Best Bookkeeping Services in Oakland

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Hiring a bookkeeper can free up your time so you can focus on running your business. However, handing off this type of duty can feel like handing off private company information to an outsider. So, to counter that feeling, choose a bookkeeper who is experienced and reputable. When you’re considering handing off bookkeeping duties, it can build trust if you know you’re dealing with a professional.
  

  
  

  Bookkeepers typically have specialized record keeping and accounting knowledge. Entering transactions in the correct ledger column and preserving records to be able to access later are two important bookkeeping functions. The knowledge about how to manage numeric data properly guides a bookkeeper when processing and filing information for your small business. Some bookkeepers offer additional accounting-related and HR-related services beyond basic bookkeeping.

• What is bookkeeping?

  Bookkeeping is the technique that’s used to record every financial transaction a business makes. Bookkeepers typically use either paper ledgers or bookkeeping software to record every penny a business spends and receives. Funds going into or out of all major and minor accounts are recorded, but analytical reports aren’t generally created as part of the bookkeeping process.

• What does a bookkeeper do?

  Without taking over accounting functions, bookkeepers do the basic management tasks for a firm’s accounting ledgers. Transactions, which are also referred to as journal entries, are recorded by the bookkeeper. Bookkeepers also generate financial statements for businesses, typically by printing out a spreadsheet or series of spreadsheets.

• What is the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?

  Bookkeeping is a basic accounting function, but it isn’t as in-depth and all-encompassing. Bookkeeping forms the basis for accounting processes, and it’s based on performing clerical duties. Accounting is more in-depth and analytical. Bookkeepers accurately record financial data, and accountants use the recorded data to summarize and evaluate the company’s transactions.

• Can bookkeepers do tax returns?

  Bookkeepers do not typically do tax returns. However, bookkeepers do perform some tax-related functions such as processing 1099s and some basic tax records for employees. Additionally, bookkeepers make tax preparation easier for others by organizing and accurately maintaining the financial records that are used by tax accountants when preparing taxes.

• Do bookkeepers do payroll?

  Some bookkeepers perform payroll functions for employers, but it isn’t a standard part of the job for most bookkeepers. Payroll tasks typically fall under the set of tasks that a human resources department handles. Bookkeeping agencies sometimes offer packages that include managing payroll and tax forms for businesses.

• What is a full charge bookkeeper?

  Small businesses sometimes hire a full charge bookkeeper to take responsibility for all the company’s accounting processes. In addition to reconciling ledgers and banking statements, these bookkeepers answer phones, collect money, and pay debts on behalf of companies. Full-charge bookkeepers also manage payroll duties and some types of tax preparation and remittance.