Venturing Into Bookkeeping? Here’s What You Can Expect From 3CATS
If you’re thinking of starting a career in bookkeeping, much like any new career, it’s bound to feel new and a bit daunting if you are unsure about what to expect. Many of our learners arrive feeling nervous and often question whether or not they have the skillset to do it. But the truth is, bookkeeping is a skill that anyone can learn with the right support, and at 3CATS we pride ourselves on providing a supportive environment with a community-focused approach to adult learning.
What Exactly is Bookkeeping?
Think of bookkeeping as the process of recording numbers and keeping financial data accurate. It’s the organised, daily part of managing finances. If you’ve ever been one to keep track of receipts and your spending, then you’ve already done part of it!
A lot of people confuse bookkeeping with accounting, but whilst they are similar, there are differences. Whereas bookkeeping is about recording the numbers, accounting is more about using those numbers strategically to help make informed business decisions.
Bookkeeping focuses on accuracy and organisation, while accounting looks at the bigger picture. Bookkeeping is actually the starting point of any career in finance, and one thing that surprises most people is that you don’t need to be “good at maths” you just need to know the basics.
It’s a great skill that can assist you if you are self-employed or if you want a career change, but it’s also really helpful for everyday life and keeping on top of your finances.
What Does a Bookkeeping Lesson Look Like?
Relaxed introductions: You’ll meet your tutor and the small group of learners joining you. Everyone has their own goals, whether that’s starting a business, a change in career, or just wanting to feel more in control of their finances. One thing you can be sure of is that the atmosphere will be friendly, relaxed, and absolutely judgement-free.
Understanding the basics: You will be introduced to everyday financial terms like income, expenses, and assets using real-life examples rather than jargon and made-up scenarios. You’ll quickly realise it’s much more practical and relatable than you may be expecting.
Simple activities: You can expect to take part in hands-on activities like going through receipts or categorising transactions, but this isn’t about piling on pressure or testing you, it’s simply a way to help build your confidence from the get-go.
Looking at bookkeeping tools: Depending on the course, you’ll be shown some of the tools bookkeepers use, whether that’s paper records or digital options. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to succeed, and we’ll be on hand throughout to answer any of your questions.
Learning in the Right Atmosphere
One of the things learners appreciate most about 3CATS is the relaxed atmosphere we pride ourselves on. Classes are small, tutors are approachable, and there’s plenty of one-to-one support available. We want you to learn at your own pace without worrying about being left behind. Questions are always encouraged at 3CATS, and we see mistakes and moments of confusion as an entirely normal part of the learning process and definitely not something to be worried about.
When you start your bookkeeping journey with us, you don’t need to have any prior knowledge at all, all you need is basic maths like addition and subtraction. No complex calculations in sight! You won’t ever be put on the spot or asked to present anything, and there will certainly never be any judgement. It doesn’t matter how much or how little experience you have, we are all in it for the same result, and as the saying goes, everyone has to start somewhere.
Skills You Will Develop Immediately
Right from the first session, you’ll begin to understand everyday financial terms and how they fit together. You’ll discover easy ways to organise information, making tasks feel simpler and more manageable. In addition to this, by working through real-life scenarios, you’ll start developing critical thinking skills, helping you feel more confident and in control of both personal and business finances.
What Do You Need to Bring?
At 3CATS we want to make your learning as simple and as accessible as possible which is why we provide you with a notebook, pen, and a laptop while you’re with us. All we ask you to bring is curiosity and a willingness to learn. Don’t worry about software or textbooks either as these are all provided.
What to Expect Throughout Your Course
As the weeks go by, you’ll build on each skill gradually. Your confidence grows, your understanding deepens, and everything starts to feel more natural. We have follow-up support, extra resources, and optional practice activities if you want them. We don’t expect anyone to master everything in the first class, instead we want your progress to build gradually, and week by week you will expand your knowledge at a pace that suits you.
You’re More Capable Than You Believe
If you’re thinking about starting your first bookkeeping course, just remember that anyone starting out in a new career has to start with the basics; nobody enters unfamiliar territory with superior knowledge and understanding. At 3CATS we know that adult learners thrive when supported properly, and that is always our number one goal. When you start your journey with us you can expect a supportive environment, friendly teaching methods, and learning goals that are genuinely achievable.
You can find out more about the Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping here and you’re always welcome to get in touch with any questions you may have.
