What a Bookkeeper Actually Does (And Why It’s Different Than a CPA)
Ever thought, "I've got a tax person or a CPA ... do I really need a bookkeeper?" You're definitely not alone. Many small business owners aren’t quite sure what the difference is — and honestly, it’s not your fault. These roles can seem pretty similar from the outside, but they do very different things.
So let’s break it down without all the fancy talk, lol.
👩💻 What a Bookkeeper Actually Does
A bookkeeper helps you keep your finances organized, accurate, and clear, month after month. We're in the details of your day-to-day business money, making sure everything is categorized correctly, your accounts match up, and your reports reflect what’s actually going on.
Here’s what I typically do for clients, depending on their package:
• Tidy up and categorize transactions
• Reconcile bank accounts and payment platforms
• Track income and expenses
• Create and review financial reports like your Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet
• Make sure everything is current and audit-ready
• Explain what your numbers mean and how to use them
And the big one? I help you make informed decisions based on facts and not on guesswork. No more wondering where your money went or whether you can afford that new team member. Your books will tell you the truth.
🧾 What a CPA Actually Does
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) typically focuses on:
• Filing your taxes
• Helping you with tax strategy or setting up your business entity
• Navigating audits or more complex financial/legal matters
• Reviewing your year-end financials- not managing the daily stuff
In other words:
Your CPA helps you report your financial story to the IRS.
Your bookkeeper enables you to understand and shape that story all year long.
Do I Need Both?
Most growing businesses benefit from having both a bookkeeper and a CPA. We just step in at different points.
You can think of your CPA as your financial lawyer.
And your bookkeeper? That’s your everyday support system! They are your financial assistant, guide, and second brain.
The best part is when your books are clean and up to date, your CPA can do their job faster and more effectively. That means fewer surprises, less stress, and better tax results.
Final Thoughts
Many clients come to me feeling behind, unsure, or a little embarrassed about their numbers. But once we clean things up and get into a rhythm, they think clearly, are more in control, and way more at ease when tax season comes around.
If you already have a CPA but still feel out of the loop regarding your money, we can help.
And if you don’t have either yet, that’s okay too. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be ready to start.
