What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
Much like accountants and auditors, bookkeeper plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial health of a company or organization. They are responsible for recording, organizing, and tracking financial transactions. This involves inputting data into ledger books, reconciling bank statements to ensure accuracy, and maintaining updated and organized financial records. Bookkeepers are also responsible for generating financial reports, such as income statements and balance sheets, that provide insight into a company’s financial standing.
In addition, they manage accounts payable and receivable, process invoices and payments, and assist with budget preparation. Frequently they will be the ones to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, helping to prevent any legal or financial issues for the company. Overall, the role of a bookkeeper is to provide accurate and timely financial information to decision-makers within a company.
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National Average Salary
Bookkeeper salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a Bookkeeper is:
$42,840
Bookkeeper Job Descriptions
Example 1
Responsibilities will include
- Record day to day financial transactions and complete the posting process on assigned accounts
- Track and meet all filing deadlines for clients
- Preparation of fixed asset and depreciation schedules for reporting and tax purposes.
- Complete year end processes
- Able to complete all facets of account reconciliation as requested
- Understand acceptable inaccuracies when weighed against cost efficiencies
- Ability to recognize various needs and accommodate for different client types/industries
- Prepare and file sales, use, property, tax returns, etc.
- Assist account manager with production of accurate financial statements
- Understand and identifies payroll entries and issues
- Accurately track activities and workflow assignments
- Ability to follow up with clients on a consistent basis for items needed
- Other duties as assigned
Skills
- Data entry skills along with a knack for numbers
- Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and proprietary software
- Proficiency in English and in MS Office
- Customer service orientation and negotiation skills
- Ability to speak clearly, consistently, and respectfully with our clients
- High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Education
High School Diploma or equivalent; Higher education preferred
Experience
2 years of bookkeeping experience preferred
Special training and knowledge
Knowledge of accounting & A/P software (CS Professional Suite, QB, and Bill.com), Microsoft Office knowledge. Creative Solutions accounting software. We are willing to train on accounting software for right candidate.
Example 2
Responsibilities
- Assist with AP/AR functions
- Create and import AP/AR data entries into finance system
- Review invoices, deposits, checks, and reimbursements
- Handle vendor communication or correspondence via phone or email
- Reconcile accounts by identify errors in postings
- Assist with fiscal year audits
Qualifications
- Bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable experience
- Knowledge and proficiency in MS Excel and pivot tables
- Knowledge of financial software operations
- Ability to analyze financial information and reports
- Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with a knack for collaboration
- Identify as a problem solver, a question asker, and an open communicator
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and strong follow through
- Work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment as well as independently
- Manage multiple tasks in fast-paced work environment and meet deadlines
Example 3
Key responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality books efficiently for our customers
- Delight customers with expert guidance and support
- Manage customer deadlines and expectations in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Work with our product and engineering teams to define and evolve our bookkeeping processes
About you
Our ideal candidate is a highly motivated self-starter and who possesses all of the following:
- B.S. or M.S. in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- A love of problem solving and making teams and processes more efficient
- Delight in providing an exceptional customer experience
- 1-2 years of work experience in the accounting industry a plus, but not required
Sample Interview Questions
- Can you explain your experience with bookkeeping and accounting principles?
- How do you maintain and reconcile financial records, such as accounts payable and receivable?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to identify and resolve discrepancies in financial records?
- How do you prepare and file financial reports, such as balance sheets and income statements?
- Can you describe your experience with accounting software and tools?
- How do you handle and process payments and invoices?
- Can you explain your experience with budgeting and forecasting?
- How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and laws?
- How do you communicate financial information to non-financial team members and management?
- Can you give an example of a successful cost-saving or revenue-generating initiative you implemented in a previous role?