Bookkeepers vs Accountants: What’s the Difference?

Ask for referrals from friends, colleagues or your local chamber of commerce or search online social networks like LinkedIn for bookkeepers. There are several types of accounting certifications that accountants obtain to expand their skill sets and gain positions within larger organizations. In addition to CPA credentials, other common accounting designations are chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified internal auditor (CIA).

This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. If you are proficient and comfortable using mathematics and computing figures, plus punctual, organized, and detail-oriented, it is not hard to learn how to be a bookkeeper. Of course, a background in accounting practices will help you ride out a learning curve as a new bookkeeper. In addition, you must be a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. In most cases, employers want to hire someone with a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree may help boost your earnings. Discover more free Small Business Resources at the Intuit QuickBooks Resource Centre to help grow your business in South Africa today.

Qualifications required for bookkeeping services

Previously, we’ve explained about the top accounting terms and concepts you need to know. In today’s post, we’ll explain the differences between bookkeeping and accounting. While these two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two vastly distinct functions and roles. As you’re planning your budget for the following year, your accountant will be the one who can provide analysis and suggestions to ensure your company is in the best fiscal shape to succeed. And, of course, all companies need to file taxes, which can become extremely complicated as your business grows. A trusted accountant can help guide you through that process and help handle any audits that may arise.

They can also offer insights on things like cost control by doing a detailed financial analysis. A bookkeeper can identify overspending and other inefficiencies by sorting through accounts accounting vs bookkeeping receivable. These professionals stay updated on accounting regulations and standards. They track financial performances against budgets and make improvement recommendations.

Skills Needed

A bookkeeper cannot call himself a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) unless he achieves the designation. A CPA is earned after completing specific educational and work requirements, and passing an exam. An accountant usually has a degree or certification (CPA), and is paid better than a bookkeeper. In most instances, a bookkeeper’s work is overseen by an accountant or small business owner. While one needs to be knowledgeable about a wide range of financial topics and transactions, and possess an eye for details, they aren’t formal requirements to becoming a bookkeeper. Our limited company expenses guide talks through all the different expense categories you can claim for along with key examples and how this can impact your corporation tax.

• Bookkeepers aren’t required to be certified to handle the books for their customers or employer but licensing is available.
• Bookkeepers focus more on daily responsibilities, like recording transactions, while accountants provide overarching financial advice and tax guidance.
• This can help save money and keep a small business lean, although it requires a major time commitment and meticulous attention to detail from the business owner.
• Maintaining a general ledger is one of the main components of bookkeeping.

An experienced bookkeeper can offer advice on ways to create effective financial systems so nothing falls through the cracks on a daily basis. Your bookkeeper will maintain your working ledger in a way that is accurate and easy to understand, and can alert you to red flags as they arise. Additionally, since they have a micro view into your books, they should be able to offer ideas on budgeting and spending in the short term. Some business owners learn to manage their finances on their own, while others opt to hire a professional so that they can focus on the parts of their business that they really love.

Why Every Small Business Should Hire a Bookkeeper

Find out what it’s like to be a bookkeeper and see the job roles you’ll be qualified for. If you’re considering a career in bookkeeping you’ll need to really enjoy working with numbers and have close attention to detail. Bookkeeping is said to be the basis of accounting, whereas accounting forms a part of the broader scope in finance. According to the BLS, the median salary for an accountant in 2021 was $77,250 per year or $37.14 per hour. However, their years of experience, your state and the complexity of your accounting needs affect the price. CPAs have passed the Uniform CPA Exam ― a challenging exam that tests knowledge of tax laws and standard accounting practices.

And since it takes equity, assets and liabilities — on top of expenses and income — into account, it typically gives you a more accurate financial snapshot of your business. Before you take on any small-business bookkeeping tasks, you must decide whether a single- or double-entry accounting system is a better fit. The entry system you choose impacts how you manage your finances and how your bookkeeping processes will work. More detailed definitions can be found in accounting textbooks or from an accounting professional. Accounting is the interpretation and presentation of that data to business owners and investors.

Key Differences Between Bookkeeping and Accounting

Generally, an accountant must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance to qualify for the title. Accounting is the process of recording, interpreting, analysing and reporting of financial information. Bookkeeping is the process of keeping records of the financial affairs of a business. There is also ample opportunity for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and post-secondary coursework that can help someone become a skilled bookkeeper. A skilled accountant is the person who helps you scale and plan for the next steps in your business.