Full charge bookkeeper definition
/What is a Full Charge Bookkeeper?
A full-charge bookkeeper is the same as a bookkeeper, except that the "full charge" part of the title designates the person as being solely responsible for accounting. This means that the full charge bookkeeper reports straight to a senior manager, such as the president, and may interact directly with the company's board of directors and auditors. The position can be assisted by an outside CPA who advises on how to record certain of the more complicated business transactions. The full charge bookkeeper may supervise various accounting clerks. For example, a billing clerk, payables clerk, or payroll clerk may report to the bookkeeper.
When is a Full Charge Bookkeeper Used?
The full charge bookkeeper position is most commonly found in smaller organizations where there is no need for a controller, and which has relatively uncomplicated accounting transactions. If the company grows to a larger size, supervision of the accounting function is likely to be shifted to a controller who has experience with more complex accounting systems. In this case, the full charge bookkeeper position may be converted into an assistant controller position, with responsibility for some aspects of accounting operations. With additional training, a full charge bookkeeper could be promoted into the controller position.
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Responsibilities of a Full Charge Bookkeeper
The subject areas over which the full charge bookkeeper has responsibility are as follows:
Record and pay accounts payable
Issue invoices to and collect from customers
Calculate pay and issue payments to employees
Create financial statements and related financial reports
Remit payroll taxes, sales taxes, use taxes, and income taxes
Account for fixed assets
Reconcile bank accounts and petty cash accounts
Collect information as needed for the annual audit
Maintain a coherent system of accounts, with a supporting filing system
Monitor cash levels
Training Requirements for a Full Charge Bookkeeper
At a minimum, a full charge bookkeeper is expected to have completed high school, but with additional training in bookkeeping. For a reasonable chance at being hired into the role, you should have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting. The specific skills needed should focus on basic accounting activities and electronic spreadsheet skills. Some experience is required, such as in a bookkeeper or junior accountant role, in order to gain knowledge of the recordation and reporting of accounting transactions.
Bookkeeper Certifications
Bookkeepers might consider earning any of the following certifications to enhance their job prospects:
Certified bookkeeper. Offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, this certification demonstrates advanced bookkeeping knowledge, including adjustments, error correction, payroll, and inventory. Candidates must pass an exam and meet experience requirements.
Certified public bookkeeper. Granted by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers, this certification covers accounting principles, payroll, QuickBooks, and financial statement preparation. It requires passing multiple exams and completing continuing education.
QuickBooks certification. Offered by Intuit, this certification validates expertise in using QuickBooks accounting software. It is ideal for bookkeepers who specialize in small business accounting and software-based bookkeeping.
Certified payroll specialist. Offered by NACPB, this certification focuses specifically on payroll processing, tax compliance, and payroll accounting systems. It’s ideal for bookkeepers managing payroll functions.
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