Do You Need a Bookkeeper or an Accountant?
JSB Accountants Explain the Key Differences
One of the most common questions we hear from small business owners is:
“Do I need a bookkeeper or an accountant?”
It’s a great question, and one worth understanding. While both roles focus on your business finances, they serve different purposes, and knowing which one you need can help you make smarter financial decisions.
Understanding the Roles
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day recording of financial transactions. Their responsibilities typically include:
Logging invoices and receipts
Reconciling bank statements
Managing accounts payable and receivable
Keeping detailed, up-to-date financial records
In short, bookkeepers ensure your business stays organised and compliant, with accurate records to back it up.
What Does an Accountant Do?
Accountants take a broader, more strategic role. They use financial data (often compiled by a bookkeeper) to:
Prepare and file tax returns
Create financial statements
Offer financial planning and business advice
Conduct audits and ensure HMRC compliance
Assist with forecasting, budgeting, and growth planning
Accounting helps you understand the bigger financial picture and make informed decisions for your business's future.
Bookkeeper vs Accountant: Key Differences
An accountant is a qualified financial professional with certifications and often a degree in accounting or finance. They are authorised to provide high-level financial services and strategic advice.
A bookkeeper may not hold formal qualifications but is highly skilled in managing daily transactions and keeping accurate records. However, they are not authorised to perform many of the tasks accountants can.
At JSB Accountants, our team includes both bookkeepers and accountants, so no matter your business size or stage, we can provide the right level of support.
Which One Do You Need?
Ask yourself the following:
Do you need help recording income and expenses, tracking payments, and staying on top of your books?
➤ You need a bookkeeper.
Do you need support with tax planning, HMRC requirements, reporting, or business advice?
➤ You need an accountant.
In many cases, businesses benefit from both services working hand in hand. Bookkeepers provide the data, while accountants use it to support decisions and growth.
Let’s Talk About What You Need
At JSB Accountants, we offer flexible, tailored solutions, whether you’re a sole trader just getting started, or an established business looking for strategic financial direction.
Contact us today for a no obligation chat.
Let’s find out what your business really needs to thrive, bookkeeping, accounting, or both.
As a family-run company, we pride ourselves on providing a bespoke service tailored to your particular needs.
Above all, our objective is to save you time, money and effort in managing your accounts, leaving you free to focus on building your business.
Remember, you’re not alone, we’re always here to help if you have an accounts problem or query.
This content will only be shown when viewing the full post. Click on this text to edit it.
Share this post: