Bookkeepers, accountants (non-CPA), and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) have different roles and responsibilities that relate to the management of finances in a business. Each of the position has a significant role in ensuring that the financial aspects of the business are taken into consideration, which is an aspect that enhances accountability of finances. The qualifications for each position are defined to ensure that the individuals have the ability to engage in their individual roles and responsibilities effectively. Academic qualification is a key element in the position considering the kind of activities and duties defined for each position. All the positions mentioned have similarities because they involve focusing on the financial aspects of a business. However, some differences can be noted, which are based on the roles and responsibilities defined for each position. Bookkeepers, accountants, and Certified Public Accountant have a significant role in financial management and handling different kinds of programs that relate to keeping financial records.
Qualifications and Duties of Bookkeepers
A bookkeeper is an individual who is responsible for maintaining and recording business transactions. A bookkeeper should have a wide range of qualifications that help in ensuring that an individual is fit for the given position. A bookkeeper should have relevant skills and knowledge, which are primary determiners of the qualification level of an individual. Firstly, a bookkeeper should have basic accounting skills and data entry skills. Secondly, a bookkeeper should have adequate knowledge regarding different accounting frameworks and practices that are used in financial management in a business. Thirdly, a bookkeeper should be proficient in Microsoft Excel and other key programs such as Quickbooks, and Fresh Books or other applications that accounting features. Additionally, a bookkeeper should portray professionalism, accuracy, high level of concentration, and organization skills to undertake their roles and duties effectively.
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The first main responsibility involves maintaining accurate records of the financial transactions undertaken in the business. Bookkeepers are entitled to maintain the financial records of business, which is an aspect that promote effective analysis of a Secondly, the bookkeepers have the role of maintaining the general ledger of business and reconciliation of debit and credit cards (Doron, Baker, & Zucker, 2019). Thirdly, the bookkeepers have the role of maintaining the trial balance and focus on the reconciliation of different accounts in business to assert the accuracy of transactions. The fourth duty involves focusing on local laws to comply with different kinds of reporting requirements in the business. Lastly, the bookkeepers have the role of monitoring any variance that is obtained from a projected budget.
Qualifications and Duties of Accountants (Non-CPA)
Non-CPA accountants have a significant role in a business as they engage in a wide range of activities that involve the provision of financial advice to clients. An accountant has qualifications that helps to ensure that they are suitable for the position. The first major qualification involves having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Other key qualifications involve computer literacy on different accounting programs such as Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks among others that are used in accounting procedures (Mintz, 2018). The main skills that are necessary for the accountants include proper communication skills, self-motivation, ability to work in a team, and analytical abilities. Additionally, an accountant should have a high level of numeracy, problem-solving abilities, and good interpersonal skills.
The first major role of an accountant involves the preparation of accountants and tax returns and auditing of financial information in an organization. The second significant role involves compiling and presenting reports in an organization and the administration of payrolls. Lastly, accountants have the role of analyzing accounts and engaging in making financial analysis and forecasting different kinds of financial risks in business.
Qualifications and Duties of Accountants (CPA)
For a person to work as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), he/she must have several notable qualifications. Firstly, the person must have a CPA certification, which is obtained after undertaking a CPA examination. The requirements for the CPA certification vary from one state to another; thus, it is important to consider the requirements in his/her state. Secondly, the person must have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Accounting. Some states require CPAs to have a master's degree in accounting before they can be certified. The third qualification is that the person must have five years or more experience in public accounting (Schoenfeld, Segal, & Borgia, 2017). A CPA must have worked in a fast-paced accounting environment to be considered as being qualified for the position. The fourth qualification is that he/she must have a strong knowledge of accounting software, such as QuickBooks among others. The knowledge allows him/her to work in an accounting environment with ease.
The most notable duty of a CPA is to organize and update accounting records as needed. These records may be digital or physical. While considering that the CPA is expected to work in a fast-paced environment, it is important to ensure that these records are up-to-date at all times. Another notable duty of a CPA is preparing and analyzing transaction records. When preparing accounting records, CPAs are expected to analyze records of transactions to ensure that they match their accounting records (Doron, Baker, & Zucker, 2019). Lastly, CPAs have an important role in performing regular and detailed audits with the objective being to ensure that the financial documents, expenditures, and investments are accurate.
The skills and responsibilities of the bookkeepers, the accountants, and the Certified Public Accountant are similar considering that they involve management of the financial records in a business. The main objective of each of the position is to capitalize on the financial accountability of individual undertaking various roles that relate to promoting effectiveness in business operations. However, there are major differences that can be noted considering that the positions are a representation of different levels of financial and accounts management. For example, the bookkeepers engage in simple accounting and record keeping while the Certified Public Accountant engage in more complex accounting and focuses more on the analysis of the financial risks facing an organization.
References
Doron, M., Baker, C. R., & Zucker, K. D. (2019). Bookkeeper-Controller-CFO: The Rise of the Chief Financial and Chief Accounting Officer. Accounting Historians Journal , 46 (2), 43-50.
Mintz, S. (2018). Accounting in the Public Interest: An Historical Perspective on Professional Ethics. The CPA Journal , 88 (3), 22-29.
Schoenfeld, J., Segal, G., & Borgia, D. (2017). Social cognitive career theory and the goal of becoming a certified public accountant. Accounting Education , 26 (2), 109-126.
