What’s the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?
When it comes to managing your small business finances, terms like bookkeeper, accountant, and CPA often get used interchangeably. While they work closely together, bookkeepers, accountants, and CPAs actually have different roles and responsibilities. Understanding the difference can help you make the best financial decisions for your business.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper is responsible for the day-to-day recording of financial transactions. This includes:
Recording sales and expenses
Managing accounts payable and receivable
Reconciling bank statements
Processing payroll
Maintaining accurate financial records
Bookkeeping focuses on the organization and accuracy of financial data. A skilled bookkeeper ensures that your records are up to date, which is essential for making informed business decisions.
What Does an Accountant Do?
An accountant, on the other hand, takes that organized financial data and analyzes it. Accountants use the information gathered through bookkeeping to:
Prepare financial statements
Offer strategic financial advice
Ensure compliance with financial regulations
Help with budgeting and forecasting
What Does a CPA Do?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) holds many of the same responsibilities as an accountant. However, they are also responsible for:
Conducting audits
Providing tax advice
Preparing business and personal taxes for their clients
Do I Need a Bookkeeper or an Accountant?
Most small businesses benefit from having both. A bookkeeper keeps everything organized and accurate day-to-day, while an accountant offers insight and strategic planning, especially during tax season or when you’re looking to grow.
What does Sebourn Accounting Services provide?
We handle the day-to-day financial tasks such as recording transactions, reconciling accounts, managing payroll, and maintaining accurate financial records. In addition to detailed bookkeeping, we offer accounting services like financial reporting, budget support, and strategic financial insights to help your business grow.
While we are not a CPA firm and do not prepare taxes, we work closely with our clients’ CPAs to ensure that all financial records are accurate, organized, and tax-ready—saving time and reducing stress during tax season.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just starting out or running a growing small business, understanding the difference between bookkeeping and accounting is key to financial success. At Sebourn Accounting Services, we offer both bookkeeping and accounting solutions to support your business at every stage.
Ready to simplify your finances? Contact us today to learn how we can help your business thrive.
