Consider the following at-a-glance comparison of bookkeeper and accountant roles to decide what your business needs:
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Bookkeeper
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Accountant
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Primary functions
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- Enters financial data into books daily
- Maintains ledgers
- Categorizes transactions
- Ensures accuracy of financial data entry
- Reconciles accounts
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- Conducts financial analyses and reviews
- Assists in budgeting
- Conducts financial forecasting
- Analyzes books
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Potential additional duties
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- Payroll processing
- Accounts receivable management
- Accounts payable management
- Banking duties
- Invoicing
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- Performs audits
- Makes recommendations to management
- Creates compliant financial statements
- Develops tax strategies
- Prepares federal, state and local tax returns
- Ensures regulatory compliance
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Interaction with other departments and offices
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- Submits financial data to the accountant
- Often coordinates with other departments
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- Works with the bookkeeper to ensure all tasks are completed
- Advises management on financial strategy
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Career requirements
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- Low career-entry barriers for individuals with organization and math skills
- Certifications are available but often not required
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- Higher investment in education required
- Professional certification, such as certified public accountant, often required
- Extensive experience is a plus
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