As your business grows, managing finances on your own can become overwhelming—and risky. That’s when hiring an accountant or bookkeeper can save you time, money, and stress.
But not all financial professionals are created equal. In this article, you’ll learn the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper, what to look for, and how to choose the right one for your business stage and needs.
Accountant vs. Bookkeeper: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the roles will help you hire the right person for the right tasks.
📘 Bookkeeper
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Tracks daily income and expenses
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Reconciles bank statements
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Manages invoicing, bills, and receipts
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Keeps your books organized for tax season
Think of a bookkeeper as your day-to-day financial organizer.
📗 Accountant
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Prepares tax returns
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Offers tax planning and strategy
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Analyzes financial data
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Advises on legal structure, deductions, and long-term planning
Think of an accountant as your strategic financial advisor.
Do You Need a Bookkeeper, an Accountant, or Both?
✅ If you’re just starting:
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A bookkeeper (or DIY software) might be enough.
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Consider hiring a tax accountant once a year.
✅ If you’re earning consistently:
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A bookkeeper will keep you organized.
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An accountant can help you save money on taxes and plan better.
✅ If you’re scaling or hiring:
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You’ll likely benefit from having both on your team (even part-time or outsourced).
What to Look for in a Financial Professional
1. ✅ Experience with Your Business Type
Look for someone who has worked with:
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Freelancers or solopreneurs
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Small businesses or startups
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Your specific industry (e.g., e-commerce, consulting, digital products)
They’ll understand your challenges and the best practices for your niche.
2. ✅ Certifications and Credentials
While not always required, it’s a plus if they are:
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CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
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EA (Enrolled Agent) – licensed to represent you before the IRS
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Certified Bookkeeper from AIPB or similar
Experience + certification = strong combination.
3. ✅ Tech-Savvy and Cloud-Based
The best accountants and bookkeepers use tools like:
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QuickBooks Online
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Xero
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Wave
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FreshBooks
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Gusto (for payroll)
This makes it easier to collaborate, automate, and scale.
4. ✅ Transparent Pricing
Make sure you understand:
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Their billing structure (hourly, flat rate, monthly retainer)
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What’s included (e.g., tax filing, quarterly check-ins, support)
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Any extra costs for audits, late filings, etc.
Avoid vague pricing or unclear terms.
5. ✅ Good Communication and Trust
They’ll be handling sensitive financial info, so you need someone who is:
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Responsive and respectful
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Willing to explain things in plain language
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Proactive—not just reactive
This is a long-term relationship. Chemistry matters.
Where to Find Reputable Accountants or Bookkeepers
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Referrals from other entrepreneurs or business communities
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Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr Pro (look for top-rated, vetted talent)
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LinkedIn – search locally or by niche
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Professional directories (e.g., QuickBooks ProAdvisor, CPA Society in your country)
Always interview 1–3 people before deciding.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
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Have you worked with businesses like mine before?
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What software do you use?
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How often will we communicate?
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How do you prefer to receive documents or questions?
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Can you help with tax planning or just filing?
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What’s your average turnaround time?
Bonus tip: Ask for client references or testimonials if available.
Final Thoughts: The Right Help Pays for Itself
Hiring a financial pro isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in peace of mind, clarity, and smarter business growth.
Whether you start with a part-time bookkeeper or hire a full-service accountant, the key is to find someone who understands your business, communicates well, and helps you move forward—not just keep up.
Know your strengths. Outsource the rest. And let the numbers work in your favor.