Bookkeeper Career Description
Bookkeepers keep a systematic record of financial transactions of the organization where they are employed, keeping different sets of accounting books.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Bookkeepers may be wholly responsible for the books of a small company, or may be part of an accounting department in a larger organisation.
Bookkeepers keep records of the credits owed to the company and the debts the company owes to others. For this purpose they use cash books, ledgers, subsidiary books and journals. Every month they prepare statements regarding the monies owed to the company. In some cases the amounts are adjusted by the addition of the interest due. They then add up the individual amounts to compare this total with the sum there should be. The final statement or account is checked by the accountant or auditor and is sent to the customer or client.When bookkeepers receive cash, they write out a receipt in duplicate, one for the company and one for the client. Many companies today do not provide receipts for cheques. This money is regularly banked and bank forms have to be completed by the bookkeepers. A record is kept of the daily balance.
When dealers order merchandise from a factory or wholesaler, they do not pay cash. At regular intervals the dealers receive a summary of the amounts they owe and the bookkeepers arrange for payment of the account.
In department stores bookkeepers deal with goods bought and sold, while in a legal organisation bookkeepers check securities of clients and note the interest. They often work with trust money and post entries into journals. In some cases bookkeepers complete income tax returns for their employers or clients.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Bookkeepers should enjoy working with figures. They must be able to perform routine arithmetical calculations correctly. They should also be able to concentrate and work neatly.
Because they work with confidential material, bookkeepers must be trustworthy and honest. They should be able to deal with clients in a polite manner at all times.
Where can I work?
Bookkeepers are employed by the public, provincial and municipal services, commerce, industry, educational institutions, professional and research bodies.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Private and part-time practice is possible since small firms may not need full-time bookkeepers. Private individuals may make use of bookkeepers for assistance with the completion of tax returns.
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