If you’re a business owner trying to stay on top of your numbers, you’ve probably asked this question before:
“Do I need a bookkeeper or an accountant?”
The terms are often used interchangeably—but they serve very different purposes. And choosing the right support at the right time can mean the difference between growing with confidence… or staying stuck in stress and disorganization.
Let’s break it down clearly so you can make the best decision for your business-–without wasting money or waiting too long to get help.
Bookkeeper vs Accountant: The Core Difference
Think of your finances like building a house…
- Your bookkeeper lays the foundation and keeps everything level—tracking each detail, organizing the structure, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
- Your accountant reviews the blueprint and files the final paperwork—preparing your taxes, analyzing financial statements, and advising on high-level strategy.
✅ Bookkeeping = daily financial maintenance
✅ Accounting = big picture analysis + compliance
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper is responsible for organizing and recording all your day-to-day financial activity. They make sure everything is categorized, reconciled, and ready for monthly and year-end review.
A professional bookkeeper like Amy Egan can help you:
- Track income and expenses accurately
- Categorize transactions properly
- Reconcile bank and credit card statements
- Send and track invoices
- Pay bills and manage accounts payable
- Keep your books clean and ready for tax season
Without this foundation, the numbers you see on reports can be misleading, and even the best accountant will struggle to help you if the data isn’t clear.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “over eight in 10 small businesses fail due to poor understanding or management of cash flow — with 45% of small businesses choosing not to employ an accountant or bookkeeper, and 25% recording their finances on paper instead of a computer.” That’s exactly what proper bookkeeping helps prevent.
What Does an Accountant Do?
An accountant takes your organized financial data and uses it to help you stay compliant, minimize taxes, and understand your business’s financial health from a broader perspective.
Typical accountant tasks include:
- Preparing and filing taxes
- Creating and analyzing financial statements
- Advising on tax strategy and business structure
- Assisting with audits
- Forecasting and budgeting
- Guiding you through financial regulations
If bookkeeping gives you the truth about what’s happening right now, accounting helps you make long-term decisions about what to do next.
Do You Need Both an Accountant and a Bookkeeper?
Yes—eventually. But not necessarily starting at the same time.
Most small business owners start with a bookkeeper. Once your books are organized and up to date, your accountant can do their job faster and more affordably.
Starting with bookkeeping also allows you to see trends, avoid cash flow issues, and feel confident about your numbers before you even sit down to talk taxes.
When to Hire a Bookkeeper
You should seriously consider hiring a bookkeeper if:
- You’re falling behind on reconciling your accounts
- You’re unsure where your business stands financially
- You waste hours each month trying to figure out your books
- You hand messy reports to your CPA every tax season
- You’ve missed deductions, had tax issues, or felt financial stress due to disorganization
The right bookkeeper doesn’t just organize your numbers—they help reduce stress and give you back time and mental clarity.
When to Hire an Accountant
An accountant is helpful when:
- It’s time to file taxes, especially for S-Corps or LLCs
- You need guidance on financial strategy
- You’re applying for business loans or financing
- You want help interpreting financial statements
- You’re planning for future growth or hiring
But here’s the catch: even the best accountant can’t do much with incomplete, inconsistent, or outdated data. Clean books come first.
Why Many Business Owners Wait (and Why That Backfires)
Some business owners hold off on hiring help because they assume getting help will just be another headache. You may think, “I don’t have time to teach someone everything I do,” or “It’ll be easier to clean things up before I bring someone in.”
But that’s exactly where Amy Egan Bookkeeping stands out.
Amy’s onboarding process is designed to be seamless and simple. You don’t need to prep or fix things before reaching out. She meets you where you are—whether your books are just behind or completely neglected. The process won’t require hours of your time or complicated homework. Most clients are surprised at how quickly Amy is able to jump in and take bookkeeping off their plate entirely.
Better yet, you’ll not only stop dreading the task—you’ll gain peace of mind knowing it’s finally being done right.
Concerned About Handing Off Your Books to Someone Outside Your Business?
Many small business owners feel uncomfortable giving financial access to someone outside the family—or even to someone who’s not already inside the business.
It’s completely understandable. Your finances are personal. And trusting someone new can be hard, especially when it comes to your livelihood.
But working with a professional like Amy offers a level of expertise and confidentiality that most internal helpers can’t match. Amy is committed to financial accuracy, ethical practices, and protecting your business’s data and reputation. That’s what builds trust—and why so many clients say they wish they’d started sooner.
In fact, having your finances reviewed by a neutral, trained expert can help you identify problems or opportunities you might miss when you’re too close to the day-to-day.
On a Tight Budget? Here’s the Truth
Another common hesitation is cost. It might feel like hiring a bookkeeper is just another business expense. But in reality, proper bookkeeping often saves you money—sometimes significantly more than it costs.
Here’s how:
- Accurate categorization helps you maximize deductions
- Staying current helps you avoid penalties or late fees
- Clear reports help you make smarter spending decisions
- Organized books save your CPA time, which saves you money on tax prep
- And most importantly, it frees up your time—so you can focus on revenue-generating work instead of fighting spreadsheets
When you factor in how valuable your time and peace of mind are, hiring a bookkeeper often pays for itself.
Why Hiring Amy Egan Bookkeeping Is the Right Move
Amy’s clients hire her because they’re tired of flying blind. They’re ready to make decisions with real numbers. They want someone who is professional, experienced, easy to communicate with, and committed to their success.
Amy doesn’t just do the minimum—she builds relationships with her clients and becomes a trusted part of their financial team.
Whether you’re months behind or just ready to stop juggling your books alone, Amy’s here to help you move forward—without judgment and without wasting your time.
Learn more about Amy and what she can do for you here.
Still Have Questions? You’re Not Alone.
Understanding the difference between bookkeeping and accounting is a major first step—but it’s normal to still have questions. Here are a few Amy hears often from clients when they’re first getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bookkeepers vs. Accountants
Can a bookkeeper do my taxes?
No—bookkeepers typically don’t file taxes. However, a bookkeeper ensures your books are clean, accurate, and ready for your accountant or tax preparer, which can save you time, stress, and money during tax season.
How often should a bookkeeper update my records?
Most small businesses benefit from monthly bookkeeping, but some may need weekly or quarterly updates depending on transaction volume. Amy Egan Bookkeeping offers customized support based on your business’s specific needs and pace.
What if I’m behind on my books—can I still hire a bookkeeper?
Absolutely. In fact, many clients come to Amy after falling months (or even years) behind. She specializes in helping business owners get caught up without shame or overwhelm. Whether you’re behind or just getting started, Amy meets you where you are.
Will hiring a bookkeeper save me money?
In many cases, yes. A professional bookkeeper helps you avoid costly mistakes, uncover missed deductions, reduce CPA fees, and make smarter business decisions. And don’t forget the time you’ll save—time you can now use to focus on revenue-generating work.
Is it safe to give a bookkeeper access to my financial accounts?
Yes. When you work with a trusted professional like Amy, your data is handled securely and confidentially. She only accesses what’s necessary to do the job right, and she’ll walk you through every step so you’re always in control.
Clean Books. Clear Mind. Smart Business Moves Start Here.
Let’s make your finances easier—not harder.
Schedule a free consultation today and find out how Amy can help you move from overwhelmed to in control.
Be sure to read: The Hidden Costs of DIY Bookkeeping if you haven’t yet.
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