What does a bookkeeper do?

A bookkeeper records transactions, reconciles bank and credit card accounts, categorizes income and expenses, and produces monthly financial statements.

The day-to-day work includes entering receipts and invoices, matching transactions to bank statements, tracking accounts receivable and payable, running payroll, and making sure everything balances at the end of each month.

Good bookkeepers also catch errors before they become problems, flag unusual transactions, track what you owe in taxes throughout the year, and keep your records organized for tax filing.

The goal is accurate, up-to-date books so you always know where your business stands financially. You can make decisions based on real numbers instead of guessing or waiting until tax season to find out what happened last year.

What is the best bookkeeping software?

QuickBooks Online is the standard for most small businesses. Xero works well too. The best software is the one your bookkeeper knows and your accountant can work with.

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How often should bookkeeping be done?

Bookkeeping should be done monthly at minimum. Weekly is better for high-volume businesses. Waiting longer than a month means errors compound and records get forgotten.

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How much does bookkeeping cost?

Monthly bookkeeping starts at $199. Your actual price depends on transaction volume and business complexity.

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When should I hire a bookkeeper?

Hire a bookkeeper when your books are consistently behind, you're spending over 5 hours per month on bookkeeping, or your revenue exceeds $250k annually.

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Can I do my own bookkeeping?

You can do your own bookkeeping if your business is simple and you have time to learn. But most owners who try end up with messy books that need professional cleanup.

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