Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions, it is part of the accounting department in an organisation. Bookkeepers are responsible for providing accurate, up-to-date financial information about a business. Their reports will go to business owners and managers to help them make decisions. Occasionally some bookkeepers will be involved in strategy development as the data they collect is usually very beneficial when making business decisions.
This CPD article aims to establish what bookkeeping is, what you would learn on a bookkeeping course, as well as the benefits of a bookkeeping course and what it might lead to in the future.
What do you learn in a CPD bookkeeping course?
If you’re looking to get in to bookkeeping then often the best path of entry is by taking a course. In most beginner bookkeeping courses, you will acquire the knowledge and understanding to log and organise common business transactions. You should be able to understand and apply essential numerical skills required for bookkeeping and accounting.
Some typical topics on a bookkeeping course include:
Types of business transactions and documentation
Duality of transactions and the double entry system
Banking process and transactions
Reconciliations
The trial balance
Payroll
Ledger accounts
Sales and purchases credit transactions
By the time you have completed an entry level bookkeeping course, you should have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide accurate, up-to-date financial information about a business.
Benefits of a bookkeeping course
Can an online bookkeeping course be beneficial?
We have listed a few reasons to take a CPD bookkeeping course below. If you are interested in the benefits of online learning then you should check out one of our other articles by clicking here.
For example:
1. You’ll be able to apply for a wider range of jobs
Any professional development can add to your employability and help you to be more appealing to potential employers. If you take part in a bookkeeping course, you’ll be ready to start applying for bookkeeping jobs as there aren’t any formal prerequisites required to start. If the courses are available to take online, you can fit everything around your current schedule, meaning you can learn everything in your own time and at your own pace.
2. You’ll have more choice
All businesses are required by law to ‘keep books’, meaning qualified bookkeepers are always in high demand. With about 170,200 openings for bookkeeping and accounting roles projected to happen each year over the next decade, there are going to be many opportunities available for you to explore.
3. You’ll be up-to-speed with the latest software
By completing an online bookkeeping course, you will be able to prove to potential employers that you’re relatively proficient in some of the key software needed to start managing their books straight away. You want to make sure that the bookkeeping course you attend teaches you how to use some of the major bookkeeping software currently available so your future employee won’t have to train you on it themselves.
What can taking a bookkeeping course lead to in the future?
There are various development options that anyone can explore once they have gained the skills and knowledge that a bookkeeping course offers. We have listed a few examples below:
1. You could start your own company
You could set up your own practice and work for yourself as a Sole Trader, or even head up your own limited company further down the line. You could also work on a freelance basis, alongside a more permanent position. As a qualified Bookkeeper, working for yourself will always be an option.
2. You can earn more money
If you’re looking for a bookkeeping job with a better salary, a bookkeeping course could be for you. Entry level salaries for Level 1 qualified Accounts Clerk start at around £21,000. But as you progress through the different levels, you’ll have the potential to earn as much as £42,000 - or even more if you chose to start your own practise.
3. Better Relations with Banks and Investors
Having your accounts in order will mean Banks will be more willing to provide you with affordable loans, once they can see how your company is thriving through your organised accounts it will instil more confidence in them. Any time some sort of investor is interested in your company, you can just show the current detailed sheets and prove that the company is a success.
How to find CPD bookkeeping courses
There are thousands of different courses, workshops and seminars available in the CPD Course Catalogue, that you can search by industry or by using the CPD search bar to find relevant learning for your ongoing professional development.
About The CPD Certification Service
We hope this article was helpful. The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996, and is the largest and leading CPD accreditation organisation working across all industry sectors. We provide CPD certification for training providers and events organisers to ensure that learning activities are suitable for Continuing Professional Development.
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