Bookkeeper or accountant: who does what?
The bookkeeper keeps the records as things happen. The accountant uses them after the year end. See who does each job and how the hand-over works.
Task 1Two jobs3 questions
- Bookkeeper
- records each transaction as it happens, and keeps the books up to date and checked
- Accountant
- uses the finished books to prepare the year-end accounts and the tax return, and gives advice
In a small business one person may do both, or the owner may keep the books. The work is the same whoever does it.
- Transactions are recorded as they happen
- The bank is checked against the cash book each month
- The year-end accounts are prepared after the year ends
Lena is the bookkeeper at Willow Lane Flowers. Amira also uses an accountant, Kofi Osei, once a year.
Task 2The hand-over3 questions
You work out a figure, put steps in order and pick the right answer.