Full Charge Bookkeeper job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Full Charge Bookkeeper?
A full-charge bookkeeper is a person who does accounting and bookkeeping for a company, usually a small or medium-sized corporation. The phrase "full charge" refers to the fact that these bookkeepers are responsible for all aspects of the company's accounting.
These bookkeepers do more than just handle the books; they also produce financial statements and tax reports, record complicated transactions, and process timesheets and paychecks.
Some of these responsibilities might be performed by accountants or controllers in large businesses. As a result, full-time bookkeepers have greater responsibilities and often report to top management, such as the owner or president of the company.
They may also oversee a team of accounting clerks and coordinate activities with outside professionals, such as certified public accountants (CPAs).
The top Full Charge Bookkeeper skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Full Charge Bookkeeper to manage our company’s financial processes with accuracy and efficiency. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of bookkeeping, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and financial reporting. Your expertise will play a key role in maintaining the financial health of our organization and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working independently, and have a passion for numbers, we’d love to hear from you. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team and contribute directly to the success of a growing company.
Duties and responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of the company’s financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger entries.
- Reconcile bank statements, credit card accounts, and other financial accounts on a regular basis.
- Prepare and process payroll, ensuring compliance with tax laws and company policies.
- Oversee month-end and year-end closing procedures, including adjusting journal entries and financial statement preparation.
- Generate accurate financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for management review.
- Handle all tax-related tasks, including sales tax reporting, filing, and coordination with external tax advisors for corporate tax returns.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all financial transactions and documentation.
- Monitor cash flow and assist in budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations and reporting requirements.
- Collaborate with external auditors during audits and provide necessary documentation and explanations.
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial accuracy.
- Assist in the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures to improve efficiency.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- Proven experience as a Full Charge Bookkeeper or similar role.
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero).
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and the full accounting cycle.
- Experience with payroll processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.
- Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements and reports.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in financial data management.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Knowledge of tax regulations and compliance requirements.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Certification such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB) is a plus.
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
Full-charge bookkeepers must have a high school diploma as a minimum education requirement, but they must also complete extra bookkeeper training and certification.
Many firms favor individuals with a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree, such as accounting or business administration.
These programs provide you with the skills and information needed to handle activities connected to tax, auditing, and accounting processes, as well as economics, business law, and business math.
Employers frequently give new workers on-the-job training to teach them about the company's specialized software or processes.
Certified Bookkeeper
Demonstrates proficiency in bookkeeping and accounting principles.
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)Sample interview questions for a Full Charge Bookkeeper.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What led you to pursue a career in bookkeeping?
- How do you maintain accuracy in your work under tight deadlines?
- Can you describe a time when you identified and resolved a significant financial discrepancy?
- How do you handle confidential financial information?
- How do you collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate financial reporting?
- What strategies do you use to train and support junior accounting staff?
- How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple accounts and deadlines?
- Describe your approach to overseeing the entire accounting cycle.
- How do you ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies?
- What accounting software are you most proficient in, and how have you used it in your previous roles?
- How do you stay updated on changes in tax laws and accounting standards?
- Can you describe your experience with managing payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $17 at the 10th percentile to $37 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Charge Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper Accountant
Training Bookkeeper
Frequently asked questions.
What qualifications should a Full Charge Bookkeeper have?
A Full Charge Bookkeeper should have a strong background in accounting, typically with a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. They should have extensive experience in bookkeeping and be proficient in accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero. Knowledge of payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable, and financial statement preparation is essential. Certification, such as Certified Bookkeeper (CB), is often preferred.
How does a Full Charge Bookkeeper differ from a regular bookkeeper?
A Full Charge Bookkeeper has more responsibility than a regular bookkeeper, often managing the entire accounting cycle from start to finish. This includes handling payroll, managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. They typically report directly to the business owner or upper management, rather than an accountant, and may oversee junior bookkeeping staff.
What role does a Full Charge Bookkeeper play in financial reporting?
A Full Charge Bookkeeper plays a critical role in financial reporting by maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. They ensure that all financial data is accurate and up-to-date, which allows for informed decision-making by management. Their work supports the preparation of tax returns and provides a clear picture of the company’s financial health.
How does a Full Charge Bookkeeper ensure accuracy in financial records?
A Full Charge Bookkeeper ensures accuracy by following strict accounting principles and procedures, regularly reconciling accounts, and conducting internal audits. They maintain detailed records of all financial transactions and use accounting software to automate processes and reduce the likelihood of errors. Regular review of financial data, cross-checking with bank statements, and staying updated on accounting best practices also help ensure accuracy.
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