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.
The 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. 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.
The core education requirement for a full charge bookkeeper may be as little as a high school education, though an associate's degree in business can yield greater familiarity with the accounting subject matter. 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.
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Responsibilities of a Full Charge Bookkeeper
The subject areas over which the full charge bookkeeper has responsibility are as follows:
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Record and pay accounts payable
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Issue invoices to and collect from customers
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Calculate pay and issue payments to employees
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Create financial statements and related financial reports
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Remit payroll taxes , sales taxes , use taxes , and income taxes
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Account for fixed assets
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Reconcile bank accounts and petty cash accounts
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Collect information as needed for the annual audit
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Maintain a coherent system of accounts , with a supporting filing system
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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.
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