Introduction Employers look for individuals with solid practical skills and accredited qualifications. Choosing the right training course can set the foundation for your long-term success—whether...
Introduction
Employers look for individuals with solid practical skills and accredited qualifications. Choosing the right training course can set the foundation for your long-term success—whether you aspire to manage accounts for a corporation or offer bookkeeping services to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between the two professions, explain what their training involves, and help you determine which option aligns best with your ambitions.
What Does an Accounts Assistant Do?
An Accounts Assistant plays a key role within an organisation’s finance or accounting department. They support accountants, finance managers, and auditors in maintaining accurate records and preparing essential financial information for decision-making.
Their daily responsibilities typically include:
- Processing supplier invoices and matching them with purchase orders
- Managing expense claims and petty cash
- Preparing and reconciling bank statements
- Assisting with month-end and year-end reporting
- Helping to produce balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow summaries
- Liaising with suppliers, clients, and other departments on payment queries
This role requires excellent attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Most Accounts Assistants work in medium to large businesses, where financial processes are more complex. The position offers structure and teamwork, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy consistency and collaboration in a professional environment.
With experience and further qualifications—such as AAT, ACCA, or CIMA—Accounts Assistants can advance to roles like Assistant Accountant, Finance Officer, or even Chartered Accountant.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A Bookkeeper is the backbone of financial record-keeping for many small and medium-sized businesses. Their primary responsibility is to ensure every financial transaction is accurately recorded, categorised, and stored.
Common tasks include:
- Recording sales and purchases
- Managing supplier and customer ledgers
- Reconciling accounts and identifying discrepancies
- Producing trial balances and simple financial reports
- Preparing information for accountants to complete tax returns and audits
Unlike Accounts Assistants, bookkeepers often work independently, either as employees within small businesses or as self-employed professionals offering bookkeeping services to several clients.
Because bookkeepers are often directly responsible for the day-to-day accuracy of accounts, they need to be organised, proactive, and skilled at spotting potential issues early.
For individuals who enjoy working independently, have a strong sense of ownership, and prefer flexible working arrangements, bookkeeping can be a fulfilling and flexible career choice.
How the Roles Overlap
The functions of Accounts Assistants and Bookkeepers overlap in many ways, particularly when it comes to maintaining financial accuracy and using accounting software.
Both roles require a solid understanding of accounting principles, double-entry bookkeeping, and reconciliation. Each also plays an essential part in ensuring financial transparency and compliance with regulations like Making Tax Digital (MTD).
The main difference lies in scope and responsibility:
- A Bookkeeper focuses on recording and maintaining day-to-day transactions.
- An Accounts Assistant supports wider financial processes, including reporting, analysis, and budgeting.
In practice, bookkeepers ensure financial data is correct and current, while Accounts Assistants use that data to help prepare financial reports and support management decisions.
Comparing Accounts Assistant and Bookkeeper Training
Entry Requirements
Neither career requires a university degree, making them accessible to career changers and school leavers alike.
To start training as either an Accounts Assistant or a Bookkeeper, you’ll generally need:
- GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications)
- Basic computer literacy and numeracy skills
- A keen eye for detail and logical thinking
Some learners come from administrative or customer service backgrounds, while others may already work in finance but want to formalise their skills with professional certification.
While entry-level positions may offer on-the-job training, completing a recognised qualification—such as AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) or ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers)—significantly enhances employability.
Training with a trusted provider like PC Training ensures you’re prepared for practical, software-based, and real-world accounting scenarios from day one.
Course Content and Learning Outcomes
The content and focus of training programmes differ slightly between the two paths.
Accounts Assistant training often covers:
- The fundamentals of accounting and double-entry bookkeeping
- Financial statements and management reports
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
- Payroll, tax, and VAT processes
- Advanced Excel and accounting software training
By the end of an Accounts Assistant course, learners should understand the entire accounting cycle—from data entry through to management reporting.
Bookkeeping training typically includes:
- Recording transactions accurately in ledgers
- Reconciling bank accounts and identifying errors
- Managing supplier invoices and customer receipts
- Understanding the basics of taxation and compliance
- Producing simple trial balances and financial summaries
This makes bookkeeping training ideal for those wanting to manage financial records for small businesses or work as self-employed bookkeepers.
Duration and Flexibility of Training
Training duration varies depending on the course level and your study pace.
- Bookkeeping training: 3–6 months (shorter, practical focus)
- Accounts Assistant training: 6–12 months (broader, deeper learning)
At PC Training, both options are available online or in-person, offering flexibility to study part-time, full-time, or even evenings.
Online courses are self-paced, allowing learners to balance their studies with work or family life. Classroom-based learning, on the other hand, provides a structured schedule with live tutor interaction and peer support.
Software and Tools You’ll Learn
Modern accounting relies heavily on digital tools. Both training paths at PC Training teach industry-standard software, including:
- Sage 50 for bookkeeping and payroll management
- Xero and QuickBooks for cloud-based accounting
- Microsoft Excel for financial reports and analysis
Advanced Accounts Assistant courses may also introduce enterprise software such as SAP or Oracle, which are commonly used by larger corporations.
By mastering these systems, you’ll not only become more efficient but also highly employable in today’s digital-first finance environment.
Career Progression and Opportunities
Career Path for Accounts Assistants
An Accounts Assistant role is a gateway into the broader field of finance and accounting. With further qualifications and experience, you could progress to:
- Assistant Accountant
- Finance Officer
- Management Accountant
- Chartered Accountant
This pathway suits those seeking long-term professional development, corporate stability, and structured progression.
Accounts Assistants are employed across a range of industries—from retail and logistics to education, healthcare, and finance. The role offers stability, strong salary growth, and the chance to specialise in areas like payroll, auditing, or financial analysis.
Career Path for Bookkeepers
Bookkeeping offers an alternative path focused on independence and flexibility. Once qualified, you can:
- Work for a single business in-house
- Offer freelance services to multiple clients
- Establish your own bookkeeping practice
Many bookkeepers later move into consultancy or accounting support roles, providing financial insight to small business owners.
It’s also a career that can be done remotely, giving you the freedom to manage your workload and clients from home. This makes it especially appealing for those seeking work-life balance or self-employment opportunities.
Salary Expectations
In the UK, average salaries depend on experience, qualifications, and location:
- Bookkeepers: £24,000–£35,000 per year (or £15–£30 per hour for freelancers)
- Accounts Assistants: £25,000–£40,000 per year, with higher potential as you move up
London and larger cities typically offer higher pay, while smaller firms may offer flexibility and benefits such as remote work or reduced hours.
Both roles provide strong long-term prospects. As digital accounting continues to grow, skilled professionals in both fields are in increasing demand across the UK.
Choosing the Right Path for You
Key Factors to Consider
To decide between Accounts Assistant and Bookkeeper training, consider your long-term goals and personal working style:
- Career progression: If you want to progress within a corporate environment and aim for senior roles, Accounts Assistant training offers more opportunities.
- Flexibility: If you value independence or plan to work freelance, bookkeeping may suit your lifestyle better.
- Learning depth: Accounts Assistant training is broader and more analytical, while bookkeeping focuses on core record-keeping accuracy.
- Work environment: Do you prefer working within a team or managing your own clients?
Reflecting on these factors will help you choose the course that aligns with your ambitions.
Common Misconceptions
Let’s clear up a few myths that often cause confusion:
- “Bookkeeping is old-fashioned.” Far from it. Today’s bookkeepers use modern software and cloud-based systems to manage accounts digitally.
- “Accounts Assistants just do data entry.” Incorrect. Accounts Assistants are integral to financial reporting, analysis, and compliance.
- “You can’t move between the two roles.” You can! Many professionals start as bookkeepers and move into accounts or finance management roles as they progress.
Combining Both Skills
Many learners choose to complete both bookkeeping and accounts assistant training.
Doing so gives you:
- A complete understanding of accounting workflows—from data entry to financial analysis
- Enhanced employability for diverse roles
- The flexibility to work across both small businesses and corporate finance teams
With PC Training’s tailored course bundles, you can complete both paths efficiently and graduate with a robust, multi-skilled profile.
Why Choose PC Training for Your Accounts Assistant or Bookkeeping Course
Industry-Recognised Courses
At PC Training, we deliver industry-accredited programmes designed to help you succeed in finance, accounting, and business administration.
Our accounting and bookkeeping courses align with professional standards from AAT, ICB, Sage, and Xero, ensuring that your qualifications are respected by employers across the UK.
Whether you’re a beginner or upskilling for a promotion, our structured learning paths prepare you for real-world accounting challenges.
Flexible Online and Classroom Options
We understand that life can be busy. That’s why PC Training offers both self-paced online learning and classroom-based courses led by experienced tutors.
Our online platform gives you access to interactive lessons, digital resources, and tutor support from anywhere. Meanwhile, in-person courses provide hands-on experience, collaborative learning, and immediate feedback from instructors.
This flexibility allows you to learn in a way that suits your schedule, location, and preferred study style.
Career Support and Real-World Skills
What sets PC Training apart is our commitment to helping you turn training into tangible career success.
We offer:
- Practical experience through simulated accounting scenarios
- Career guidance and job search assistance
- CV workshops and interview preparation
- Access to a network of employers and recruiters looking for accounting talent
Our students don’t just learn theory—they graduate ready to excel in the workplace. Many of our learners go on to secure positions in finance teams, accountancy firms, or start thriving freelance bookkeeping businesses.
Recap
Whether you choose to train as an Accounts Assistant or a Bookkeeper, both paths offer rewarding, stable, and future-proof careers.
If you’re looking for structure, corporate progression, and analytical work, Accounts Assistant training could be your perfect fit.
If you prefer flexibility, client interaction, and a more independent role, Bookkeeper training may suit you better.
And if you’re still undecided—why not pursue both? At PC Training, our flexible courses allow you to combine skills and qualifications for maximum career versatility.
Take the first step towards your financial career today with PC Training’s expert-led, accredited programmes.
FAQs
Is bookkeeping harder than being an accounts assistant?
Both roles have challenges but are manageable with proper training. Bookkeeping focuses on daily data accuracy, while Accounts Assistants handle a broader range of financial duties.
Can I switch from bookkeeping to accounting later?
Yes. Many professionals start in bookkeeping and transition to accounting with AAT or ACCA qualifications.
How long does it take to qualify?
Bookkeeping courses typically take 3–6 months. Accounts Assistant training usually lasts between 6–12 months, depending on your pace.
Do both roles allow remote work?
Yes. With modern software, both bookkeepers and accounts assistants can work from home or hybrid setups with ease.
