WHAT IS A BOOKKEEPER?

Anyone can ask AI this question. And that's a beautiful thing.

I asked, and I got a great answer:

A bookkeeper is a person who records and manages financial transactions for a business or individual. They track income, expenses, and maintain financial records to ensure accurate accounting and reporting. Their work helps businesses understand their financial health and prepare for taxes.

Here's my simple, human answer for someone considering starting their own business:

A bookkeeper is a record keeper. We record financial transactions. Dollars in, dollars out. That's it.

We call this set of records "your books."

As a small business owner or sole proprietor keeping your own books, your job is to record these transactions in a way that makes sense for you. These books are for your reference, knowledge, empowerment, and tax prep.

Many bookkeepers use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. That’s great, but it’s not a requirement. You can use Excel, Google Sheets, or pen & paper. What matters most is creating a system that fits your skill set and workflow.

There’s no wrong way to do this, only the way that works best for you.

Related topics:

-Accounting

-Bookkeeping versus accounting

-Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

-GAAP