What’s the Difference Between an Accountant and a Bookkeeper?
If you're running a business, managing properties, or working in a fast-paced profession like real estate or healthcare, keeping your finances in order is essential. But when it comes to hiring help, many professionals wonder:
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Though both roles are crucial to your financial health, they serve different purposes.
📘 What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper is responsible for the day-to-day recording and organization of financial transactions. They ensure your books are accurate, current, and ready for higher-level financial analysis.
Key Responsibilities:
Recording sales, expenses, and payments
Reconciling bank and credit card statements
Managing accounts payable and receivable
Generating basic financial reports
Organizing financial records for tax season
Goal:
Maintain clean and up-to-date financial records.
Think of a bookkeeper as the person who keeps your financial "house" in order every day.
📊 What Does an Accountant Do?
An accountant takes the data that bookkeepers organize and uses it to provide financial analysis, reporting, and compliance support.
Key Responsibilities:
Preparing and filing taxes
Creating financial statements (like profit and loss or balance sheets)
Conducting audits or internal reviews
Offering strategic financial advice
Ensuring regulatory compliance
Goal:
Interpret your financial data to help with planning, compliance, and decision-making.
An accountant acts like a financial advisor, helping you understand the bigger picture.
Which One Do You Need?
Hire a bookkeeper if you need help staying organized and want accurate records.
Hire an accountant when it’s time for tax filing, financial analysis, or growth strategy.
Hire both for a seamless workflow: the bookkeeper manages daily finances, and the accountant handles big-picture strategy.
Seal & Sum: Virtual Bookkeeping Tailored for Professionals
At Seal and Sum, we specialize in virtual bookkeeping services that keep your finances clean, current, and stress-free—so your accountant can do their job faster and more effectively.
