Quite often when one hears the word 'bookkeeper', they automatically think 'accountant.' However, the job of a bookkeeper differs in scope in comparison to that of an accountant. There are many functions that they can perform, usually at a lower rate than that of a CPA. If you are unsure what they can do and not do, just ask a bookkeeper.
The accounting cycle consists of several steps that occur during the accounting period. This is often one month long, however, smaller companies can use longer accounting periods. The accrual method is most commonly used and is preferred by the IRS. The other option is the cash method, which does not match business transactions in the period in which they occur.
Accrual is often the most accurate method, at least on paper. It can be deceiving without the associated statements to show cash flow, owner's equity, and profit and loss. A company can actually be profitable on paper but be cash poor. If someone owns or manages a company, they need to know how to understand and interpret financial statements.
A bookkeeper often performs just the first few steps in the accounting cycle. The remainder of the steps are undertaken by the accountant. This is not necessarily true for smaller companies. Accounting software has made it fairly easy for the layman to organize transactions, create financial statements, and issue invoices or balance the bank account. However, those without some business knowledge should still leave this to the professionals.
The bookkeeper first analyzes all of the business transactions and determines what accounts they affect. They will then journalize all transactions in the general journal, or special journals, if needed. The third step is to post to the ledgers, be it the general ledger or subsidiary ledgers. If the bookkeeper works with an accountant, the accountant will often finish out the cycle, including a trial balance and financial statements. The accountant also has the job of interpreting the financial statements and conveying this information to management.
Bookkeepers can have other duties in the company. The might be responsible for reconciling the bank statement, billing customers, and paying invoices. They could keep track of the petty cash fund, make deposits, or even cut payroll checks. They may be responsible for compiling a budget based on past expenditures.
They may also run the office, and purchase supplies and equipment. They keep track of inventory and replenish items that are needed. They often may be authorized to buy computers, printers, adding machines, and other small equipment that an office could not do without.
They often have a lower educational level than that of an accountant. An Associate's degree may be required if there is not considerable business experience. They must be familiar with the accepted accounting principles and often have some knowledge of tax law, especially if they deal with payroll. They must be detail oriented and organized. A great bookkeeper can be invaluable to any company, big or small.
The accounting cycle consists of several steps that occur during the accounting period. This is often one month long, however, smaller companies can use longer accounting periods. The accrual method is most commonly used and is preferred by the IRS. The other option is the cash method, which does not match business transactions in the period in which they occur.
Accrual is often the most accurate method, at least on paper. It can be deceiving without the associated statements to show cash flow, owner's equity, and profit and loss. A company can actually be profitable on paper but be cash poor. If someone owns or manages a company, they need to know how to understand and interpret financial statements.
A bookkeeper often performs just the first few steps in the accounting cycle. The remainder of the steps are undertaken by the accountant. This is not necessarily true for smaller companies. Accounting software has made it fairly easy for the layman to organize transactions, create financial statements, and issue invoices or balance the bank account. However, those without some business knowledge should still leave this to the professionals.
The bookkeeper first analyzes all of the business transactions and determines what accounts they affect. They will then journalize all transactions in the general journal, or special journals, if needed. The third step is to post to the ledgers, be it the general ledger or subsidiary ledgers. If the bookkeeper works with an accountant, the accountant will often finish out the cycle, including a trial balance and financial statements. The accountant also has the job of interpreting the financial statements and conveying this information to management.
Bookkeepers can have other duties in the company. The might be responsible for reconciling the bank statement, billing customers, and paying invoices. They could keep track of the petty cash fund, make deposits, or even cut payroll checks. They may be responsible for compiling a budget based on past expenditures.
They may also run the office, and purchase supplies and equipment. They keep track of inventory and replenish items that are needed. They often may be authorized to buy computers, printers, adding machines, and other small equipment that an office could not do without.
They often have a lower educational level than that of an accountant. An Associate's degree may be required if there is not considerable business experience. They must be familiar with the accepted accounting principles and often have some knowledge of tax law, especially if they deal with payroll. They must be detail oriented and organized. A great bookkeeper can be invaluable to any company, big or small.
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