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 has several specific steps that are undertaken by bookkeepers and accountants during the accounting period. This is usually a month, but can be longer in some companies. The IRS prefers that companies use the accrual method, but cash and hybrid methods are also acceptable. The cash method usually violates the rule of matching, which is one of the generally accepted accounting principles. In order to change you accounting method, you must put in writing the reasons behind the change and submit it to the IRS.
The accrual method uses double-entries to record transactions. This is by far the most difficult concept to learn in this field, other than debits and credits! The accrual method can also show a profit on paper when a company is cash poor, so one should look at the financial statements as a whole to get an accurate picture of the company's fiscal fitness.
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.
The person who keeps the books might also have other duties, such as managing the office. They could also reconcile banking statements, send invoices to customers, and pay bills. They might keep the petty cash fund, make deposits or even do the payroll. They also may be responsible for drawing up a budget or giving their advice on how money should be spent.
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.
Often bookkeepers have a lower level of education than a CPA or accountant, they can also get hired just based on business acumen or experience. They must be familiar with GAAP, which stands for generally accepted accounting principles. They must be very organized and pay close attention to details. A good bookkeeper equals a good business.
The accounting cycle has several specific steps that are undertaken by bookkeepers and accountants during the accounting period. This is usually a month, but can be longer in some companies. The IRS prefers that companies use the accrual method, but cash and hybrid methods are also acceptable. The cash method usually violates the rule of matching, which is one of the generally accepted accounting principles. In order to change you accounting method, you must put in writing the reasons behind the change and submit it to the IRS.
The accrual method uses double-entries to record transactions. This is by far the most difficult concept to learn in this field, other than debits and credits! The accrual method can also show a profit on paper when a company is cash poor, so one should look at the financial statements as a whole to get an accurate picture of the company's fiscal fitness.
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.
The person who keeps the books might also have other duties, such as managing the office. They could also reconcile banking statements, send invoices to customers, and pay bills. They might keep the petty cash fund, make deposits or even do the payroll. They also may be responsible for drawing up a budget or giving their advice on how money should be spent.
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.
Often bookkeepers have a lower level of education than a CPA or accountant, they can also get hired just based on business acumen or experience. They must be familiar with GAAP, which stands for generally accepted accounting principles. They must be very organized and pay close attention to details. A good bookkeeper equals a good business.
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