What's a Bookkeeper anyway?

A simple google search will reveal that a Bookkeeper is "a person whose job is to keep records of the financial affairs of a business.". I've worked as a bookkeeper in different capacities for the last 5 years, and the truth is a bookkeeper's role is more detailed and more valuable than this definition accounts for.

So here's my definition:

The bookkeeper is the one responsible for capturing every financial transaction that a business produces and putting it into it's proper place in order to create accurate and understandable financial records for business owners to use for taxes and important decision making.

Every time a card is swiped, transfer made, check cashed, payment received, or loan disbursed in the name of a business, it must be accounted for. And it is the bookkeeper who accounts for it.

But, why is a bookkeeper's role so important?

1. We Better Prepare You for Tax Season

Whether you are a first time business owner, or you've been in the game for decades, you will experience the hassle of tax season. For those who are not prepared, this can be a time of great stress as you fumble through receipts and statements trying to remember what you purchased 6 months ago. Some unfortunately forfeit several tax write offs simply because their records were not in order. And worse, some attract the eye of the IRS causing an otherwise unnecessary audit. However, when you have a bookkeeper maintaining your financial records throughout the year, you'll allow yourself space to breathe come tax season, and can potentially save you and your business a good chunk of money.

2. We Equip You With Financials That Tell the Story Of Your Business

An author uses pen and paper to write a story, businesses use numbers and financial reports. I know that sounds strange, but it's true! A business owner should be able to look at their financial reports and read the story that their business tells and use that information to ultimately improve the business. If their business prides itself in valuing their employees, then the percentage of money spent on payroll and human resources should reflect that. If it does not, then management can see an area of improvement that the company must work on. If the business is keen on supporting charities and community efforts, the amounts spent on donations will reflect that. Likewise, If the business brings in good money but is barely breaking even after expenses, the reports help explain why this is happening, and where most of their money is being spent. Then the owner becomes equipped to make decisions on how to cut back in the areas they can afford to. There are several stories that numbers tell. It’s bookkeepers who help businesses owners make sense of the story to ensure that the story-line stays consistent with the purpose and goals of the business.

3. We Take A Load Off Your Shoulders

It is not easy being a business owner, especially of a growing small business. Owners are responsible for sales, advertising, communications, management, customer service, expansion, and financial management among other things. With all of these responsibilities, it’s no wonder bookkeeping tasks often get left undone - there's simply not enough time! Because of this, bookkeepers come alongside business owners, and take this burden on their shoulders so owners can be freer to run their business!