Full charge bookkeeper definition

What is a Full Charge Bookkeeper?

A full-charge bookkeeper is the same as a bookkeeper, except that the "full charge" part of the title designates the person as being solely responsible for accounting. This means that the full charge bookkeeper reports straight to a senior manager, such as the president, and may interact directly with the company's board of directors and auditors. The position can be assisted by an outside CPA who advises on how to record certain of the more complicated business transactions. The full charge bookkeeper may supervise various accounting clerks. For example, a billing clerk, payables clerk, or payroll clerk may report to the bookkeeper.

When is a Full Charge Bookkeeper Used?

The full charge bookkeeper position is most commonly found in smaller organizations where there is no need for a controller, and which has relatively uncomplicated accounting transactions. If the company grows to a larger size, supervision of the accounting function is likely to be shifted to a controller who has experience with more complex accounting systems. In this case, the full charge bookkeeper position may be converted into an assistant controller position, with responsibility for some aspects of accounting operations. With additional training, a full charge bookkeeper could be promoted into the controller position.

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Responsibilities of a Full Charge Bookkeeper

The subject areas over which the full charge bookkeeper has responsibility are as follows:

Training Requirements for a Full Charge Bookkeeper

At a minimum, a full charge bookkeeper is expected to have completed high school, but with additional training in bookkeeping. For a reasonable chance at being hired into the role, you should have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting. The specific skills needed should focus on basic accounting activities and electronic spreadsheet skills. Some experience is required, such as in a bookkeeper or junior accountant role, in order to gain knowledge of the recordation and reporting of accounting transactions.

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