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What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

It’s pretty common to use these two terms interchangeably, but the reality is that bookkeepers and accountants actually do separate things—and you need both.

Common bookkeeping services include:

  • Creating financial transaction databases
  • Processing payroll

  • Managing and paying accounts

  • Checking reports for accuracy

  • Reporting data management irregularities

  • Invoicing customers

  • Reconciliation of accounts

On the other hand, an accountant works with data, reconciles it, and creates reports that explain events.

Common accounting services include:

  • Managing balance sheets
  • Reconciling trial balances
  • Reviewing income statements
  • Creating custom financial reports
  • Providing audit support
  • Coordinating with a tax CPA for tax planning

Learn more.