Bookkeeper Assistant Responsibilities

Bookkeeping refers to the technique of maintaining accounts. Organizations perform several monitory transactions. It includes sale or purchase of goods and receipts or payments. Every transaction is recorded in books of accounts for records and reconciliation. Transactions are recorded in relevant books of accounts, so that it presents accurate status of accounts. This responsibility of recording transactions lies with the bookkeeper. He performs the first step in account keeping process. Bookkeeper assistant responsibilities include assisting the head bookkeeper in recording accounts and maintaining an up-to-date record of the organization's transactions. As an assistant, they work under the directions of the head bookkeeper, but are answerable to the head accountant for submission of accounts.

Here is a Detailed Description of Responsibilities of Bookkeeper Assistant

Recording Keeping Responsibilities - A bookkeeper assistant is responsible to gather information about the organization's transactions. He must coordinate with several departments - purchase, sales, marketing, etc., and track records of all incomes earned and expenses borne by the organization for that department. As per the nature of the transactions, he makes accurate entries in books of accounts and presents the true accounting status of the organization. Most organizations use a customized accounting software for data entry and accounting functions.
Reconciliation Responsibilities - Maintaining authenticity and accuracy in accounts is another responsibility of a bookkeeper assistant. The assistant gathers the proof of accounts - bills, receipts, bank statements, letter of credit, etc. He reconciles the entries made in the accounts books with these proof of accounts documents. At the end of the month, the accounts books are checked for accuracy and the final value of that account is calculated. This reconciliation is helpful during the yearly audit of the organization.
Clerical Responsibilities - Besides record-keeping, bookkeeper assistant responsibilities also include several clerical functions. The assistants file account records with authorities, submit documents, collect and fill up forms, deliver or collect payments from clients, etc. These clerical functions are secondary to accounting functions, but are significant for the accounting department. He drafts several statements such as income statements, bills payable statement, bills receivable statement, cost accounting, etc., for the purpose of analysis.
Other Responsibilities - The assistant performs several duties as directed by the head bookkeeper, in addition to his chief responsibilities. He may be required to train the newly joined employees/interns on the basics of accounts. He needs to master the skills of operating the accounting software and train others as well, if required. Often he is required to provide assistance during the audits.

A bookkeeper assistant performs the primary function of accounting - record keeping. Unless all accounting transactions are recorded accurately, it will become difficult for the organization to manage its accounts. Bookkeepers help to maintain authenticity and accuracy in accounts. Assistants handle the workload of the bookkeepers and help to track all monetary activities of the organizations across different departments. Work of the bookkeepers often becomes the basis for analysis and decision making.

Bookkeeper assistant's work is not subject to rigid qualifications. Any individual with a diploma or associate degree in accounting can work as an assistant to the bookkeeper. Several organizations hire candidates without relevant qualifications in accounting and provide them with on-job training. Hence, if you possess an aptitude for numbers, take keen interest in managing accounts, and have profound analytical and organizational skills, then you can make a good career in bookkeeping and accountancy. Since this is an entry level job, there is no dearth of opportunities for growth. An assistant can work as head bookkeeper, accountant, or accounting manager after gaining sufficient experience.

If you are keen on working as a bookkeeper, you can begin your career working as a cashier. It will give you basic knowledge in handling cash and managing records. We hope this work profile description has helped you understand the bookkeeper assistant responsibilities. We hope this knowledge guides you in your job search efforts.