The difference between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant
The difference between a Bookkeeper & an Accountant, and what they can do for your financials.
THE BOOKKEEPER'S ROLE
You see a bookkeeper keeps or manages the company books. Here in Canada bookkeeper's don't require any official certificates. With that being said, a certificate in accounting software, eg, QuickBooks or Sage, is a plus. To become an expert in the bookkeeping field, one needs to be meticulous to detail, a stickler for accuracy and sound knowledge of key financial aspects.
Here is an example list of a Bookkeeper's tasks:
Financial recordkeeping
Processes payroll
Balances the general ledge
Sends invoices and records payments
Conducts bank reconciliations
Prepares & generates monthly statements
Prepares accounting books
Tracks income, expenses & transactions
Sustains and balances accounts
Posts debits and credits
THE ACCOUNTANT'S ROLE
An accountant's role is to account for, or explain what is in the financials, and inform the client of all tax related compliance. The title of accountant is generally a bachelor's degree and for those who don't have an accounting degree, professional Certifications are an equivalent substitute.
Here is an example list of an Accountant's tasks:
Files income tax returns
Financial forecasting
Performs audits
Tax planning & advisory
Initiates financial statements & reports
Analyzes cost of operations
Advises business owners in financials
Files personal & corporate tax returns
Reviews statements & account balances
Analyzes overall financial health
THE BOOKKEEPER & ACCOUNTANT AS A TEAM
These two roles work in tandem with one another, while managing and using financial data. Without well-organized books from the bookkeeper, you accountants will be unable to produce analytical evaluations and interpretations.
A bookkeeper will look to their accountant to provide a clear idea of information to be entered and a designed structure for efficient record keeping.
ABOUT US
Here at Ask-Her Tax™ + Bookkeeping Inc., our bookkeepers are highly skilled professionals, collaborating with our accountants, and while working as a team, we are able to do the accounting for you. Providing your business with a thorough set of financial skills and services, while keeping you audit ready.
We do hope you found this small post helpful and if there is anything you would like us to clarify, or would like some help with your Bookkeeping & Accounting needs, just Ask-Her!
Thank you; Miigwetch,
President / CEO
Shelilia Vivier