What does a Bookkeeper do?

For Small Business owners, keeping up with the books, making sure the finances are complete and accurate isn’t the most glamorous part of building a company, but you can’t have a solid business without them. It’s about more than just spreadsheets and software — sound bookkeeping is the foundation that helps you make intelligent business decisions. Business Owners don’t always have the time or the expertise to do their own bookkeeping. The right bookkeeper and/or bookkeeping software can save you valuable time and hassle.

Simply put, a bookkeeper is someone who manages and records all the financial goings-on of your business. They track financial transactions and ensure your accounts and records are accurate and complete.

The Benefits of Working with a Bookkeeper

Working with a professional bookkeeper offers many benefits for your business:

1. Clear, accurate, and comprehensive financial records.
2. A plain English translation of those records to help you better understand your financials and what they mean for your business.
3. Less time spent on catching up on the books, and more time building your business.
4. Clear management of accounts payable and accounts receivable — so your cash flow is balanced and moving.

Can I Keep My Own Books?

A lot of Small Business Owners start off by trying to keep up their own books. And, if you’re financially minded and have a lot of free time on your hands, then yes, you probably can keep your own books. But let’s be real — your time and brain power are better spent growing your business.

If you’re using QuickBooks or other accounting software to send invoices, record transactions, and pay employees and contractors, you might wonder if you need a bookkeeper at all.

I Use Accounting Software — Do I Need a Bookkeeper Too?

If you’re using QuickBooks or other accounting software to send invoices, record transactions, and pay employees and contractors, you might wonder if you need a bookkeeper at all.

Here’s the thing: Accounting software captures information, but it doesn’t help you make sense of it. And even the best software can’t capture everything. QuickBooks entries often need to be categorized and amended by hand.

That’s one of the most valuable benefits of working with a bookkeeper. They keep your financial data in order so an accountant can make accurate strategic decisions.