Accounting or bookkeeping?
What's the difference?
When choosing where you want to take your career, you'll need to know the difference between bookkeeping and accounting to find out which is right for you.
Bookkeeping is the first part of the accounting process, so the work of a bookkeeper and accountant often overlaps. Bookkeeping focuses on recording and organising financial data, while accounting is the interpretation and presentation of that data. Both offer rewarding career paths; it's just a case of which one suits you best.
What is a bookkeeper?
Bookkeeping skills are invaluable to a business. A bookkeeper will keep an accurate track of the money coming into and out, carrying out tasks like managing the day-to-day cash flow, preparing for year-end tax returns and help keep the finances running efficiently.
As a qualified bookkeeper you can work in a finance team or offer your services self-employed.
Why choose bookkeeping?
Job security: your skills will be in demand from employers across all industries, and technological advances are increasing the need for more skilled workers.
Qualify quickly: it offers affordable entry routes and the ability to become qualified in a short space of time.
Work flexibly: you can become your own boss, offering the flexibility to work where and when you like.
Try it out: it's a great starting point if you want to find out whether finance is right for you.
Open up opportunities: there are many progression opportunities into accountancy and chartered studies if you want to take your career further.
Increase your earning potential: become an AAT bookkeeping member and stand out from the crowd to employers.
If you're considering a career in bookkeeping you'll need to really enjoy working with numbers and have close attention to detail.
Find out what it's like to be a bookkeeper and see the job roles you'll be qualified for.
Get your free course guide and start your journey with AAT.
What is an accountant?
An accountant performs a wider range of tasks and focuses on the bigger financial picture, analysing the information provided by bookkeepers to carry out audits, generate financial statements and forecast future business needs.
Why choose accountancy?
Be highly employable: every business around the world needs an accountant, so your skills will always be in demand.
Enjoy your work: it gives you the opportunity to work across all industries, meaning you can choose a job in an area you enjoy.
See the world: your skills will be transferable around the globe if you'd like to work abroad.
Avoid debt: you don't need to go to university to get qualified, so can avoid the debt and start earning sooner.
Work flexibly: you can become your own boss, offering the flexibility to work where and when you like.
Get paid well: you can expect to earn an average salary of around £23,000 upwards.
If you're considering a career in accountancy you'll need a passion for numbers, a natural flair for problem solving and to work well under pressure.
Find out what it's like to be an accountant and see the job roles you'll be qualified for.
Get your free course guide and start your journey with AAT.
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