Bookkeeper job description

The bookkeeper position creates financial transactions and generates reports from that information. The creation of financial transactions includes posting information to accounting journals or accounting software from such source documents as invoices to customers, cash receipts, and supplier invoices. The bookkeeper also reconciles accounts to ensure their accuracy.

Bookkeeper Principal Accountabilities

  1. Purchase supplies and equipment as authorized by management

  2. Monitor office supply levels and reorder as necessary

  3. Tag and monitor fixed assets

  4. Pay supplier invoices in a timely manner

  5. Take all reasonable discounts on supplier invoices

  6. Pay any debt as it comes due for payment

  7. Monitor debt levels and compliance with debt covenants

  8. Issue invoices to customers

  9. Collect sales taxes from customers and remit them to the government

  10. Ensure that receivables are collected promptly

  11. Record cash receipts and make bank deposits

  12. Conduct a monthly reconciliation of every bank account

  13. Conduct periodic reconciliations of all accounts to ensure their accuracy

  14. Maintain the petty cash fund

  15. Issue financial statements

  16. Provide information to the external accountant who creates the company’s financial statements

  17. Assemble information for external auditors for the annual audit

  18. Calculate and issue financial analysis of the financial statements

  19. Maintain an orderly accounting filing system

  20. Maintain the chart of accounts

  21. Maintain the annual budget

  22. Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues to management

  23. Comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements

  24. Process payroll in a timely manner

  25. Provide clerical and administrative support to management as requested

  26. Follow accounting policies and procedures

Related AccountingTools Courses

Bookkeeper Education Bundle

Bookkeeping Guidebook

Bookkeeper Desired Qualifications

The bookkeeper candidate should have an Associate's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience, as well as a knowledge of bookkeeping and generally accepted accounting principles. Preference will be given to candidates with a working knowledge of the _____ accounting software package. Should be very detail oriented.

Supervises

None

Who Does a Bookkeeper Report To?

A bookkeeper typically reports to the owner of a business. The bookkeeper position is intended to be a freestanding position where there is no more senior person in the accounting department, so reporting to the owner makes the most sense. The bookkeeper may also work with an outside CPA, who advises on the proper accounting procedures, and who may review the bookkeeper’s financial statements.

Related Articles

Bookkeeper Role in an Accounting Department (podcast)

Full Charge Bookkeeper