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Bookkeeper Job Description: Skills, Qualifications

And Template
The core function of a bookkeeper is to ensure that all bills are paid on time, transactions are
recorded correctly, payroll runs on time and taxes are filed correctly. However, the role can vary
greatly by business. So if you’re looking to hire a bookkeeper, it is essential to create a
bookkeeper job description that fills your recruitment funnel with ideal candidates as quickly as
possible.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper is responsible for recording daily financial transactions, updating a general ledger
and preparing trial balances for perusal by accountants. They maintain and file requisite
documents for taxation compliance. They monitor cash flow and produce financial reports to
assist managers in taking strategic decisions. Bookkeepers may also assist in running payroll
and generating invoices for your company.

Difference Between Bookkeeper and Accountant

A typical accounting cycle has eight steps: New transaction, journal entries, posting, trial
balance, worksheet, journal entry adjustments, financial statements, and closing the books. The
key difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant is that a bookkeeper is generally
responsible for the first six steps. An accountant is responsible for the last two, which involves
preparing the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statements, and closing the books.

Bookkeeper Responsibilities
Responsibilities for bookkeepers can vary widely from business to business, though there are a
number of very common bookkeeping responsibilities. Remember that you want to tailor the
role’s responsibilities in the job description, so that it’s not just aligned with the position but with
your company.

Here are the most common responsibilities of a bookkeeper:

● Establishing different accounts

● Maintaining records of financial transactions by posting and verifying
● Defining bookkeeping policies and procedures
● Developing systems to account for financial transactions by establishing a charts of
accounts
● Maintaining subsidiary accounts by posting, verifying and allocating transactions
● Reconciling entries to balance subsidiary accounts
● Maintaining a balanced general ledger
● Preparing a trial balance for the accountants
● Preparing financial reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing accounting for
information
● Ensuring compliance with federal, state and local legal requirements
● Monitoring for variances from projected budget
● Advising management on compliance needs
● Assisting in financial activities such as running payroll and generating invoices

Additionally, there may be other responsibilities based on the unique needs of your business.
For example, a bookkeeper may be required to learn a specific accounting software system or
participate in certain meetings.
Bookkeeper Qualifications
Qualifications can vary based on your organization’s needs. However, you want to at least
include education, experience and licensing requirements in your job description.

● Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related discipline

● CPA is desirable
● Previous bookkeeping experience preferred
● Experience working in a fast-paced environment

When possible, be as specific as possible. For example, note which software you want a
candidate to be familiar with–including general programs that your office uses.

Bookkeeper Skills
Here is a list of desired bookkeeper skills. Again, include what is relevant to your company.

● Basic accounting knowledge

● Understanding of industry benchmarks in accounting best practices
● Knowledge of IFRS, U.S. GAAP or other industry standard accounting frameworks
● Expertise in Microsoft Excel or any other spreadsheet
● Establishing accounts
● Developing standards
● Data entry
● Deep understanding of accounting principles
● Confidentiality
● Attention to detail
● Comfortable dealing with huge volumes of complex data

Bookkeeper Job Description Example

Below is a sample bookkeeper job description that you can customize to meet the needs of your
business.

Full-Time Bookkeeper
We are hiring someone comfortable dealing with complex financial data to be a bookkeeper.
As a bookkeeper, you will help us in recording and maintaining daily financial transactions,
performing reconciliations, assisting accountants in preparing financial statements and closing
books, running payroll, collecting debts and making payments.

Bookkeeper Responsibilities
● Maintaining records of financial transactions by posting and verifying
● Defining bookkeeping policies and procedures
● Developing systems to account for financial transactions by establishing a charts of
 accounts
● Reconciling entries to balance subsidiary accounts
● Maintaining a balanced general ledger
● Preparing a trial balance for the accountants
● Ensuring compliance with federal, state and local legal requirements

(Include what is relevant to your organization.)

Bookkeeper Educational Qualifications

● Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related discipline
● CPA is desirable
● Previous bookkeeping experience preferred
● Experience working in a fast-paced environment

(Include what you need in your bookkeeper.)

Skills Required
● Basic accounting knowledge
● Understanding of industry benchmarks in accounting best practices
● Knowledge of IFRS, U.S. GAAP or other industry standard accounting frameworks
● Expertise in Microsoft Excel or any other spreadsheet
● Confidentiality
● Attention to detail

(Add or remove skills that you need specifically.)

Benefits
When you work with us, you get these benefits:
● Flexible work hours
● Hybrid work mode
● Paid maternity and paternity leaves
● Compulsory vacation

(Include the benefits you provide your employees and those that could attract the right
candidates.)

About Us
(Include a couple of lines about company history, culture, mission and vision.)

CTA
(Tell the potential candidates what they should do to apply for the position. Give details of the
right person to connect with, including contact number and email address. Also tell them what
they should include in the application, like a résumé, qualification certificates, references, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the duties of a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper is responsible for recording and maintaining a company’s daily financial
transactions. They also prepare reports for the managers and trial balances to assist the
accountants. A bookkeeper may also help you run payroll, collect debts, generate invoices and
make payments.

Do you need a bookkeeper if you use account software?

No, but you might want to. Modern accounting software is the repository of all financial
transactions for your company and can generate requisite reports in real time. So even if you
have accounting software, odds are, you still need a bookkeeper to manage the software, enter
data, file reports, identify errors and keep everything current.

Do you need a degree to be a bookkeeper?

No, you do not need a degree to become a bookkeeper. Granted, it is often preferred by
employers. After completing your education, you can seek an internship and get on-the-job
training to become a bookkeeper. However, it helps to have a two- or four-year degree in
accounting, finance or related discipline.