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FAQs

• 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.

• What is a virtual bookkeeper?

  A virtual bookkeeper works remotely to perform standard bookkeeping functions. Tasks like ledger entries can be managed from an offsite location via web-connected computers. Businesses sometimes choose virtual bookkeepers rather than hiring one to work on site. This can be a cost-cutting option or a way to save time for business owners.

• What can a bookkeeper not do?

  While some bookkeepers may offer advanced accounting functions, bookkeepers normally do not handle tax preparation and managerial accounting processes. Accountants undergo advanced training to be able to harvest technical information from business records. Bookkeepers typically don’t. This information processing can include running ratios and performing advanced mathematical problems that are not a standard part of bookkeeping.

• What does a bookkeeper do for a small business?

  Bookkeepers record transactions, generate reports, and handle basic accounting functions for small businesses. The information managed by a bookkeeper can help a business owner track profitability and effectively manage cash flow. By performing the basic accounting processes, a bookkeeper frees up the small-business owner to handle other business management tasks.

• How much do bookkeepers charge?

  Bookkeepers charge an average hourly rate of $20. Both in-house bookkeepers and virtual bookkeepers may charge slightly more or less per hour, with an average range from $18 to $24. Bookkeeping agencies are more likely to charge businesses on a monthly basis, which can be more cost effective for some small businesses.

• Is bookkeeping hard?

  Bookkeeping is not hard for people who are good at paying attention to details and who have been properly trained in basic accounting processes. It’s a job that requires accuracy and a great deal of focus to be performed properly. Additionally, a bookkeeper must know the difference between accounts receivable and accounts payable to do the job.

• Is bookkeeping a dying profession?

  Bookkeeping isn’t a dying profession. It’s one of the core functions of all accounting processes. Bookkeepers do, however, need to adapt to new accounting software programs to stay relevant and effective. The bookkeepers who develop solid technological skills and stay on top of technological advances in the industry can typically expect to remain in demand.

• What is double entry bookkeeping?

  Double entry bookkeeping is a type of accounting that uses two columns to account for every penny a business spends or earns. One column is the debit column, and it is used to record every penny a business earns. The other column is the credit column, and it’s used to record every penny spent.

• How to become a bookkeeper?

  To become a bookkeeper, earn your high school diploma and then enter a bookkeeping training program. These programs can be found over the internet or in brick-and-mortar settings. Some colleges offer bookkeeper or accounting clerk certifications. Some accounting software providers also offer training courses to help potential bookkeepers use the offered software.

• How to become a certified bookkeeper?

  Bookkeeping certification can be earned by taking and passing a certification course. There are also some organizations that test candidates for bookkeeping skills, such as the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Bookkeepers Association. This certification differs from the advanced certification an accountant must earn, which is referred to as a CPA.

• How much do bookkeepers make?

  Bookkeepers make an average annual salary of $42,410 or $20.29 per hour based on a full-time work schedule. The low end of the pay scale for bookkeepers is $27,050 per year, and the ones earning the most can earn as much as $63,900 per year.

• What skills should a bookkeeper have?

  Bookkeepers should have strong math and critical thinking skills. They should also be good at paying close attention to details. A minimum of basic accounting skills is also critical for success as a bookkeeper. Additionally, it helps to understand double-entry accounting and to have a working knowledge of computers and accounting software programs.

• Do bookkeepers need insurance?

  Bookkeeping agencies and bookkeepers who work as independent contractors should have professional liability insurance. This type of insurance protects a bookkeeper from the type of risks that aren’t covered by general commercial liability policies. These risks include lawsuits over any type of loss a client incurs over bookkeeping errors.