Do I need to be qualified to work as a bookkeeper?

You do not need a licence to work as a bookkeeper in the UK, but employers and clients trust qualifications such as AAT or ICB, and relevant experience matters a lot.

What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accounts assistant?

A bookkeeper often looks after the whole set of books for a business or several clients, while an accounts assistant may handle one part, such as the purchase ledger. Use the wording in the advert.

Should I list every software package I have used?

List the ones you use confidently and leave out old systems unless the advert asks for them.

Can someone help me write my CV?

Ceev writes your CV from your own answers, typed or spoken, and shows you a free preview before you decide on anything.

Bookkeeper CV example

A strong bookkeeper CV shows that you can keep a set of books from day-to-day entries through to the trial balance for the accountant. It should name the software you use, the kinds of business you look after and the deadlines you meet, such as VAT returns and payroll.

Ben Kowalski

Bookkeeper

ben@example.com · 07700 900165 · Glasgow

Profile

Reliable bookkeeper looking after the accounts of around 25 small businesses, from day-to-day entries to VAT returns and year-end preparation. Confident using Xero, QuickBooks and Excel, and used to working with business owners who would rather not think about numbers. AAT Level 3 qualified, with a steady record of meeting deadlines.

Experience

Bookkeeper

a small accountancy practice

Kept the books of around 25 small business clients in Xero and QuickBooks

Reconciled bank accounts and coded transactions, querying anything unclear with the client

Prepared and submitted quarterly VAT returns on time using Making Tax Digital software

Ran monthly payroll and pension submissions for several clients

Produced trial balances and supporting schedules for the accountants at year end

Accounts Clerk

a wholesale business

Posted purchase and sales invoices and chased overdue accounts

Reconciled supplier statements each month

Prepared petty cash and expense summaries

Located invoices and documents quickly when the auditors asked for them

Key skills

Sales and purchase ledgersBank reconciliationsVAT returns (Making Tax Digital)Payroll and pensionsXero, QuickBooks and SageTrial balance and year-end preparationClient communicationConfidentialityAttention to detailAAT Level 3

Example · fictional candidate · Bloom design · Use this design

Tips for a bookkeeper CV

List your software clearly, since Xero, QuickBooks and Sage are the most common, and say how long you have used each
Say how many clients or businesses you keep books for and what type they are
Name the deadlines you handle, such as VAT returns, payroll, year end and any Self Assessment support
Include AAT, ICB or a similar qualification, and any recent training on Making Tax Digital
Show that you can explain numbers in plain English to clients who are not finance people
If you are self-employed, offer references and say how long clients have stayed with you

Applying with a cover letter? See our bookkeeper cover letter example.

Bookkeeper CV example

Ben Kowalski

Profile

Experience

Bookkeeper

Accounts Clerk

Key skills

Tips for a bookkeeper CV

Questions about bookkeeper CVs