Learn:

  • Fundamentals of accounting and bookkeeping
  • General ledgers and the Trial Balance
  • Understanding VAT
  • Depreciation
  • Financial statements
  • Accruals and prepayments
  • Financial Statements
  • More

 

Advanced Courses


If you’re willing to invest a little more time into your study and want to enter the industry with a solid foundation of knowledge, the Advanced Certificate in Xero Accounting and Diploma in Xero are a great way to get you feeling confident and stay ahead of the competition when applying for jobs. Browse the courses below and see what’s the best fit for you.

AAT Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers

About this course:

This course is ideal for those who want to take a certified accounting course that will equip you with the skills you need to advance your career in bookkeeping.

Do this course if you:

Have a small business, or looking to work for one and want to control accounting processes.

Duration:

300 Hours

What You Learn:

  • In-depth bookkeeping skills
  • How to run bookkeeping for large businesses
  • Managing relationships between relevant departments
  • Budgeting
  • Report preparation
  • More

 

Bookkeeping to Business Pathway

About this course:

If you want to set up your own bookkeeping business, or freelance your services as a bookkeeper, this is the course for you.

Do this course if you:

Are ready to start a business in bookkeeping or accounting and want to have a comprehensive knowledge of the industry before you enter the workforce.

Duration:

220 Hours

What You Learn:

  • Managing clients
  • Advanced bookkeeping skills
  • In-depth accounting and financial management skills
  • More


If you’re ready to take the bookkeeping world by the storm, now is your chance! Browse the range of courses available today and Strat your journey into this dynamic industry.

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