Some important skills also include bookkeeping, general ledger, accounts receivable and payable, and bank reconciliation, petty cash and payroll processing. Therefore, their role and the insights they provide go beyond the traditional responsibilities of bookkeepers and could become crucial for businesses aiming to expand and stay competitive in the market. Maintaining accurate and organised financial records is a fundamental responsibility. Full Charge Book keepers ensure that all documents, including invoices, receipts, and statements, are properly filed and easily accessible. This meticulous record-keeping is essential for audits, tax filings, and financial reviews. Simply put, the roles and responsibilities of a full charge bookkeeper are a combination of the duties of a regular bookkeeper and an accountant or controller.
Handling Comprehensive Bookkeeping and Accounting Needs
Bookkeepers were second, with 21,523 postings, followed by accounting clerks, accounts payable clerks and accounts receivable specialists. Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience. Implementing these practices diligently will help ensure that you provide excellent service to your clients. With the right dedication and commitment to continuous learning, anyone can thrive as an independent full charge bookkeeper, enabling numerous small businesses to succeed. For example, what does full charge bookkeeper mean full charge bookkeepers in major metropolitan areas or working for larger corporations may command higher salaries compared to those in smaller cities or companies. Additionally, those with specialized knowledge or certifications, such as Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) or Certified Bookkeeper (CB), may be able to command higher compensation.

Key Skills and Qualifications for Full Charge Bookkeepers
- Moreover, it provides management with insights into the company’s financial health through comprehensive reports.
- You handle many bookkeeping tasks to make sure everything is accurate and follows the rules.
- This role is particularly valuable for small and midsize businesses that require comprehensive accounting management but are not yet large enough to need a full-time controller or CFO.
- For small and medium businesses, having a skilled full charge bookkeeper can reduce reliance on external accountants for daily financial management, ultimately saving costs.
- Full Charge Bookkeeper responsibilities include auditing financial documents and procedures, reconciling bank statements and calculating tax payments and returns.
- Excellent communication skills enable them to interact with different departments and sometimes directly with clients, explaining financial information in a clear and understandable manner.
By staying updated with tax regulations, bookkeepers can accurately calculate and record tax liabilities, prepare tax returns, and assist in tax planning. They must be knowledgeable about deductions, credits, and exemptions to help businesses minimize their tax burden while staying compliant with the law. Compliance with financial regulations is of utmost importance for any organization, and as a full charge bookkeeper, you have the responsibility to ensure adherence to these regulations. This includes staying updated on financial laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. By maintaining compliance, you help mitigate financial risks, avoid penalties, and uphold the company’s reputation. As a full charge bookkeeper, you assist with budgeting and forecasting processes.
Can I switch from basic bookkeeping to full charge services mid-year?

They should have at least a baseline familiarity with the most popular tools used by bookkeepers and accountants. At expert levels, they use computer tools, programs and software to their full potential. Beyond spreadsheets, they also know how to create efficient rules for automating these processes for maximum productivity. If you’ll notice, a full service bookkeeper takes “charge”of all the duties of a bookkeeper. Where they differ is the addition of managerial, tax, and accounting related responsibilities.
Closing the Books in Q4: Common Mistakes That Delay Reporting
- You can look for freelancers and contractors on reputable freelance marketplaces, business social platforms, and agencies.
- Contracting with a traditional bookkeeping firm typically involves monthly fees based on the scope of services required.
- This role helps prevent financial errors and fraud by maintaining systematic records and controls.
- To safeguard the company’s assets, Full Charge Bookkeepers establish and maintain internal controls.
- Outsourcing this crucial function to a trusted partner ensures you receive expert-level service, enhanced efficiency, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your finances are in capable hands.
- When doing accounting tasks, it is critical to pay close attention to the smallest details.
- They should have extensive experience in bookkeeping and be proficient in accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero.
However, there are no certain limitations to starting your practice because, unlike accounting, a professional degree isn’t required to work as a bookkeeper. The computation, organization, and categorization of numeric data is what bookkeepers do. Hiring an accountant costs $150 QuickBooks Accountant to $400 per hour on average, depending on their experience. A recently certified accountant may charge $50 to $150 per hour, while Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with 10+ years of experience sometimes charge up to $1,000 per hour.

How much does a bookkeeper cost?
It’s not just about the rate they charge, but how much time and effort they save you in the long run. A well-qualified full-charge bookkeeper ensures smooth financial operations while keeping your budget in check. Knowledge of U.S. tax laws, including federal, state, and local tax requirements, filing deadlines, income classifications, and allowable deductions, is essential. A full-charge bookkeeper who understands tax compliance can help your business avoid costly penalties and ensure accurate filings throughout the year.
- While full charge bookkeepers are not certified public accountants (CPAs), they play a significant role in preparing tax returns for the organization.
- You are encouraged to consult with competent Attorney, CPA, EA or CFP based on your specific requirements & personal circumstances.
- A full-charge bookkeeper organizes documentation, supports external auditors, and occasionally performs internal checks to catch irregularities early.
- They have a more comprehensive understanding of the bookkeeping role, allowing them to support or even lead the current bookkeeping staff with less experienced members.
- This means that they are responsible for completing all tasks required to keep the books in good order, such as payroll and taxes.
All information prepared on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on for legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your own legal, tax or accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. The content on this website is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free. Opinions expressed on the pages of this website belong to the author and do not represent the views of companies whose products and services are being reviewed. Other valuable skills to look for include problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to maintain confidentiality.
Full Charge Bookkeeper Advantages for Small Business Owners
If your accounting team is stretched too thin, a full charge bookkeeper can also relieve them of time constraints so they can focus on other core tasks. We are looking to hire an experienced full charge bookkeeper to handle our company’s accounts. In this role you will be responsible for managing the full cycle of accounting duties for the company.