Bookkeeper vs Accountant – Who Does What and Why You Might Need Both

When you’re running a business, keeping your finances in order is non-negotiable. Every transaction—whether it’s buying office supplies, getting paid by a client, sending out invoices, or covering one-off costs like a window cleaner or casual help—needs to be tracked and recorded accurately. These details all feed into your financial statements, like your profit and loss report, which give you a clear picture of your business’s performance.
 

But let’s face it: most sole traders and small business owners didn’t start out dreaming of paperwork. That’s where a professional bookkeeper comes in.
 

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day financial admin of your business—organising your invoices, reconciling bank transactions, entering sales and purchase data, and managing your cash flow, debtors, and creditors. Think of us as the ones who do the legwork: we make sure your records are up-to-date, accurate, and ready to hand over when tax time rolls around.
 

Working with a bookkeeper not only helps you stay on top of your finances—it can also save you money. By keeping your records clean and current, you’ll reduce the time (and therefore the cost) your accountant needs to spend reviewing and correcting things later.

 

Where Does an Accountant Come In?

Accountants take things a step further. They review your financial records—whether prepared by you or your bookkeeper—and use them to ensure everything is compliant with tax laws and regulations. They offer strategic advice on tax planning, file your tax returns, and help identify ways to cut costs and increase profit.

 

However, even the best accountants can only work with the data they’re given. If your books are messy or incomplete, it can limit the quality of advice they can offer. That’s why having both a bookkeeper and an accountant working together is often the most efficient, cost-effective solution.

 

Do You Need Both?

While some accountants do offer bookkeeping services, they usually charge higher rates. As a dedicated bookkeeper, I provide the same high standard of record-keeping at a more affordable rate, and I’m more than happy to work directly with your accountant to make life easier for both of you.
 

In short, accountants focus on the bigger financial picture and tax strategy. Bookkeepers handle the detail-oriented, day-to-day work that makes those big-picture decisions possible.

 

Let’s Work Smarter, Together

By hiring a bookkeeper and accountant who collaborate effectively, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and gain clearer insights into your business’s financial health. I regularly work alongside accountants and am happy to coordinate with yours to ensure your final accounts are accurate, on time, and fully compliant.

 

If you're ready to lighten your admin load and take control of your business finances, get in touch with Gill. Let’s talk about how my bookkeeping services can support your success.