There are a number of services that a company may need to keep proper records:
- bookkeeping
- payroll
- sales tax reports
- monthly and quarterly tax filings
- tax returns / tax advice
- generating financial statements / auditing financial statements
- financial management advice
Some can be handled by a bookkeeper, others need the skills of an accountant. Decisions need to be made about services needed, budget, and how much to try and handle within the company.
Bookkeeper vs. Accountant vs. CPA
Bookkeepers tend to do the simpler, lower level record keeping tasks. Accountants, on the other hand, have a higher level of skill and knowledge, and can do higher level tasks, although they usually offer bookkeeping services, as well. Keep in mind, anyone can call himself/herself an accountant. On the other hand a CPA is an accountant that has been certified, through testing and education, to use the title “CPA”.
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