So, some bookkeepers complete associate or bachelor's degrees in accounting or business. Other bookkeepers finish their high school diplomas and then seek on-the-job training. To prove they possess certain skills, they may also complete one or both professional bookkeeping certificates available.

The most common route for someone new to accountancy is to study the AAT Professional qualification. This gives you a solid overview of accounting principles, with modules dedicated to bookkeeping and preparing accounts. AAT also has a shorter bookkeeping qualification which focuses on the core bookkeeping modules.