Definition of Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper's role at a company varies by the size and nature of the business. At a very small company without an accountant, the bookkeeper's duties are likely to be extensive. At a minimum, the bookkeeper is responsible for processing the paperwork for a company's transactions and getting the information quickly and accurately recorded in the company's general ledger accounts. Today, this is done best through the use of cost-effective software such as QuickBooks from Intuit.
A bookkeeper's work is often reviewed by an accountant and/or the small business owner.
The qualifications of a bookkeeper include business sense, attention to detail, speed, accuracy, ability to adapt to changes in technology, understanding of debits and credits, and a general understanding of financial statements.

Things that Bookkeepers Do

At small companies bookkeepers may be involved in the following activities:
  • Processing vendors' invoices
  • Billing and following up on accounts receivable
  • Payroll processing
  • Managing cash
  • Reconciling account balances
  • Perhaps preparing and processing adjusting entries