Positions higher than a bookkeeper in the accounting hierarchy include Accountants, Accounting Managers, Controllers, and Chief Financial Officers (CFO). While bookkeepers record daily transactions, higher-level roles analyze this data, manage staff, and create financial strategies. Progression often follows this path:
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Career path and progression
With experience and training, you could become an accounting technician and take on more complex work. You may decide to study for a degree and qualify as an accountant. You could also become self-employed and set up your own business.
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.
7 highest paying accounting jobs
6 Benefits of Bookkeeping for your company
Their expertise extends to tax law, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance, equipping them to handle more complex financial tasks. Accountants also earn a higher salary than bookkeepers on average ($79,880 vs. $47,440, as shown above by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
According to our salary calculator, the average annual salary for Bookkeepers working in London is £28,000 - £38,000.
Bookkeeping has no mandatory educational requirements, but many employers prefer to hire candidates with high school diplomas and some bookkeeping credits at the college level. Studying tax preparation, financial reporting, and accounting software could give you a competitive advantage over other job-seekers.
A bookkeeper's salary in the U.S. varies, but averages around $49,000 to $50,000 annually, or roughly $24/hour, with ranges from about $35,000 for entry-level to over $70,000 for experienced professionals, influenced by location, skills, and certifications. The median pay is close to $49,210 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with top earners exceeding $72,660.
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.
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
ACCA is a widely recognised and respected accountancy qualification. Founded in 1904, ACCA has a long history of providing top-quality training and education to aspiring accountants across the globe.