Bookkeeper Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s economy, the focus on bookkeepers has never been greater.

As businesses grow and financial regulations evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can maintain, analyze, and interpret financial records is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a bookkeeper?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate world of bookkeeping,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable bookkeeper job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Bookkeeper Duties and Responsibilities

Bookkeepers are responsible for recording and maintaining a business’ financial transactions, such as purchases, expenses, sales revenue, invoices, and payments.

They play a crucial role in helping businesses understand their financial health.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Recording all financial transactions, including sales, purchases, income, and payments
• Reconciling reports to third-party records such as bank statements
• Ensuring accuracy in general ledger
• Preparing financial statements like balance sheets and income statements
• Processing payroll and maintaining employee records
• Issuing invoices to customers and suppliers
• Maintaining accounts receivable and accounts payable
• Assisting with budget preparations
• Conducting monthly, quarterly and annual balance audits
• Adhering to all legal requirements by studying requirements, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies

 

Bookkeeper Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Bookkeeper to maintain our financial records, including purchases, sales, receipts and payments.

Bookkeeper job duties 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.

Our ideal candidate holds a Finance degree (preferably followed by accounting CPE courses) and is familiar with accounting software packages, like FreshBooks, NetSuite and QuickBooks.

Ultimately, the bookkeeper’s responsibilities are to accurately record all day-to-day financial transactions of our company.

 

Responsibilities

• Record day to day financial transactions and complete the posting process
• Verify that transactions are recorded in the correct day book, suppliers ledger, customer ledger and general ledger
• Bring the books to the trial balance stage
• Perform partial checks of the posting process
• Complete tax forms
• Enter data, maintain records and create reports and financial statements
• Process accounts receivable/payable and handle payroll in a timely manner

 

Qualifications

• Proven bookkeeping experience
• Solid understanding of basic bookkeeping and accounting payable/receivable principles
• Proven ability to calculate, post and manage accounting figures and financial records
• Data entry skills along with a knack for numbers
• Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and proprietary software
• Proficiency in English and in MS Office
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• BS degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Bookkeeper
• Work Environment: Office setting. Some flexibility for remote work may be available.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Finance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $60,000 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 a Bookkeeper Do?

Bookkeepers primarily work in businesses across various industries, either as in-house staff or through a bookkeeping or accounting firm.

Some bookkeepers may also work as self-employed individuals, providing services to multiple clients.

They are responsible for maintaining accurate records of financial transactions by systematically documenting purchases, sales, receipts, and payments.

This could include anything from entering data to updating financial statements and checking financial records for accuracy.

Bookkeepers also manage and balance general ledgers where they record all transactions and produce financial statements.

They may be required to process payroll, manage invoices, and handle expense reports.

They also ensure that all financial transactions comply with legal requirements and company policies.

In some cases, bookkeepers may also assist with basic HR duties like new hire documents, compliance, and confidentiality agreements.

Their role is crucial in preparing the necessary documents for accountants to use for preparing annual financial statements and tax returns.

 

Bookkeeper Qualifications and Skills

A proficient bookkeeper should possess the skills and qualifications necessary for managing an organization’s financial records, including:

• Strong numerical skills for accurate financial management and error-free record-keeping.
• Excellent organizational abilities to maintain clear and up-to-date financial records.
• Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero or similar for efficient and accurate data entry and reporting.
• Attention to detail to ensure all financial data is recorded correctly and accurately.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and internal team members, and to report financial statuses and issues.
• Problem-solving skills to identify financial discrepancies and rectify them.
• Time management skills to meet deadlines for financial reporting and other accounting tasks.
• Understanding of basic business principles and regulatory standards for financial record keeping.
• Integrity and discretion, given the sensitive nature of the financial data they handle.

 

Bookkeeper Experience Requirements

Entry-level bookkeepers usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or through educational programs in finance or accounting.

Junior roles may require hands-on experience with bookkeeping software, basic understanding of financial principles, and the ability to handle data entry tasks.

Bookkeepers with 3 to 5 years of experience are typically proficient in managing financial records, invoices, payroll, and balancing budgets.

This experience is often acquired from roles such as Junior Accountant, Accounts Assistant, or Financial Clerk.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often possess strong organizational and managerial skills.

They may have significant experience in the preparation of financial reports, tax preparation, and may have managed a small team of junior bookkeepers.

They are also typically well-versed in using different types of financial management software and may be prepared for a senior role or managerial position within the finance department.

 

Bookkeeper Education and Training Requirements

Bookkeepers typically require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many bookkeepers gain skills necessary for the role on-the-job, however, some choose to complete a postsecondary education program in bookkeeping, accounting, or a related field.

Those working in this field need to have a strong understanding of mathematics and should be proficient in using computer software, particularly spreadsheets and bookkeeping software.

For more specialized or advanced roles, employers may prefer bookkeepers with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

To enhance their career prospects, bookkeepers can also obtain certification, such as the Certified Bookkeeper designation from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

This certification requires at least two years of professional bookkeeping experience and passing a four-part exam.

Additionally, ongoing training to keep up with changes in financial regulations and accounting software can be beneficial for those in this role.

 

Bookkeeper Salary Expectations

A Bookkeeper earns an average salary of $42,410 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on experience, qualifications, location, and the size of the employing company.

 

Bookkeeper Job Description FAQs

What skills does a bookkeeper need?

Bookkeepers need to possess strong numerical skills and an attention to detail to ensure financial records are accurate.

They should also have knowledge of accounting software and spreadsheets, as well as familiarity with general business operations.

Communication skills are important, as they may need to explain financial information to non-financial colleagues.

 

Do bookkeepers need a degree?

While a degree is not always required for a bookkeeper role, having one in a field such as finance, accounting, or business administration can be beneficial.

What’s more important is having a strong understanding of accounting principles and financial management, which can often be gained through on-the-job training, online courses, or vocational schools.

 

What should you look for in a bookkeeper resume?

When looking at a bookkeeper’s resume, you should look for evidence of their experience in maintaining financial records and performing basic accounting tasks.

This can include managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, or preparing financial reports.

Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks or Excel is also a valuable skill.

 

What qualities make a good bookkeeper?

A good bookkeeper is highly organized and detail-oriented, as they are responsible for maintaining accurate financial records.

They should also be trustworthy, as they will be handling sensitive financial information.

Problem-solving skills are important, as they may need to identify and correct financial errors.

Finally, a good bookkeeper should have strong communication skills to explain complex financial information in a simple, clear way.

 

Is it difficult to hire a bookkeeper?

Recruiting a bookkeeper can be challenging, as it requires finding a candidate with a specific skill set, including both accounting knowledge and soft skills like communication and attention to detail.

However, with a clear job description and a thorough interview process, you can successfully hire a qualified bookkeeper.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we have unraveled the intricacies of what being a bookkeeper truly entails.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about meticulously managing and maintaining financial records, one transaction at a time.

With our trusty bookkeeper job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to advance.

But why stop here?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for sculpting precise job listings or refining your resume to its finest form.

Remember:

Every transaction recorded is a step towards a company’s financial health.

Let’s balance those books. Together.

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