accounting bookkeeper

Great! Let’s break down the role of a bookkeeper in accounting — perfect if you're new to it, hiring one, or thinking of becoming one.

📘 What is a Bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper is responsible for the daily recording of financial transactions of a business. They ensure the books (financial records) are accurate, up to date, and organized for review by accountants or business owners.

Think of bookkeeping as the foundation of the accounting process.

🧾 Key Responsibilities of a Bookkeeper
✅ 1. Recording Transactions

Sales and revenue

Purchases and expenses

Payments (in and out)

Bank and credit card activity

✅ 2. Managing Accounts

Accounts Receivable (A/R): Money owed to the business

Accounts Payable (A/P): Money the business owes

✅ 3. Bank Reconciliation

Matching business records with bank statements to catch errors or fraud

✅ 4. Payroll Support

Recording employee payments

Ensuring correct taxes and deductions (may also process payroll, depending on the role)

✅ 5. Generating Reports

Trial balance

Aged receivables/payables

Monthly income/expense summaries

✅ 6. Using Bookkeeping Software

QuickBooks

Xero

Sage

Zoho Books

Excel (for small businesses or basic tasks)

🗂️ Bookkeeping vs. Accounting
Task Bookkeeper Accountant
Record day-to-day entries ✅ Yes ❌ Usually not
Prepare financial reports ✅ Basic reports ✅ Full financial statements
Handle tax filings ❌ Usually not ✅ Yes (CPA or tax professional)
Advise on financial strategy ❌ No ✅ Yes
Software use ✅ QuickBooks, Xero, Excel ✅ Same tools + advanced tools

They work together, but accountants usually rely on bookkeepers to keep data clean and updated.

📂 Example of a Bookkeeping Entry

Business buys office supplies for $200 in cash

Account Debit Credit
Office Supplies $200
Cash $200

This is recorded in the journal and later posted to the ledger.

👩‍💻 Qualifications of a Bookkeeper

No formal degree required (unlike accountants)

Common credentials:

Certified Bookkeeper (CB) – from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)

QuickBooks Certification

Local certifications depending on country (e.g., ICB in UK)

🔧 Tools Bookkeepers Often Use
Tool Purpose
QuickBooks Full-featured small business accounting
Xero Cloud-based accounting platform
Excel Spreadsheets, small business books
Wave Free online accounting tool
Google Sheets Collaboration for small businesses
📌 Summary
Bookkeeping Essentials Description
Main Goal Keep accurate day-to-day records
Frequency Daily/Weekly/Monthly
Reports Produced Basic summaries and ledgers
Works With Accountants, business owners, tax pros
Tools Used QuickBooks, Xero, Excel, etc.