Positions higher than a bookkeeper in the accounting hierarchy include accountants, senior accountants, accounting managers, controllers, and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). While bookkeepers record daily transactions, higher-level roles analyze this data for strategy, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
Accountants typically oversee the bookkeeper and may perform billing, make general ledger entries, review accounts payable activity and reconcile payroll. A mid-level position in the accounting department, accountants report to accounting managers, company controllers or financial directors.
Other words for bookkeeper include treasurer, bursar, cash-keeper, purser, financier, financial officer, etc.
What is the highest position in accounting? The chief financial officer (CFO) is typically the highest position, overseeing all financial operations of a company.
After gaining experience as a bookkeeper, the next logical step is often to become an Accountant. Accountants analyze, interpret, and report financial data. They play a crucial role in tax planning, auditing, and financial forecasting.
The hierarchy of accounting positions begins with the chief financial officer (CFO) at the top and progresses down through vice president of finance, controller, accounting manager and assistant controller, senior accountant, accountant, staff accountant and accounting clerk, to payroll and bookkeeper.
Apprenticeship overview
BPP's Level 7 Accounting Apprenticeships help you become technically qualified by passing professional exams, whilst developing the complementary skills and behaviours to succeed in your career.
Given the complexity of the industry, you will see many job titles in this field. Assistant, junior, bookkeeper, senior, accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk, payroll clerk, ledger specialist, accounting technician, and manager.
The main distinction between these two kinds of certification is the name of the title the bookkeeper gets. Professionals with the AIPB credential are certified bookkeepers (CB), while NACPB credential holders are certified public bookkeepers (CPB).
Catchy bookkeeping business names
When naming your accounting business, think about the vibe you're going for: professional, modern or friendly. You can then pair it with words that build trust and suggest accuracy like “Ledger” “Balance” or “Numbers.” Some examples are TrustLedger, Numera or Precision Accounts.
But it's true—it's absolutely possible to give yourself a six-figure salary with a bookkeeping business.
In many small businesses, bookkeepers report directly to the owner. While business owners may understand their business and finances, they are not typically trained to manage a full-cycle accounting function, leaving room for costly errors.
The following are the primary bookkeeping challenges in detail,
The highest level of all apprenticeships, Level 7 apprenticeships are equivalent to a master's degree! These courses are tailored for individuals aspiring to achieve top-tier professional and academic qualifications while working and earning a salary. Entry requirements: At least a Level 4 qualification.
A chartered accountant qualification from ICAS is one of the most prestigious accountancy qualifications. More than 80% of FTSE 100 organisations employ ICAS chartered accountants.
Some common examples of account titles include:
The five main types of accounting include cost accounting, financial accounting, forensic accounting, management accounting and tax accounting.
Fast-forward a few years, and Erica now runs an accounting practice making over $200,000 yearly—on less than 15 hours of work per week.
How Much Income Do You Need to Be in the Top 20%? The real median household income in the U.S. was around $83,730 in 2024, according to the Census Bureau data published in September 2025. In order to be in the top 20% of income, you'd need to earn double that amount: 175,700 per year.