Do Your Need a Bookkeeping Expert or an Accountant?

If your business is growing, you may be wondering if it would be a good idea to hire an accountant to work with you when, in fact, a bookkeeping expert is really what you need. This article will discuss the difference between accountants and bookkeeping experts so that you can find the right person for the right job.
Salary and education are big differences between bookkeeping experts and accountants. Bookkeepers do not normally need a college degree and an accountant has special training in accounting practices that requires at least a Bachelor’s degree. Because of the amount of education required, a bookkeeping specialist will usually make about half of what an accountant will make. That is why it is important to hire an accountant only if you need it.
The job responsibilities of a bookkeeper differ from that of an accountant. A bookkeeping specialist can take charge of payments that come into the company. He or she will also pay bills that are due, but they do not take charge of financial planning. If you are looking for someone that will manage accounts, pay employees, pay bills, and take charge of client billing, hire a bookkeeping specialist. If you want someone to forecast payments and offer strategic advice, an accountant will usually be a better fit.
For many businesses the question as to whether you need an accountant or a bookkeeping specialist is actually a trick question. You probably need both. Many business owners will choose to have a bookkeeping specialist on staff full time, and then they bring in an accountant when necessary, like at tax time. Both accountants and bookkeepers play a vital role in any successful business. Look at your business plan and decide how a bookkeeper can help you keep your finances in order.

Karla Dennis

As seen in Forbes Magazine, Karla Dennis is an expert tax and business strategist. As an enrolled agent, Karla is licensed to represent taxpayers in all 50 states. She holds a Masters in Taxation and Business Development and is the author of two books, Tax Storm and Against the Odds.

Karla, CEO of consultancy firm Karla Dennis And Associates, Inc.™, has saved her clients thousands of dollars and has been featured in various media outlets such as Forbes, MSNBC, KTLA, Yahoo! Finance, and SmartMoney, marking her as the ultimate tax expert.

As of 2014, Karla became the new host on the “Mind Your Business” radio show, KTLK AM 1150, sharing her financial and business knowledge with the greater Orange County and Los Angeles areas. As a supporter of women’s rights and issues, Karla is part of the Women Network, an organization built to educate and mentor women. In addition, Karla is the radio host for Women Network Radio, a show that aims to uplift and empower women of all walks of life.