You could take a college course while looking for work. These are widely available and include:

• bookkeeping
• accounting
• computerised accounting for business

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a financial company, such as:

• Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Payroll Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Assistant Accountant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could start as an admin assistant with a company, for example on a part-time or temporary contract in an accounts or payroll department. You could then take a relevant qualification to become a bookkeeper.

You can apply for jobs directly. Some employers may ask for up to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths and English. An A level in business studies, maths, economics or equivalent qualifications can also be useful.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge
• administration skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a bookkeeper, you could:

• process purchasing and sales invoices
• make sure bank statements match income and payment records
• prepare VAT returns
• check that accounts are accurate and up to date
• prepare wages and manage claims for expenses
• help to prepare annual accounts
• use computerised accounting systems
• handle commercially sensitive and valuable information

You could work in an office.