Definition of Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper’s role at a company varies by the size and nature of the business. At a very small company without an accountant, the bookkeeper’s duties are likely to be extensive. At a minimum, the bookkeeper is responsible for processing the paperwork for a company’s transactions and getting the information quickly and accurately recorded in the company’s general ledger accounts. Today, this is done best through the use of cost effective software such as QuickBooks from Intuit.
A bookkeeper’s work is often reviewed by an accountant and/or the small business owner.
The qualifications of a bookkeeper include business sense, attention to detail, speed, accuracy, ability to adapt to changes in technology, understanding of debits and credits, and a general understanding of financial statements.
Things that Bookkeepers Do
At small companies bookkeepers may be involved in the following activities:
- Processing vendors’ invoices
- Billing and following up on accounts receivable
- Payroll processing
- Managing cash
- Reconciling account balances
- Perhaps preparing and processing adjusting entries
