Course Details

The role of the bookkeeper has evolved dramatically over recent years, moving far beyond traditional data entry and reconciliations. Advances in cloud accounting, automation and artificial intelligence are creating exciting new opportunities for bookkeepers to expand their services, develop specialisms and work in ways that suit them and their clients.


However, there is often a message within the profession that the natural next step for every bookkeeper is to move into advisory services. But is that really the only direction?


This session challenges that thinking and explores the many different opportunities available to today's bookkeepers. We will look at how technology is changing the profession, the growing variety of services bookkeepers can provide and how these developments are giving practitioners greater freedom to choose their clients, services and business models.


Delegates will leave with fresh ideas, practical inspiration and the confidence to embrace the future of bookkeeping without feeling pressured to follow a particular career path.


In this session Natasha Everard will cover the following topics:

  1. The Evolution of Bookkeeping: From Data Entry to So Much More

Exploring how the bookkeeper's role has changed, the influence of cloud accounting and digital technology, and why traditional perceptions of bookkeeping no longer reflect the variety of work being undertaken.

  1. Advisory Services: An Opportunity, Not an Obligation

Challenging the assumption that every bookkeeper needs to become an adviser. Understanding why advisory is only one of many possible directions and recognising the continued importance and value of high quality bookkeeping.

  1. Technology and AI: Creating Opportunities Rather Than Replacing Bookkeepers

Looking at how automation, artificial intelligence and connected software are transforming everyday tasks, creating efficiencies and opening opportunities for bookkeepers to develop new skills and services.

  1. Expanding Your Opportunities: Services, Specialisms and Clients

Exploring the variety of services bookkeepers can offer, including software implementation, systems support, process improvement, ecommerce bookkeeping, payroll and other specialist areas. Considering how practitioners can identify opportunities that suit their skills, interests and preferred clients.

  1. Your Business, Your Choices: Building a Practice That Works for You

Understanding how the evolving profession gives bookkeepers greater flexibility to decide how they operate, who they work with and what services they provide. Exploring the importance of boundaries, confidence and building a sustainable practice around individual goals rather than industry expectations.


By attending this session, delegates will:

  • Understand how the bookkeeping profession has evolved and why its future extends beyond traditional bookkeeping and advisory services.
  • Recognise the opportunities created by developments in technology, automation and AI.
  • Identify alternative services, specialisms and areas of expertise that could add value to their practice and clients.
  • Appreciate that moving into advisory services is a choice rather than an essential step in professional development.
  • Feel more confident about making decisions regarding their services, clients, technology and business model.
  • Leave with practical ideas for developing their practice in a direction that reflects their own strengths, ambitions and preferred way of working.


This session will be of most interest to:

  • Self employed bookkeepers and bookkeeping practice owners.
  • Bookkeepers considering how to develop or diversify their services.
  • Accountants and accounting practice owners interested in the changing role of bookkeeping within their businesses.
  • Bookkeepers looking to make better use of technology and AI.
  • Those considering starting their own bookkeeping practice.
  • Experienced practitioners who want to explore new opportunities without necessarily moving into advisory services.


The session will be particularly valuable to practitioners who want to embrace changes within the profession while retaining control over how they run their businesses.


Course level: Intermediate


This session is suitable for practitioners with an existing understanding of bookkeeping and accounting processes who want to explore how the profession is changing and what opportunities may be available.


It is not an advanced technical session. Instead, it focuses on professional development, business strategy, emerging technology and the practical evolution of bookkeeping services.

CPD Course Speaker

Bewitching Bookkeeping Services

Natasha Everard

Natasha is a passionate bookkeeper with a deep love for helping others. Her journey in this field began when started a modern apprenticeship right back in 1997. Since then, she's been on a mission to learn, evolve and to help others. She believes in supporting others and these principles guide every aspect of her work. She's a firm advocate for always helping others and strives to make a positive impact in the bookkeeping community and beyond.