Assistant Bookkeeper Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s business landscape, the demand for assistant bookkeepers is rapidly increasing.
As companies grow and financial complexities multiply, the need for proficient individuals who can manage, track, and streamline our financial activities deepens.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an assistant bookkeeper?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to understand the scope of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the dynamics of bookkeeping,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we introduce a customizable assistant bookkeeper job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Assistant Bookkeeper Duties and Responsibilities
Assistant Bookkeepers support the Lead Bookkeeper or Accountant in managing a company’s financial records.
They play a crucial role in maintaining and updating financial documents, such as invoices, receipts, and reports.
Assistant Bookkeepers have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Assist in maintaining financial records and ensuring that financial transactions are properly recorded
- Support the bookkeeper in maintaining the company’s general ledger
- Prepare bank deposits, general ledger postings, and statements
- Assist in reconciling invoices and identifying discrepancies
- Issue invoices to customers based on services rendered and/or goods sold
- Make bank runs to deposit checks
- Keep an accurate record of all company expenses
- Process payroll on a regular basis
- Assist in the preparation of budgets and financial reports
- Help with internal audits and provide recommendations for procedural improvements
- File tax forms with the assistance of a certified public accountant
- Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and guidelines
Assistant Bookkeeper Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Assistant Bookkeeper to join our finance team.
The Assistant Bookkeeper will assist in maintaining our financial records, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments.
Responsibilities include working closely with our accounting team to create and analyze financial reports and ensure legal requirements compliance, process accounts payable and receivable, and manage invoices and tax payments.
The ideal candidate is familiar with all accounting procedures and has a flair for numbers.
Responsibilities
- Assist in maintaining financial records and ensuring that financial transactions are properly recorded
- Prepare, send, and store invoices
- Manage the daily transactions, including expenses, income, and payroll
- Collaborate with the accounting team to prepare financial reports
- Prepare and process documents such as business or government forms and expense reports
- Monitor financial transactions and reports
- Process accounts receivable and payable
- Perform reconciliations, assisting with audits, fact checks, and resolving discrepancies
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a bookkeeper or relevant role
- Familiarity with bookkeeping and basic accounting procedures
- Competency in MS Office, especially with Excel, and databases
- Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and financial reports
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Aptitude for numbers and quantitative skills
- Associate degree in Finance, Business or relevant field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Assistant Bookkeeper
- Work Environment: Office setting with the option for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Bookkeeper or Accounting Manager.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Assistant Bookkeeper Do?
An Assistant Bookkeeper typically works in the finance or accounting department of a company or at an accounting firm.
They can also be self-employed or work as freelancers for multiple clients.
The primary role of an Assistant Bookkeeper is to assist the head bookkeeper in maintaining and updating the organization’s financial records.
This includes tasks like recording daily transactions, processing payments, updating the general ledger, and performing reconciliations.
The Assistant Bookkeeper is also responsible for preparing invoices, managing payroll, and assisting with the preparation of balance sheets and income statements.
They may be asked to handle accounts payable and receivable and maintain accurate records of these transactions.
In some cases, an Assistant Bookkeeper may also be required to interact with clients, vendors, and internal departments to resolve any financial discrepancies or answer queries about payments.
It is their responsibility to ensure that all financial data is accurate and up to date, helping the organization make informed decisions and maintain financial health.
They often work closely under the supervision of a senior bookkeeper or an accountant, assisting with tax preparation and year-end closing procedures.
Assistant Bookkeeper Qualifications and Skills
An assistant bookkeeper should possess a specific set of skills and qualifications to effectively perform their job responsibilities, such as:
- Strong attention to detail in order to accurately record financial transactions and spot any discrepancies or errors.
- Good organizational skills to manage and maintain financial records and documents in a structured manner.
- Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial procedures to assist in the preparation of financial reports and statements.
- Proficiency in using accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite to process and record financial information.
- Good mathematical skills to handle calculations related to invoices, payments, and financial reports.
- Effective communication skills to liaise with colleagues, clients, and vendors, as well as to explain and clarify financial information when necessary.
- Problem-solving abilities to identify and rectify financial discrepancies and solve accounting issues.
- Understanding of data privacy standards and regulations in order to handle sensitive financial information responsibly and confidentially.
Assistant Bookkeeper Experience Requirements
Assistant Bookkeepers usually require a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a similar role or in the field of finance.
This experience can often be gained through internships, part-time positions, or entry-level roles in financial services or accounting firms.
During this period, they would ideally gain practical knowledge and become familiar with financial software and management systems.
They should also have experience with basic bookkeeping duties such as processing invoices, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining financial records.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of financial reports, tax preparation, and payroll services.
These candidates may also be adept at resolving accounting discrepancies and conducting financial research.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have worked in a supervisory capacity or have been responsible for training and mentoring junior staff.
With this level of experience, they may be eligible for higher level positions such as Senior Bookkeeper or Bookkeeping Manager.
Assistant Bookkeeper Education and Training Requirements
Assistant Bookkeepers typically need to hold a high school diploma or equivalent, although an associate or bachelor’s degree in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field is often preferred by employers.
They should have a fundamental understanding of financial principles and proficiency in using bookkeeping software.
Knowledge in using applications such as Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, or other specialized accounting software is beneficial.
In addition to formal education, practical experience in bookkeeping or a related field can be beneficial.
This experience can be obtained through internships, part-time, or full-time jobs.
Certification, while not typically required, can be advantageous.
The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers both offer certification programs.
These credentials can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to the profession and can enhance job prospects.
Additionally, successful Assistant Bookkeepers are detail-oriented, have excellent organizational and mathematical skills, and maintain a high level of integrity due to the sensitive nature of financial information.
Assistant Bookkeeper Salary Expectations
An Assistant Bookkeeper earns an average salary of $35,838 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can vary depending on the experience, education, and the location of the job.
This role may also provide additional benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans which can influence the overall compensation.
Assistant Bookkeeper Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Assistant Bookkeeper need?
Assistant Bookkeepers need to be detail-oriented and have strong numeracy skills to work with financial data accurately.
They should also possess excellent organizational skills to manage and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Familiarity with accounting software and a good understanding of accounting principles are essential.
Strong communication skills are also necessary as they often interact with other departments.
Do Assistant Bookkeepers need a degree?
While a degree is not always required, most employers prefer candidates with at least an associate’s degree in accounting or a related field.
Some businesses might also require an Assistant Bookkeeper to have specific certifications, such as a Certified Bookkeeper designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.
What should you look for in an Assistant Bookkeeper resume?
When reviewing an Assistant Bookkeeper resume, look for experience in bookkeeping or accounting.
Skills in using bookkeeping software such as QuickBooks are also beneficial.
Attention to detail, accuracy, and a good understanding of basic accounting principles should be evident from their previous work experience.
Any certifications related to bookkeeping should also be clearly stated on the resume.
What qualities make a good Assistant Bookkeeper?
A good Assistant Bookkeeper is one who is very detail-oriented and accurate, as even the smallest mistake can lead to significant financial discrepancies.
They should be trustworthy, as they will be dealing with confidential financial information.
Good organizational skills are also important to keep track of all transactions and documents.
Additionally, they should be good communicators, able to liaise effectively with other departments and external vendors.
What are the daily duties of an Assistant Bookkeeper?
On a typical day, an Assistant Bookkeeper might reconcile bank statements, record financial transactions, update financial records, and prepare reports.
They may also assist with payroll, handle invoices, assist in preparing budget forecasts, and help prepare tax returns.
Additionally, they might liaise with clients or vendors regarding billing and payments.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve revealed the true essence of being an assistant bookkeeper.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about crunching numbers.
It’s about managing financial data meticulously, one ledger entry at a time.
Armed with our comprehensive assistant bookkeeper job description template and real-life instances, you’re geared up to make your move.
But why put a halt there?
Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your golden ticket to creating precision-focused listings or fine-tuning your resume to stand out.
Remember:
Every ledger entry contributes to the larger financial picture.
Let’s manage that financial future. Together.
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