Bookkeeper Job Description
A bookkeeper is responsible for organizing the financial transactions of a company by creating a system that works the nature of their unique business. A bookkeeper ensures that transactions are posted properly and that all legal requirements are being met. Bookkeepers develop useful systems to keep track of financial transactions by establishing a chart of accounts and defining policies and procedures. They must also understand how to put together financial statements.
Bookkeepers are not responsible for representing your company before the IRS. They also cannot sign tax returns or represent you during an audit. Your bookkeeper may flawlessly prepare your books, but they may not audit them. It is beneficial for an accountant to audit because it allows a fresh set of eyes to check for mistakes. Bookkeepers are not responsible for formulating financial strategies or forecasting future finances. Reconciling past transactions that are unorganized or miscategorized would be an appropriate task for a bookkeeper.
Bookkeepers organize your company’s financial records and keep them organized going forward. This system allows for easy access to the records of purchases, payments and sales. Bookkeepers also make sure your financial records are in order to send to an accountant in the event of an audit. Most of their day consists of data entry and receipt scanning, and it is an important job. With all of your financial data organized, you can easily interpret that data and aim to increase profitability.
Bookkeeper Job Description Template:
We are searching for a bookkeeper who will work closely with our accounting team to create and analyze financial data, ensure legal requirements are being followed, process accounts payable and receivable, and manage invoices. This position also requires record keeping of our purchases, sales, receipts and payments made. Our ideal candidate is familiar with accounting software and holds a degree in accounting or finance. Completion of accounting CPE courses is preferred.
Bookkeeper Responsibilities Include:
- Record financial transactions and complete the posting process daily
- Verify transactions are recorded in the correct day book and the proper ledger (supplier, customer or general)
- Bring the books to trial balance stage
- Perform partial checks of the posting process
- Complete necessary tax forms
- Maintain data records, create reports and financial statements
- Process accounts payable/receivable
- Handle payroll in a timely manner
Bookkeeper Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration
- Proven bookkeeping experience
- Ability to speak, write, and understand English
- Basic knowledge of bookkeeping and accounts payable/receivable principles
- Ability to properly post and manage transactions
- Data entry skills
- Experience with spreadsheets and proprietary software
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Careful attention to detail
Bookkeeper FAQ:
What is a bookkeeper position?
A bookkeeper is responsible for recording and maintaining the financial transactions of a business. This includes purchases, expenses, sales revenue, invoices and payments. A bookkeeper is responsible for recording financial data into ledgers that will be used to produce the balance sheet and income statement. A bookkeeper is responsible for overseeing the first six steps of the accounting cycle.
Is this bookkeeper description customizable?
We encourage you to reference what we’ve written here as you begin drafting your ad. That being said, you will want to customize your ad to some degree. Doing so will give you the opportunity to offer applicants more information about the specifics of your bookkeeper position. This can help screen unqualified applicants and attract qualified candidates.
What should I include in my bookkeeper description?
You should include details about the skills, qualities and qualifications you are looking for that will fit your company’s needs. Add your ideas to our bookkeeper job description template to create a list of bookkeeper duties and responsibilities that are appropriate for your company.