bookkeepers

Bookkeepers are professionals who record and maintain a company’s financial transactions. Their core duties include recording daily transactions, posting entries to ledgers, reconciling bank and other statements, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, and producing basic financial reports such as trial balances and income statements. They may also handle payroll processing and assist with tax compliance tasks.

Bookkeeping work is transactional and data-driven. Bookkeepers collect and organize source documents (invoices, receipts, payroll records), ensure accuracy, and use accounting software and spreadsheets to post entries. They often prepare preliminary financial information for accountants and managers and may help with budgeting, cash flow management, and internal controls to safeguard assets.

Skills and qualifications commonly include numerical accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational ability. Proficiency with accounting software (for example, QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage) and spreadsheet programs is typical. Education ranges from a high school diploma to an associate degree or certificate in bookkeeping, and many professionals pursue certification from recognized bodies to demonstrate competency.

Work settings vary. Bookkeepers are employed by small and large businesses, nonprofit organizations, and accounting firms, or they provide outsourced services. The role is distinct from accounting, which tends to involve higher-level analysis and interpretation, while auditing focuses on verification of records. Bookkeeping forms a foundation for reliable financial reporting and informed financial management.