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Bookkeeper Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: November 3, 2023

A bookkeeper or bookkeeping clerk is a financial professional who is responsible for updating a company’s financial accounts and records. Their duties include checking accounting records for accuracy, tracking invoices and payments and maintaining a system for organizing company documents.

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bookkeeper duties and responsibilities

Text reads: "Sample bookkeeper duties: Record financial transactions, update and maintain financial records, manage accounts using specialized software, traffic company income and expenditures."

A bookkeeper’s most important duty is to track and manage financial data. Bookkeepers don’t interpret this data, which is the responsibility of accountants, so they focus less on analysis and more on creating and maintaining records. A bookkeeper has many responsibilities, including:

  • Documenting financial transaction details and monitoring the transactions
  • Preparing and filing financial documents
  • Processing accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Fact-checking accounting data
  • Reconciling company accounts
  • Processing payroll and tracking payroll data
  • Assisting with tax payments and returns
  • Working with staff accountants as needed
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Bookkeeper Job Description Examples

Example 1

We are looking for a skilled Bookkeeper to maintain our financial records, including purchases, sales, receipts and payments. include working closely with our team to create and analyze financial reports. 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
  • Enter data, maintain records and lunch reports and financial statements
  • Process accounts receivable/payable and handle payroll in a timely manner

    Requirements
  • 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
  • Customer service orientation and negotiation skills
  • High degree of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Must have QuickBooks Knowledge

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $36,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
    Physical Setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Bookkeeping: 1 year Location: One location

    • Example 2

    Want to work somewhere were you skills are appreciated? Looking to work in a supportive team environment? Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply Inc is an independent, locally and woman owned wholesaler that is experiencing unprecedented growth. Serving the industry for over 63 years, we are looking to add a dynamic individual to support the team. Our leadership team is ready and willing to empower and listen to YOU and your ideas. Apply today to have your voice heard in our organization.

    The Office Administrator will assist the President in ensuring the timely and accurate management of the overall organization, with specific daily responsibilities for pricing management, accounts payable, account receivables, and general office management.

    Responsibilities include:

    Pricing Management:
  • Maintain product information ensuring all customers receive appropriate price, including proper discount structures, profit margins, UPC numbers, box quantities, descriptions, vendors product numbers, & pricing service numbers.
  • Research and ensure accuracy of all correct manufacturer price information
  • Communicate with the purchasing department and our suppliers any discrepancies with pricing, credits, shipping, or any other issues

    Accounts Payable:
  • Maintain accurate vendor accounts
  • Enter bills into system
  • Actively reconcile bills ensuring appropriate pricing and discounts are applied
  • Pay bills according to their payment terms, ensuring all bills are paid on time and allowing for payment discounts where applicable

    Accounts Receivable:
  • Reconcile daily sales & make daily deposits
  • Reconcile the cash drawer of cash, checks and credit card payments
  • Manage account invoices including
  • Confirm returns, back orders, sales tax application, shipping costs as needed, and customer purchase order information is present and accurate

  • Process customer account payments
  • Esure accounts are up-to-date and accurate
  • Communicate to the customer when issues arise with the payment.
  • Use proper accounting practices
  • Prompt pay discounts are taken appropriately
  • Ensure sales tax laws are followed

  • Communicate with customers when the accounts are past due
  • Answer customers questions regarding billing and statements

    General Office Responsibilities:
  • Answer phones in a professional manner
  • Screening calls and Direct calls to the appropriate individual

  • Maintain accurate files
  • All catalogs should have current information filed properly in the book

  • Support the marketing department
  • Create, schedule and publish social media posts
  • Update website as needed
  • Customer communications

  • Other duties as assigned

    Skills:
  • Proficient in Excel
  • Experience using project management software (Asana)
  • Able to solve complex problems and concepts
  • Strong communication skills
  • Self-motivated
  • Proactive
  • Ability to prioritize
  • Team Player

    Compensation:
  • Competitive salary
  • Medical insurance
  • Basic Life Insurance
  • Simple IRA with company match
  • Casual dress code
  • Employee Discount

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: From $37,500.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k) matching
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    COVID-19 considerations:
    Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply Inc is taking all precautions as directed by the CDC and our local health department.

    Experience:
  • Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Administrative experience: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Bookkeeping: 1 year Location: One location

    • Example 3

    Melville based boutique insurance agency seeks experienced bookkeeper:

  • Tasks:
  • Balance and maintain accurate ledgers bank accounts
  • Track insurance carrier invoices for timeliness and accuracy. Coordinate appropriate billing to clients.
  • Coordinate bank deposits and report financial results on a regular basis to management
  • Monitor office expenses and tally and enter cash receipts
  • Pay vendor invoices and track bank account balances
  • Develop monthly financial statements, including cash flow, profit and loss statements and balance sheets
  • Report payroll to payroll service, ensure accuracy, arrange for appropriate bank transfers and enter data in accounting software
  • Accounts Receivable collections including tracking of Notices of Cancellation
  • Recording paid time off and hours worked for part-time employees
  • Maintaining records for and renewal of licenses
  • Assist in completing the accounting information needed for E&O, EPLI and Health Insurance renewals
  • Administrative record keeping and follow up as needed for principal
  • Record financial transactions, reconcile bank statements and record keeping for 3 related entities on Quicken

  • Skills:
  • Degree in Accounting or related field preferred
  • Five years experience working in accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll and payroll reports Insurance experience preferred
  • knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles
  • Extensive experience with data entry, record keeping and computer operation
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook and especially Excel and Quicken
  • Strong understanding of business and income tax worksheets and computations
  • Proficient in the use of agency management software (The Agency Manager by Applied Systems preferred) for record keeping, producing reports, file maintenance and follow up
  • Detail oriented
  • Organized
  • Ability to work under fast pasted situations when necessary

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $20.01 - $32.00 per hour

    Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus Location: Hybrid remote in Melville, NY

    • Example 4

    Mammoth Machinery is looking to hire a full-time Bookkeeper and administrative assistant. Primary responsibilities include using various software tools including Quickbooks to generate service work orders, rental contracts, establish pre-lien notices, input payable expenses, make payments to vendors, and generating reports, as well as assisting senior management with other various projects. We would be happy to teach and train a dependable and enthusiastic candidate with a background in bookkeeping in areas where they have no experience.

    The position is primarily work in the office and the candidate would be based in North Salt Lake with a Monday to Friday schedule.

    Required Qualifications/Skills
  • Detail-oriented, organized, consistent, dependable, and honest in the dealings
  • Analytical / data-driven mindset; good with numbers and spreadsheets
  • Obsessive focus on timelines, deliverables and client satisfaction
  • Enthusiastic about learning new skills and software systems
  • Optimistic and upbeat
  • Comfortable working sometimes solo, interacting with other team members happening virtually via email or chat.

    The Ideal Candidate Might Also Have:
  • Experience with Quickbooks
  • Bookkeeping / finance / accounting background
  • Experience in construction or equipment rental industry
  • Experience with Microsoft software (e.g., Word, Excel)
  • Strong spreadsheet skills
  • Experience using (and truly enjoying!) project tracking
  • 3-4 years of proven experience
  • Self-Starter comfortable working independently
  • Excellent attention to detail with strong interpersonal skills

    Compensation

  • $40,000-$50,000 depending on experience
  • 15 days starting PTO
  • Benefits package (including 2% 401k match, home cell reimbursements)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • Life Insurance

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Physical Setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • North Salt Lake, UT 84054: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Bookkeeping: 1 year Location: One location

    • Example 5

    Local CPA firm is looking for a Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant to provide day to day assistance to a busy CPA and family office practice. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, able to multi-task, be detail oriented and have exceptional communication skills. Client confidentiality is a must along with the ability to interact with a wide client base.

    The candidate will report directly to the CPA.

    Job responsibilities and requirements are as follows:

    Knowledge of QuickBooks software (both online and desktop versions)

    Knowledge of accounts payable/bill pay functions, accounts receivable and bank reconciliations Outlook calendar and email Excel and Word software.

    Ensure that journal entries and other critical records are maintained in accordance with accounting practices.

    Reconciliation of bank accounts within QuickBooks

    Texas Notary a plus

    Office filing and supply purchases

    General knowledge of payroll and payroll procedures, sales tax reporting and property management/mortgage payment transactions

    General knowledge of personal and business tax returns (not tax preparation)

    The position requires the applicant to be self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to follow verbal and written instructions. The applicant must also be able to answer incoming phone calls, in person clients and emails.

    Flexible schedule - can be fulltime or parttime. Work from home not available.

    Both a background check and reference check will be conducted.

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
    Physical setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • San Antonio, TX 78232: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: In person

    • Example 6

    Challenger Aerospace Systems, Inc. is seeking a full charge, full-time Bookkeeper interested in joining our team. The Bookkeeper's duties include working closely with the management 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 will have been successful in similar roles and is familiar with Microsoft office (or other ERPs), Microsoft Excel, the Bookkeeper's responsibilities are to record all day-to-day financial transactions of the company accurately.

    Responsibilities:

    Conduct reconciliation of all accounts on an as-needed basis

    Maintain and balance the general ledger in an accurate, complete, and up-to-date manner

    Perform all activities related to the accounts payable function, including reviewing, coding, and processing payments

    Perform data entry and administrative duties

    Conduct account receivable/payable functions including invoicing, deposits, collections, and revenue recognition

    Prepare financial reports through the collection, analysis, and summarization of data

    Support month-end and year-end close process

    Post transactions and categorize records in the general ledger (e.g., by assets, liabilities, and expenses) under the direction of the head of accounting

    Reconcile bank statements

    Assist in preparation of documents for audits

    Qualifications:

    Previous experience in accounting, finance, public accounting, GAAP, or other related fields

    Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger

    Proficient skills in Microsoft office and Microsoft Excel---or other accounting or ERP system

    Strong organizational skills

    Deadline and detail-oriented

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $45,130.00 - $55,608.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Experience:
  • Bookkeeping: 6 years Location: One location

    • Example 7

    Wildflower Communities: Seeking Bookkeeper

    Seeking an experienced part-time property bookkeeper in FL (with potential opportunity to grow into full-time role in the near future). The position can be fully remote, and the individual should be well-versed in accounting principles, the accounting cycle, including chart of accounts, assets, liabilities, equity, account reconciliations through trial balance stage, journal entries, month-end & year-end closing process, and financial statements. Ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3+ years of experience for real estate accounting.

    Company Culture

    At Wildflower Communities, we operate and manage hundreds of sites of manufactured housing communities in the Southeast. We understand that accurate bookkeeping is crucial for transparent financial reporting. Given our entrepreneurial spirit, we empower our employees to do their best, which contributes to the success of the company and team.

    Position:

    The individual will have a proven track record of overseeing cash flow, financial statement preparation, audits, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, journal entries, month-end closing, and sales tax reporting. The individual should have impeccable attention to detail, be highly organized and timely, and will work with our controller to ensure company policies and procedures and all applicable laws are in compliance.

    Job Responsibilities will include:

    Responsible for posting cash and credit card receipts; processing accounts payable relating to all the company's contractors. Performing weekly or bi-weekly check runs, as needed. Customer service orientation, proper documentation, and follow-up through resolution are essential for this function.

    Enter data in QuickBooks Online, maintain records and create reports and financial statements

    Bring the books to the trial balance stage

    Responsible for the monthly calculation, reconciliation, and payment of the company's Sales Tax obligations to the State of Florida. Prepare 1099s

    Assist the company's controller with coding and reconciling the company's weekly consolidated credit card statements of our employees.

    Copying, scanning, and filing records in an orderly manner within the system are essential.

    Confidentiality, a high degree of accuracy, and attention to detail are essential traits required to conduct all the above-described tasks.

    Your Skills and Experience Include

  • Demonstrated understanding of income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, and retained earnings financial statements specifically for real-estate accounting
  • Minimum of 3 years of bookkeeping experience
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent excel skills.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Knowledge of QuickBooks Online. Familiarity with ManageAmerica is a plus

    In return for your excellent skills and abilities, we offer a competitive salary.

    Start Date: Must be able to start immediately

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

    Expected hours: 5 10 per week

    Experience level:
  • 3 years
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



    Experience:
  • Bookkeeping: 3 years Location: In person

    • Example 8

    Office Manager Landscape Design & Construction Industry-Springfield, MA

    Custom landscape design firm that focuses on bringing together the lifestyle and personality of the client with the home design and natural landscape. Springfield, MA office is looking for a strong Office Manager with HR skills and Landscape or Construction Industry experience.

    If you are an excellent communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, team environment where you own a variety of essential responsibilities, this is the right place for you.

    You will be responsible for:

    Answering phones, fielding calls and problem-solving

    Accounts Payable and Receivable, profit and loss statements, weekly payroll & payroll taxes for approximately 15 employees

    Human Resources (benefits, new hire paperwork/orientation, maintaining files and personnel information, arranging for back-up coverage when people are out)

    Creating standardized procedures and processes

    Handling light sales from walk-in customers

    What you bring to the role:

    A can-do attitude: you have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and you get things done

    Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

    A collaborative attitude you can work independently but you can also collaborate to work through challenges and get things done

    Customer focused internally and externally

    You like creative environments (people and product)

    Great at making sure people and projects stay on task (you bring balance to this highly creative team)

    Experience with bookkeeping/basic accounting (Quickbooks and Excel are required)

    Analytical, problem-solving nature. You are organized and enjoy working with numbers.

    A professional history of working within landscaping and construction companies

    What we can offer you:

    Creative and innovative team

    50% Health insurance

    Full-time role

    401k

    2 Weeks paid vacation, 5 paid holidays and sick time

    Company-sponsored employee events!

    If this sounds exciting to you, apply today.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $50,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Springfield, MA 01101: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Microsoft Excel: 2 years (Required)
  • QuickBooks: 2 years Location: One location

    • Example 9

    Malu Productions, Inc.

    Aloha! Malu Productions, Inc. is an award-winning company that has been providing entertainment services for 25 years. We are built on years of industry experience, and tenacious aspiration to continually raise the level and quality of entertainment. Our degree of service and accomplishments are illustrated in our collection of recognition awards and diverse letters of gratitude from clients & guests.

    Malu Productions is Hawaii's premier provider of Hawaiian & Polynesian entertainment. We currently produce over 50 events per month and operate with a cast of 100+ entertainers and an administrative team.

    Overview:

    In support of our "production events" we are seeking an experienced Bookkeeper to assist our company with day to day financial tasks. You will be responsible for both accounts payable and receivable along with all payroll and bank account management and reconciliation tasks. You will be responsible for recording financial data into QuickBooks, and providing the CEO with income statements and balance sheets monthly, forecasting and projections and providing accountants with year end closing statements.

    Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

  • Recording day-to-day financial transactions and completing the posting process.
  • Reconciling sales taxes, payroll taxes, 401k, and bank accounts at the end of each month.
  • Monitoring financial transactions and reports.
  • Creating and processing accounts receivable and payable.
  • Processing and writing checks.
  • Maintaining a balanced general ledger
  • Working with an accountant when necessary.
  • Handling and processing bi-weekly payroll by monitoring employee time sheets and reporting to CEO
  • Providing leadership with financials reports as needed
  • Advising leadership on compliance needs
  • Printing Checks in House and Processing Independent Contractors

    Qualifications:

  • Basic accounting knowledge
  • Data Entry
  • Must be detail oriented, thorough and organized
  • Must be proficient in Quickbooks and Excel
  • Previous bookkeeping experience (2 years preferred)
  • Able to prepare, review and understand financial statements
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment
  • Confidentiality
  • Comfortable dealing with large volumes of complex data

    Job Types: Part-time

    Minimum of 3 days a week 15 - 20 hours per week

    Must be able to work in an office environment

    Job Type: Part-time

    Pay: $20.00 - $27.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
    Physical setting:
  • Office
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekend availability



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Honolulu, HI 96826: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Bookkeeping: 2 years Location: In person

    • What does a bookkeeper do?

    A bookkeeper generally works within a company’s in-house accounting department, focusing on the day-to-day financial transactions. They may also work as part of a team at an accounting firm that handles company ledgers for multiple clients to ensure accuracy and compliance with finance law. This role focuses on documentation and processing for all types of financial transactions. bookkeeper enter data into spreadsheets and bookkeeping software, compile reports, gather and organize bank statements, highlight discrepancies in company records and research possible reasons for errors or differences in expected versus actual account balances. They might also handle basic administrative duties for the accounting team and often assist other team members as needed.

    Bookkeeper skills and qualifications

    A successful bookkeeper has a mix of formal education, certifications and real-world experience. Math skills are arguably the most important for bookkeepers, but they must also have:

    • An eye for detail
    • The ability to meet deadlines
    • The ability to communicate complex data in a clear way
    • Exceptional organizational skills
    • The ability to prioritize projects
    • Customer service skills
    • Excellent data entry skills
    • Payroll accounting skills

    Bookkeeper salary expectations

    On average, the annual salary for bookkeeper is approximately $43,292, or $21.23 per hour. This estimate is based over 20.3k salaries submitted anonymously to Indeed as of June 25, 2023. Earnings can vary based on factors such as geographical location, job duties and company type, and the candidate’s qualifications, including their educational level, previous experience and certifications. 

    Bookkeeper education and training requirements

    Bookkeepers typically have a bachelor’s degree or higher, often in a field such as business, accounting, math or economics. Some may have a master’s degree in a related area, but it’s also possible to find quality candidates without a college education. In fact, many employers post entry-level roles requiring that a candidate only have a high school diploma or an associate’s degree, especially if an individual has bookkeeping job experience. Bookkeepers may also have certifications from groups like the Association of Certified Public bookkeepers, as well as additional training in areas such as finance or accounting.

    Bookkeeper experience requirements

    The typical work experience required of bookkeeper depends on the role being filled. Entry-level employees, for example, may not need any experience, but most bookkeeping positions require at least some related experience. Mid-level bookkeepers will have a few years of experience and, most likely, a college degree. Senior-level bookkeepers will likely have a college degree plus 5 or more years of experience — including some time leading a team or spearheading projects. If your business uses certain software or a coding system to organize financial data, you can request relevant experience in your job posting.

    Job description samples for similar positions

    Is this job description sample not quite what you’re looking for? Don’t worry — we’ve got other samples for similar positions. You can use these to target a different role or get inspiration for your bookkeeper job description.

    Frequently asked questions about bookkeeper

    What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

    Bookkeepers and accountants are both essential roles involved in maintaining a company’s financial health and compliance. Bookkeepers focus more on managing day-to-day financial transactions while accountants provide expert insight and consultations to business owners on financial strategies and patterns. Bookkeepers prepare data and reports while accountants use the information they collect to assess a company’s financial health and make projections about future income.

    What is the difference between a bookkeeper and a Data Entry Clerk?

    Bookkeepers and data entry clerks both manage information databases and enter detailed information into company records, but bookkeepers focus on financial information while data entry clerks can work in any company department. Data entry clerks are often responsible for digitizing hard copies of paper records using a computer spreadsheet, while bookkeepers consolidate both digital and physical transactions into a central system. Bookkeepers are also responsible for reporting the data they collect while data entry clerks mainly focus on quickly and accurately entering as much information as possible.

    Who does a bookkeeper report to?

    Depending on the size of the business they work for, bookkeepers can report directly to business owners or to top roles in an accounting department such as head accountants, accounting managers or data analysts. The reports that bookkeepers compile are used by the entire accounting team to inform their decisions and strategic recommendations, so they work closely with accounting leadership to ensure their accuracy. Bookkeepers may also report to a corporate controller or assistant controller when it comes to maintaining legal compliance with their bookkeeping practices.

    What makes a good bookkeeper job description?

    When writing a bookkeeper job description, list specific duties, including the types of transactions and financial reports the selected candidate will handle. Discuss the accounting software your team uses and other essential software or tools applicants should know how to use. You might mention the structure of the department, including the supervisor of the position. To help set your bookkeeper job description apart, you might also include details about your company culture and the benefits offered.

    Ready to Hire a Bookkeeper?Build a Bookkeeper Job Description

    Job Description Examples

    Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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