Bookkeeper Responsibilities List

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Whether it’s issuing invoices, logging expenses and reconciling bank statements, or identifying errors, bookkeepers play a critical role in the success of any business. Many business owners start out either without an experienced bookkeeper (DIY accounting) or with a bookkeeper who has little to no experience. However, a bookkeeper should be managing a long list of daily and ongoing responsibilities. Whether you are considering hiring a bookkeeper or looking for information on what to look for in a bookkeeper, we’ve got you covered.

Bookkeeper Responsibilities List

Bookkeepers have daily responsibilities, as well as ongoing reporting that is critical to the business. If you’re looking to hire a bookkeeper for your business, here are the responsibilities you can expect them to take over:

  • Recording day-to-day transactions
  • Updating and maintaining the ledger
  • Processing accounts receivable and accounts payable
  • Reconciling bank statements, credit card statements, etc.
  • Maintain data and records
  • Generating reports and financial statements
  • Invoice creation
  • Payroll
  • Account setup and maintenance
  • Posting and verifying transactions
  • Outlining policies, procedures, and practices
  • Creating and maintaining a chart of accounts
  • Collecting, analyzing, and summarizing accounting information for any reports
  • Monitoring for unexpected changes in budgeting and suspicious transactions
  • Assisting with compliance
  • Notifying management about any errors or causes for concern
  • Calculate interest charges
  • Maintaining receipts and data in accordance with IRS regulations

Of course, this is a broad overview. Your business will have other particular needs that must be addressed by your bookkeeper. In an ideal scenario, you’ll work with a bookkeeper who can tailor their services to not only your needs, but the overall goals of your business.

Additional Tasks

In addition to core responsibilities, your bookkeeper will also need to manage these additional tasks:

  • Communication and emails
  • Inventory management
  • Budgeting and allocation; adjustments
  • Preparing data and forms for tax season
  • Issuing W2’s, 1099s, etc.
  • Maintaining software and security updates
  • Revenue and expense reporting and management
  • Petty cash distribution
  • Entry adjustments and corrections

There may be other responsibilities required as well. For example, during tax season, your bookkeeper will need to provide your CPA with necessary documents in a timely manner to ensure you file on time (of course, most bookkeeping firms have in-house CPAs who manage taxes, which will make this process more efficient and require less effort from you, the business owner). Additionally, if entity structure is changed, your bookkeeper may need to update payroll distribution, bank accounts and more.

Skills and Software Knowledge

It’s no secret that the best bookkeeper is a CPA. Certified Public Accountants maintain a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance, have been certified through rigorous testing, and monitor ongoing changes to regulations and rules.

Below are the skills and software knowledge you can expect from a skilled bookkeeper:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or finance
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – verifiable with licensing body
  • Strong understanding of business, finance, and tax code
  • Competency with bookkeeping software like Quickbooks, Xero, Freshbooks, etc.
  • Competency with payroll software (i.e. ADP, Intuit, Surepayroll, etc.)
  • Expertise in your field of business.

Whenever possible, be sure to hire a bookkeeper that has expertise in your field of business. Ideally, they will have other clients within your industry and can offer valuable insight from experience with other business owners. As an example, our bookkeepers have a range of experience, from intimate knowledge of cross-border business and tax processes to developing an ideal entity structure for real estate, construction, and property management (among other specialties).

In addition to the above experience, it’s also critical that your bookkeeper exhibits:

  • Trustworthiness
  • A critical understanding of numbers, finance, and how banking systems work
  • A strong understanding of bookkeeping terminology and practices
  • Greater expertise within accounting than your core team has
  • Excellent customer service

It’s important to remember that hiring a new bookkeeper can mean adjustments to processes, strategies, and the accounting ecosystem. This is typical, as many business owners in early stages will work with less experienced bookkeepers, forego a consultation with a CPA, and in some cases even attempt to manage bookkeeping themselves.

Typical Qualifications

While there is a range of qualifications for bookkeepers—some are seasoned CPAs with degrees in accounting and significant experience, while others may have an associate’s degree and only work in-house—what’s important is identifying the qualifications that matter to your business.

Typically, the best bookkeepers have the following qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree in accounting (and finance)
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Association Memberships (state and federal accounting associations)
  • Industry expertise
  • Excellent customer service and top-tier Google reviews
  • Years of experience

If you need an expert who you know will manage your books appropriately, alert you of any risks, and handle payroll and tax firms, a CPA firm with a team of bookkeepers is an important thing to look for.

If you’re looking for someone who can step in and clean up your books and advise you for moving forward, an accounting consultant may be better suited.

Next Steps You Can Take

If you are in need of a bookkeeper for your business, there are a few next steps you can take.

First, ask yourself if you want to manage this person as a direct report, or would rather work with someone who can be the expert advising you along the way (most business owners will look for the latter).

Second, determine which tasks are critical for this person to take on, and what additional needs you may have in the foreseeable future. It’s also a good idea to note down any errors, ongoing issues, or complications you might have in your current accounting ecosystem.

Third, begin the search. Finding a qualified bookkeeper within your budget that is capable of handling your tasks can be difficult. Remember that bookkeeping is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and that there is a range of pricing determined by associated tasks, expertise, size of the team, customer service, and demand. If you are ready to get started, you can view our services here: Akif CPA Services, and please don’t hesitate to contact us to get started.

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AKIF CPA
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Annie Phillips
Annie Phillips
12:35 10 Oct 21
Turn around time was amazing on the project I needed done. When you don’t understand all the different forms communication is key and you will get that here. They are there to explain what and why you need it.
Meru Kapadia
Meru Kapadia
23:33 01 Oct 21
I usually don't write reviews much as everyone has different experiences, but definitely wanted to share the positive experience I have had here and why I would recommend them to all my family, friends and co-workers.I got a referral for here from a friend, so thought of giving them a try over my old CPA firm. I have been going here for a couple years now and have to say they are top notch. They are always responsive and willing to work with me even when I am delayed. I generally like to ask a lot of questions and not once did I feel like they were annoyed by it and would very thoroughly and positively answer all my concerns with detail explanations. Even during the pandemic, they worked with me 100% virtual and it was seamless. Overall, I am very happy with this firm and will continue with them for the foreseeable future.
Kevan Shah
Kevan Shah
21:45 01 Oct 21
I’ve been going to them for 3 years now for multiple of my businesses. I changed to them after I had problems with my previous CPA firm and I’m so glad I did! Best decision I ever made for my businesses. They have saved me thousands of dollars over the years as well as deal with my immensely complicated tax filling issues. No matter when I call, they always help answer all my questions (and trust me I have a lot) and put my mind at ease on all my concerns. I feel as if I am family the way they take care of me. The quality of their work has not changed; very consistent and professional. It is an understatement when I say I highly recommend them.
Maunil Shah
Maunil Shah
16:19 01 Oct 21
AKIF CPA is the best place for your tax needs! Saim has been easily available for my all my questions and concerns. Couldn’t ask for a better firm that provides excellent service and a familiarity with their clients. I always recommend family and friends to AKIF CPA!!
Shah Hussain
Shah Hussain
03:58 01 Oct 21
Hello AKIF CPA,I wanted to share my experience with you, your team and whomever may be reading this message. My most humble thanks to you and your team for a being such great part of my success.You have done a fabulous job for us this year, and since you took over our books (during our most devastating times) you have literally taken weight off of our shoulders.Thanks for bringing everything up to date and also providing us with numbers or as you call it consultations, ahead of time so we could seal the holes.Great work!!!Shah H.
Sumit Dalwadi
Sumit Dalwadi
04:57 30 Sep 21
The professionals at Akif have been absolutely amazing! Quick to answer all the questions I had and always available to offer their guidance.
Calvin R
Calvin R
20:21 29 Sep 21
I recommend these guys! I will be going back next year. They made everything simple and we understood what was happening. There we issues with our taxes due to our previous accountant and these guys fixed everything. They answered our questions and service was always with a smile.
Ammoria Daniels
Ammoria Daniels
02:11 16 Sep 21
We contacted Akif with an urgent matter regarding corporate taxes. Akif immediately understood what was needed and within days had everything ready to sign. The level of service we received was amazing and unmatched. Waqar expertise in trucking industry made our situation seamless. His communication was outstanding; I heard from him daily and could have been completed sooner if I was as fast as he was 😃 Highly recommended!
Joe Paneitz
Joe Paneitz
18:30 18 Aug 21
What an absolute pleasure to work with this CPA firm. My business is already seeing such a positive impact and growth. I cannot believe I didn't connect with them sooner. This firm is helping in so many ways! 5 stars is an understatement! Thank you so much for your help AKIF CPA
Helptest ARCpoint Labs
Helptest ARCpoint Labs
15:02 18 Aug 21
The firm is quick, responsive, and has the latest technological software. Thus far, I have been with them for 3+ years and will continue to work with them even after relocating. They make it easy even when I'm miles away. Would highly recommend them.
Luz Tipaz
Luz Tipaz
16:06 13 Jul 21
Saim and his team are the best CPAs in town. I have been their client for years. All started when I needed help with company structure with multiple companies and then accounting and Taxes. I have been very happy ever since. Thank you AKIF CPA.
Maria perez
Maria perez
18:31 08 Jun 21
Me and my husband have been getting all of our personal Taxes, business Taxes, monthly bookkeeping, accounting and payroll done with AKIF CPA. Recently, we had more stuff come up and had detailed analysis done on capital gains, single family rentals (SFR) and business disposition. You will only know how great this CPA company is until you have worked with them and given them a chance. Words can’t describe our experience. AKIF CPA gets the job done every time - very reliable, professional and affordable.
Afnaan Amin
Afnaan Amin
22:14 02 Jun 21
Very good experience, we had unique situation in regards to cross border income as Canadians currently residing in the US. Income on both sides of the border through completely different channels. Everything was very easy and completed timely, I also had lots of random questions and Mohammad provided top notch service along the way and even after we finished our taxes!! Highly recommended.
Ryan Paton
Ryan Paton
10:56 08 May 21
I moved to the USA from Canada late 2018 as part of a promotion/relocation for work. For my 2019 returns, I used an accounting firm recommended by the local Canadian social club in my city, which was a terrible experience. They were slow to respond to inquiries and would follow up in piecemeal requests which dragged out my return process over several months, often asking for information I had already provided.For the price I paid, I vowed to find better service. I found Mohammad online and decided to reach out. Mohammad was extremely responsive, took care of my US and Canadian returns as well as my wife's business returns in a timely manner. Overall, it was a very positive experience and I would recommend him to another in my situation.
Tuan Vo
Tuan Vo
01:59 20 Apr 21
I relocated to Texas from Alberta, Canada and needed a CPA to help me with my cross-border taxes as I was not happy with the CPA that I used previously. During my interviewing process to find another CPA, I had good feedback from Mohammad as he was able to answer my questions regarding my unique tax situation with expertise, and importantly to me, in a timely manner. I decided to use his services for the current tax year and I have nothing but compliments for the work Mohammad provided. If you are in need of a professional cross-border CPA, I highly recommend reaching out to Mohammad Akif.
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