A bookkeeper can be a job within a company or it can be something that is outsourced to a third party. No matter what, a bookkeeper is likely to have a long list of duties that range from simplistic and quick to lengthy and complex. Often, the bookkeeper will need to use tools to automate certain processes and eliminate the risk of human error.
Sometimes, a bookkeeper will also be an accountant, allowing them to cover even more skills and tasks. No matter what, your bookkeeper ought to have business sense, work quickly but correctly, adapt to different forms of technology, have a finger on the pulse of changes to rules and regulations, and pay attention to detail.
Keep Track Of Bank Accounts
The most obvious task that a bookkeeper does is to keep track of financial accounts. This means ensuring that all transaction details are accurate. He or she will use accounting software to match transaction details, credit card statements, and other important documents.
This task is essential for bookkeepers because it provides the backbone for other tasks that he or she will carry out.
Advises In Budgeting Decisions
A bookkeeper will be there to help when business leaders are making budgeting decisions, especially those involving new projects or plans. He or she will be expected to not only know how the budget may impact the business but what changes in financials will mean for tax purposes.
Accounts Receivable Duties
Accounts receivable is an important thing for businesses to manage, and a bookkeeper can handle all of the intricacies. Your bookkeeper may be able to help in creating invoices, sending them to the appropriate parties, providing statements, and helping with collections for delinquent clients.
Once again, there are tools to help with this, but those tools need experienced oversight.
Help With Seasonal Flows
Having a long-term bookkeeper can help to plan for downtimes and slow periods. Some businesses are only busy during certain times of the year, and a bookkeeper can help plan for the leaner periods. Now, this isn’t something that they will be able to tell right away (even with accurate financial records, though they can help), but something that comes from experience and insight.
Prepare For Taxes – All Year Long
A bookkeeper can work with your tax preparation services to ensure that you are staying on the right side of the law all throughout the year. He or she can also help to plan for any taxes that may be new due to regulations.
Now, not all bookkeepers can do business taxes (but some can, like those at IC Quantum), but they need to have a working understanding of them.
Process Payroll
Bookkeepers can also be tasked with fulfilling payroll and other basic human resources functions. Sometimes they can help with the entire process and other times, they simply help with the taxation portion of payroll. The role will depend on the size of your team, how busy your human resources team is, and how many employees you have.
Keeping Track Of Bills
Now, every business has certain bills that they need to pay. From rent to internet access to the tools that you use to stay working. A bookkeeper can help to ensure that all of your bills are paid on time and in full. At the same time, you may expect them to audit bills to see if there is a way to streamline costs.
Need A Bookkeeper in South Africa? Contact Us Today
IC Quantum Accountants is registered with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) as both an accounting practice and an Accredited Training Centre (ACT) for accounting trainees. At IC Quantum Accountants Hub (Pty) Ltd, we are committed to building long-term relationships with our clients by providing excellent client service and embracing high ethical standards.
If you need a bookkeeper in South Africa for any services, personal or business, give us a call today and we can schedule an appointment with you – +27 87 980 0000/+27 81 403 5948. You can also fill out the form below and we will contact you.
