What is a Bookkeeper?
Think of a hospital, where the doctor and the nurse each play distinct but essential roles. The doctor steps in at critical moments, offering diagnoses and treatment plans, while the nurse provides consistent, day-to-day care, ensuring your overall well-being.
The relationship between an accountant and a bookkeeper works in a similar way.
Accountants typically step in during tax season, focusing on taxes, tax strategy, and big-picture financial planning.
Bookkeepers, on the other hand, provide ongoing support throughout the year. They reconcile your accounts, categorize transactions, and deliver financial health reports like profit and loss statements, ensuring your business runs smoothly.
As a bookkeeper, here is what I typically do for clients
Reconcile Accounts
Reconciliation is the process of comparing your financial records, such as bank statements and credit card transactions, to your business’s accounting records to ensure they match. It’s a critical step in maintaining accurate books and identifying any discrepancies, such as errors, missing transactions, or unauthorized charges.
Regular reconciliation helps prevent costly mistakes, ensures your financial reports are reliable, and gives you a clear picture of your business's financial health. It’s also essential for catching potential fraud early and preparing for tax season with confidence.
Categorize Transactions
Categorizing transactions is the process of assigning your business income and expenses to specific categories, such as rent, utilities, payroll, or sales. This organization is essential for understanding where your money is coming from and where it’s going.
Proper categorization helps you generate accurate financial reports, like profit and loss statements, which provide valuable insights into your business's performance. It also ensures that your records comply with tax requirements, making it easier to claim deductions and prepare for tax season. Ultimately, well-categorized transactions give you a clearer picture of your financial health, empowering you to make smarter business decisions.
Create Financial Reports
Financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, provide a clear and detailed picture of your business's financial performance. These reports help you track income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, enabling you to identify trends and make informed decisions.
Creating financial reports is crucial for assessing the overall health of your business, setting realistic goals, and planning for growth. They also play a key role in securing loans or attracting investors, as they demonstrate your business’s stability and potential. Additionally, accurate financial reports ensure compliance with tax regulations and help you stay prepared for audits or tax filings.
I am a trained QuickBooks ProAdvisor
If you have any questions or would like help with your bookkeeping feel free to give me a call at 252-241-5142