Hire the best Bookkeepers

Check out Bookkeepers with the skills you need for your next job.

Clients rate Bookkeepers
Rating is 4.7 out of 5.
4.7/5
based on 9,953 client reviews
Linda W.
$80/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Xero
  • Accounts Payable Management
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Payroll Accounting
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Accounting

I am a highly motivated cannabis and hemp accounting professional looking to assist your company with meeting its financial goals. I am a member of the DopeCFO VIP group and have specialized training to serve cannabis clients throughout the United States. I have extensive experience with all aspects of full charge bookkeeping to include accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliations, account reconciliations, inventory tracking, cost of goods sold tracking, journal entries, month-end, and year-end closings, financial statements, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, benchmarking, strategic planning, tax planning, and tax returns....

Laetitia  H.
$65/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Managerial Finance
  • Financial Reporting
  • English to French Translation
  • Cost Control
  • Value-Added Tax
  • Financial Planning
  • Legal Translation
  • International Accounting Standards
  • Tax Preparation
  • Balance Sheet
  • Financial Accounting
  • Account Reconciliation

Bonjour, Après plus de 15 ans au service d'entreprises, j'ai créé mon entreprise et je vous propose de réaliser toutes vos traduction Anglais - Français ainsi que de vous faciliter la lourdeur des tâches administratives et comptables. Très souvent, la comptabilité représente un casse-tête, tandis que pour moi, c'est un plaisir, tant de le faire que de vous aider à devenir autonome si vous le souhaiter. Ce sera pour moi un plaisir de mettre mon expérience et expertise à votre disposition. Mon parcours professionnel s’est construit aussi bien en France qu’à l’étranger. J’ai vécu et travaillé plusieurs années au Royaume-Uni et en...

Sopan J.
$20/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Australian Taxation
  • Financial Reporting
  • Payroll Accounting
  • Accounting
  • Goods & Services Tax
  • Xero
  • Quickbooks
  • MYOB Administration
  • Budget Plan
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounting Basics

I'm a CA (CPA equivalent) providing remote bookkeeping, accounting, and virtual CFO services for small businesses. I have 12+ years experience helping small to medium businesses, including 7 years working with Deloitte in Melbourne. I have a small team to support me when required. Certified in most of the accounting software - Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Receipt Bank, Sage Handisoft, Spotlight Reporting, Simple Fund 360, Hubdoc, and Super Class - having used in Australia and New Zealand. I work across all industries and company sizes with speciality in eCommerce companies, digital marketing agencies, financial service providers, retailers,...

Roshelle P.
$33/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Quickbooks
  • Buildium
  • Accounting
  • Procedure Development
  • Financial Audits
  • Billing
  • Financial Presentation
  • Financial Report
  • Balance Sheet
  • Accounting Basics
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Receivable Management

I offer my clients an experienced accounting and business management professional with over 25 years experience across a variety of industries. I am proficient in a variety of software to include Quickbooks, Buildium and Microsoft Office products such as Word and Excel as well as an understanding of several other platforms and the commitment to learning any tools available to best serve my clients. I understand the challenges clients face juggling their focus between building and operating their business and managing the financial, clerical, and reporting responsibilities. I offer you my skills and experience to help you meet these...

Yolande V.
$265/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Business Development
  • Tax Preparation
  • Corporate Tax
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Forecasting
  • Xero
  • Business Continuity Plan

Chartered Accountant / Tax Advisor with 12 years post qualified experience. Wealth of knowledge and experience working with small to medium sized businesses providing a full range of financial services, from incorporation to setting up systems and processes, tax planning and preparation and business development. My work is of the highest standard and I adhere to the code of ethics expected by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Jamie M.
$60/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Accounting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Payroll Processing
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Bill.com Accounts Payable
  • Stripe
  • Expensify
  • Bill.com Accounts Receivable
  • Budgets
  • Payroll

I am a highly skilled professional and small business owner with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. I have worked exclusively with QuickBooks for over 15 years and offer Full-Cycle accounting services, bookkeeping services and consulting to assist your company with meeting its financial goals. I am proficient in financial analysis, forecasting and budgeting, retroactive bookkeeping and clean up, new account set-up, monthly bookkeeping maintenance, payroll processing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, journal entries, monthly and annual financial reporting, month end and year end closings. I have owned...

Theresa S.
$26/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Data Entry
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Sage 50 Accounting
  • Filing
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Payroll Processing
  • Administrative Support
  • Sassu
  • Basecamp
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Dropbox API
  • Tax Preparation

I am looking to obtain a position that will allow me to utilize my skills in Data Entry, Accounting, and Spreadsheets to their full potential to produce accurate, quality work for my employers in a time efficient manner. I am experienced and proficient in Quickbooks, Quickbooks Online, Freshbooks, Saasu, Quicken, Sage Accounting, Peachtree Accounting, Champion Accounting, MS Office (Excel, Power Point, Word, and Works). I have 25+ years experience working in an Accounting Office where my duties included A/R, A/P, Payroll, daily balancing of Bank Accounts and Reconciliation, and many other duties. I am also experienced in preparing Federal...

Robin B.
$55/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Budget Plan
  • Financial Analysis
  • Accounting
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Payable Management
  • Bill.com Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Receivable Management

I am a Certified Public Accountant and QuickBooks Online expert. I specialize in helping small business owners free up their time to focus on growing their business. Am I a good fit for you? Are you a small or start up business needing 5 - 20 hours per month of bookkeeping? - Are you using (or ready to switch to) QuickBooks Online? - Do you need an expert who can teach you what you need to know, in plain English? - Would you like to be able to ask an expert your questions as needed? - Are you looking for help with one of these industries: * Real Estate * E-Commerce * Professional Services *...

Keri J.
$150/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Data Analysis
  • CPA
  • Financial Analysis
  • VLOOKUP
  • Data Visualization
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Google Sheets
  • Tableau

My core service offerings focus on fully supporting the accounting, finance and analytics needs of growing businesses. I work with companies to utilize financial and operational data to make informed decisions. If you need insights into what is going on with your business and developing a strategic plan for growth, then I can help. About Me: ● Possess a unique combination of accounting, financial analysis, and data visualization work experience. ● Hold a Masters of Accountancy degree and an active Certified Public Accountant license in Georgia ● Offer over 14 years of accounting experience and 8 years of data visualization development ●...

Lori W.
$75/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Real Estate
  • Quickbooks
  • Non-Profit
  • Financial Report
  • Financial Audits
  • Financial Accounting
  • MS Excel
  • Buildium
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Accounts Payable
  • Communication
  • Income Statement
  • Bank Reconciliation

With over 20 years of accounting experience I offer expert level service in all areas of accounting, bookkeeping, Excel spreadsheets, long-term projections and analysis, data entry, financial analysis, and administrative support. As a licensed real estate broker and over 10 years of housing experience, I also provide a unique set of skills that help you complete your project. As an executive level professional, I understand what is required to provide good service to clients and produce quality products in an efficient manner.

Julie M.
$175/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Tax Return
  • Accounting
  • Income Statement
  • GAAP
  • Financial Analysis
  • Xero
  • Quickbooks
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Tax Planning & Advisory
  • Tax Strategy
  • Tax Code

I am a Certified Public Accountant with a Masters in Accounting, specializing in tax preparation. I have years of experience helping clients save money with my knowledge of tax law for business and individual taxes. My main goal with a client is to help them understand their tax situation and help them succeed in their financial goals, including a forward look approach to ensure the client receives the maximum deductions to increase cash flow, by offering tax planning and business consulting. My specialty is in small business, including accounting, tax preparation, and tax consulting to ensure that the business entity type is best suited...

Syed Mohammad Taha R.
$30/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Accounting
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Financial Audit
  • Content Writing
  • Website Content
  • Proofreading
  • Content Editing
  • Business Analysis
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Quickbooks
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Payable Management
  • Accounts Receivable Management

Hello everyone! I am a professionally qualified accountant having a practical working experience of over seven years in both the accounting industry and practice areas. My core working expertise is mostly related to accountancy, audits, and consultancy with different clients. In addition, I have been associated with Deloitte in its external audit department. I have hands-on experience of working with Xero, QuickBooks Online, Wave Accounting, and Sage 100. Apart from my chosen field of work, I really like to read, write, and blog. You can review my specialized profile as well for any writing-related tasks. I assure you of...

Mark F.
$85/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Quickbooks
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Excel
  • Accounting
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Training
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Balance Sheet
  • Financial Statement
  • Financial Accounting

If you are in need for an experienced bookkeeper and use QuickBooks Online - look no further. Highly reliable, ethical and client-focused bookkeeper focusing on Quickbooks Online. If you've ever said "My books are a mess" or "I just need help!" then I'm the bookkeeper for you. No books are beyond saving, let me do the hard work for you so you can focus on what matters most - your business! What can I do for YOU? - Setting up new Quickbooks Online accounts - Accounts Payable/Receivable - Quickbooks Online training (my favorite!) - Forensic Accounting - Finding, investigating and fixing incorrect transactions - Bank/Credit Card...

Arnold Legrand N.
$30/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Accounting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Accounting Software
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • International Taxation
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Payroll
  • Tax Return
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Xero
  • Accounting Basics
  • Value-Added Tax
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Tax Preparation

I am a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) UK, with over five years of experience providing Accounting Bookkeeping and VAT services. I am a Quickbooks Online Advanced ProAdvisor, a XERO Certified Advisor and I have the love and dedication for the accounting profession and a deep mastery of the field. I OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: 1. Bookkeeping (Quickbooks, Xero, Wave, SAGE) 2. Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, profit and loss, Cash Flow Statement, Notes to Account) 3. Taxation services (VAT return preparation) 4. Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Modeling 5. Cost & Management Accounting...

Diana L.
$85/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Tax Preparation
  • Accounting
  • CPA
  • Intuit QuickBooks

I am a CPA with over eighteen years of experience in the accounting and taxation fields seeking a part-time position as a bookkeeper/accountant. My specialties include bookkeeping services, tax consulting, planning and compliance, and financial analysis for a variety of industries such as real estate, retail, wholesale, manufacturing and various service organizations. I have often been involved with clients who need help either setting up an accounting system or streamlining the system already in place. Issues I have dealt with include help with the chart of accounts, identifying possible issues with internal controls, reconciling books...

Rhea Bel E.
$22/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Financial Accounting
  • Accounting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Business Analysis
  • Financial Analysis

Had earned bachelor's degree in Silliman University in 2011 and subsequently earned the CPA license in the same year. I am a jack-of-all-trades with the very diversified industries that I have been connected with.

Selina N.
$100/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Tax Preparation
  • Australian Taxation
  • US Taxation
  • International Taxation
  • Corporate Tax
  • Accounting
  • Payroll
  • Xero
  • Quickbooks
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Amazon FBA
  • Goods & Services Tax
  • Accounts Payable
  • Bank Reconciliation

Also Expert On • Cross-Border Taxation, Foreign Business Setup & Taxation of Cryptocurrency • E-commerce Accounting including Amazon, Shopify, Neto, eBay, Airbnb # CONFIDENTIALITY & PRIVACY ARE TOP PRIORITIES # Minimum interactions including modern technological platforms, E-signature, etc. # Tax obligations with maximum benefits and/or minimum liabilities in a lawful way. # P/h rate is random. Fees depend on the situation & complexities. USA Tax Services: I can take care of Australian online sellers who sell in the USA (1120-F & 8833) since am also authorized by IRS (EFIN, PTIN) for preparing and lodging any and all types of tax...

Debbie H.
$45/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Wordperfect
  • Payroll Processing
  • Proofreading
  • Legal
  • Paralegal
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Accounts Payable Management
  • Balance Sheet
  • General Transcription

Dependable, results-oriented professional with a solid track record of consistently meeting and exceeding company goals; highly organized and detail-oriented with an extensive background in the following: Bookkeeping / Payroll / Human Resources Office Management / Administration / Organization Secretarial / Data Entry / Transcription Legal Compliance / Litigation Support For over 20 years I have been providing diverse office services to individuals and businesses (everything from a one-person attorney's office to mid-size construction companies to the nation's largest title companies), for example... ~ Organized and oversaw...

Bevin R M.
$100/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounting
  • Cost Accounting
  • Financial Accounting

I am the QuickBooks Online virtual bookkeeping expert who provides account integration fundamentals, customized workflows, and coaching for small businesses in the service and digital products industries who are ready to put profit first. Account Integration Fundamentals Many small business owners become overwhelmed with the complexity of maintaining their QBO account in addition to all of the other things required to make their business successful. This is where I come in. I can ensure accurate and timely integration of all your QBO needs. In addition, if you are concerned that there may be something wrong with past entries, I can perform...

Cory L.
$60/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Financial Analysis
  • International Financial Reporting Standards
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Accounting
  • Financial Modeling
  • Business Consulting
  • Xero

With over 17 years experience under my belt, I am the PERFECT contractor for your project. I am a CPA with a passion for numbers and specialise in financial modelling, budgeting and financial reporting. I have 8 years of Public Accounting experience (including Big 4) complimented by 9 years as an Executive within the financial services industry. I can offer you: -Financial Modelling -Budgeting/Forecasting -Financial Reporting -Financial Analysis, Dashboard setup, -Business Insights, Business Partnering -Reconciliations, account clean up My skills include: -All work is completed by ME, so you can rest assured knowing that your work...

Katherine F.
$30/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Accounting
  • Quickbooks

Quickbooks Online Certified with an MBA in Accounting with experience working with a multiple industries including distribution, consulting, contractors and self-employed individuals. Experienced accounting software instructor with several accounting software systems, assisting businesses in moving from manual to automated systems. Reliable, organized, flexible, detail oriented with ability to comprehend your overall system as well as the details. . I focus on Quickbooks Online Cleanup, Training, Troubleshooting, and Reconciliation and then if requested, will continue doing monthly bookkeeping! Please note that I will only be able...

Joe B.
$35/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Financial Forecasting

Hello, thank you for visiting my profile. I work with individuals and small businesses in a variety of professions providing bookkeeping and accounting services. If you're interested in on-going services, I offer fixed monthly rates starting at $175/mo. Services Provided: -Bookkeeping duties, including payroll, AR, AP, invoicing, billing, etc. -Historical clean-up and account reconciliations. -Chart of Accounts and work flow information to help create customized reports. -Software transfers (changing accounting systems and moving data). -Cost Accounting for construction and other project related needs. -Quickbooks Online training and...

Emil Jude M.
$20/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Financial Analysis
  • Accounting
  • Strategic Plan
  • WordPress
  • GAAP
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Accounts Payable Management
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Bill.com Accounts Payable
  • Inventory Management
  • General Ledger
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Order Management

A CPA with over 12 years of experience, I am comfortable with the smallest details as well as the overall picture. I know several different systems and have a short learning curve when it comes to new systems and apps. While I am a Quickbooks Online Pro Advisor, I am also well versed in large/small systems as well. Input, forecasting and budgeting, reporting, reconciliations, analysis, research, management, and consultation. I am well versed in all of these areas and available to address your needs. My experience ranges from direct input to reporting to budgeting. I have intimate knowledge in Publishing, retail, wholesale, insurance,...

Mark J.
$38/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Accounting
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Financial Reporting
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Financial Accounting
  • Accounts Payable Management
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Payroll Processing
  • Balance Sheet
  • Accounting Software
  • Cash Flow Statement
  • Quickbooks

Having over twenty-five years of business experience, I have been responsible for the following: 1. Extensive QuickBooks Online Experience including design, special reporting, apps, locations, and classes. 2. Setup working papers to support financial statement results. 3. Redesigning accounting systems for better reporting of financial results. 4. Twenty-five+ years of accounting and financial reporting responsibilities. 5. Working knowledge of federally funded education grants though a charter school 6. Twenty years of budgeting oversight for up to forty departments My education includes a Master's in Business Administration...

Baby Lyn M.
$20/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Virtual Assistant
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Data Entry
  • Calendar Management
  • Email Handling
  • Customer Service
  • Internet Research
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounting Software

TOP-RATED freelancer specializing in bookkeeping services. I am a Professional Accountant with over 15 years of meaningful experience in different sections of Accounting. A certified QuickBooks Online Proadvisor. Have advanced knowledge of MS Excel, its functions and formulas (sumifs, iferrors, vlookup, conditional formatting, text-tab-delimiters, pivot table, charts and graphs to name a few). Proficient with SAP and Quickbooks. With knowledge in Paypal, Waveapps, Stripe, WooCommerce, Freshbooks and SAGE. Can work under pressure, flexible and can multi-task. My services ranges to but not limited to the following: -Recording of Journal...

Andrea V.
$17/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Accounting
  • Account Management
  • Payroll Processing
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Human Resource Management
  • Policy Writing
  • Grant Writing
  • Photography
  • Photo Editing

I am a Business Management professional with more than 10 years of experience in the small business world. I own a small business which was started from scratch and have also assisted a multi-million dollar company with management and policies included but not limited to Intuit Quick books, AP/AR, managing customer accounts, online sales, creating policies and procedures, accounting and tax work.

Farhan P.
$25/hr
  • Trophy Icon Bookkeeping
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Xero
  • Financial Analysis
  • Accounting
  • Business Plan
  • Wave Accounting
  • Excel VBA
  • Data Analysis
  • Google Docs
  • Financial Audit
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Balance Sheet
  • Business Writing

"Farhan Patel Has done a fantastic Job. He was able to go above and beyond what was requested. He also made plenty of welcomed suggestions on how I could improve the task. I will use him again." "Highly diligent qualified accountant who is a number genius and looks to maximize client's returns. I hired Farhan to deliver his expertise with a business plan. His skills were superb in balance sheet, P&L statement and cashflow forecast. He spent copious amount of time explaining the numbers, and how they were calculated. Thank you and I'll be coming back to you for more work." "Farhan did a great job for me, i would recommend him for anything...

$NaN/hr

How it works

1. Post a job (it’s free)

Tell us what you need. Provide as many details as possible, but don’t worry about getting it perfect.

2. Talent comes to you

Get qualified proposals within 24 hours, and meet the candidates you’re excited about. Hire as soon as you’re ready.

3. Collaborate easily

Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.

4. Payment simplified

Receive invoices and make payments through Upwork. Only pay for work you authorize.

Trusted by 5M+ businesses

How to Hire Top Bookkeepers

How to hire bookkeepers

Looking to reduce the administrative overhead of tracking cash flow within your business? A freelance bookkeeper can help you get organized and balance the books.

So how do you find a freelance bookkeeper? What follows are some tips on finding top bookkeepers on Upwork.

How to shortlist bookkeeping professionals

As you’re browsing available bookkeeping consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the freelancers you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:

  • Industry fit.You want a bookkeeper who understands the tax nuances of bookkeeping for your industry.
  • Software. Do you use FreshBooks, Billy, QuickBooks, or other accounting software? You want a bookkeeper who can slide right into your existing workflow.
  • Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular bookkeeper.

How to write an effective bookkeeping job post

Questions to ask before writing a bookkeeper project description

Before posting a job, consider these questions:

  1. What’s my budget?
  2. What kind of financial or bookkeeping functions do I need help with?
  3. Do I need an expert who already has experience working with other clients in my industry? 
  4. Do I need the bookkeeper to have any formal training in finance? Those with degrees within the field may have a better overall knowledge of advanced tasks like loan packaging or preparing business plans.
  5. Do I prefer any professional certifications? While this isn’t necessary, belonging to a professional organization, such as the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, can reflect a deeper commitment to the field.
  6. Does my business use bookkeeping software they need to be familiar with? Since there are many different types of accounting and bookkeeping software on the market (QuickBooks and Xero are two popular options), it may make sense to include this as a requirement in your posting.

Sample bookkeeper project description

Keep in mind that many people use the term “job description,” but a full job description is only needed for employees. When engaging a freelancer as an independent contractor, you typically just need a statement of work, job post, or any other document that describes the work to be done.

Your job post needs to clearly answer three questions:

  • What do you need done?
  • When do you need it?
  • What are the start and end dates for your project?

Answering these questions with the pertinent details can not only help you attract more qualified talent, since potential partners will be able to assess whether they’re a good match. You’ll also receive more accurate proposals.

Here’s how it may look:

Title: Seeking Bookkeeping for Rail Equipment Broker

We are currently seeking a freelance bookkeeper with expertise in payroll, accounts receivable, expense reports, and filing monthly taxes. The ideal professional will be very well organized.

Deliverables:

  • General ledger
  • Send invoices and keep track of monthly accounts receivable
  • Write checks to vendors and other accounts payable
  • Track and approving expense reports

Requirements:

  • Excel magician preferred!
  • Expertise with 1099 payroll, ADP, and accounts receivable
  • An expert with QuickBooks
  • Please include “Star Wars” in your proposal title
  • Certification from bookkeeping association a plus
  • Experience with shipping and transportation industry a plus

In your proposal, include a short description of your experience as a bookkeeper and why we should consider you. Also, tell us about a previous project and how your skills made an impact on that business. Please submit your proposal by [month], [date], [year].

Did you notice the unusual item under requirements? Yes, asking to include “Star Wars” in the proposal. Adding things like this is optional, but when you need someone detailed, it’s a good way to see if they’re observant and follow instructions well. It’s also a quick way to filter through a pile of proposals.

Ready to get your books in order? Log in and post your bookkeeping job on Upwork today.

BOOKKEEPERS FAQ

What does a bookkeeper do?

A bookkeeper handles more clerical work than an accountant, although their services do overlap. Bookkeepers will record and deliver the numbers—all of your day-to-day transactions and expenses. They generate the data that gets handed over to an accountant for more high-level analysis. They’ll also help you with:

  • Organizing receipts
  • Recording expenses
  • Paying for everyday expenditures
  • Recording forms of income
  • Verifying deposits and other transactions
  • Balancing bank accounts
  • Billing clients directly
  • Managing past-due accounts
  • Preparing monthly financial statements
  • Handling payroll and withholding taxes

Why hire bookkeepers?

The trick to finding top bookkeeping services is to identify your needs. Will they be entering data into an existing ledger, or is this your first time setting up a bookkeeping system? Will your bookkeeper also be responsible for your monthly tax filings? The cost of your bookkeeping project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.

How much does it cost to hire a bookkeeper?

Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions. Learn about the cost to hire a bookkeeper.

Bookkeeping vs. accounting

What’s the difference between bookkeeping and accounting? A bookkeeper handles more clerical work than an accountant, although their roles do overlap. Bookkeepers record and deliver the numbers—all of your day-to-day transactions and expenses. They generate the data that can then be handed over to an accountant for more high-level analysis.

That data gets turned into valuable guidance for your business in the hands of an accountant. Generally, an accountant can do everything a bookkeeper can and more. But their true value lies in their ability to analyze and interpret numbers, then turn them into forecasts, actionable insights, and tools to help you make better decisions for your business. A great accountant will also be an expert in business and how your finances relate to your everyday operations.

The difference between the two really boils down to expertise, experience, and education. Bookkeepers have more on-the-job experience. Accountants will have 4-year degrees, while CPAs and licensed accountants will have that in addition to passing a national or state exam. Auditors, accountants, and bookkeepers can all obtain licenses and accreditations from various organizations by state, which is useful in understanding their particular expertise when you’re reviewing candidates.

Another differentiation is experience with a particular software suite. Many bookkeepers and accountants are exposed to payroll services, enterprise accounting software, etc. For example, larger companies using systems like Intuit or SAP will be hiring an individual who knows their way around that particular platform.

There’s definitely some overlap between the two—bookkeeping is essentially documenting financial records, and accounting includes bookkeeping in addition to taxes and analyzing those financial records to make decisions, assess the health of the operation, determine how effective effectiveness certain decisions were, and make plans to optimize processes.

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