Frequently Asked Questions
Why Hire A Professional Bookkeeper?
– Why shouldn’t I do it myself?
When a company is concerned about its cash flow, do it yourself bookkeeping appears attractive. However, accurate bookkeeping is a critical asset to your business. Small business owners in Sonoma County can keep afloat by making sure all possible tax deductions are claimed, by monitoring cash flow, and keeping records up to date. Ask yourself this: “Where is my time, money, energy best spent in running my business?”
Here are the most important reasons to hire a professional.
- We take the burden off of you so that you can focus on running / growing your business.
- We have the software and resources needed to prepare financials statements
- We can handle the payroll / payroll taxes on your behalf
- We can help with invoicing and making those sometimes unpleasant collection calls
Why should I choose Virtual Jeannie?
We use a “Balance Sheet” approach to completing financial statements which, in turn, decrease your annual tax return preparation costs. We are a lot of fun to work with and try to make bookkeeping fun and not a chore. We put bookkeeping in terms that our clients understand and make it a point to have clients involved in their bookkeeping. Having a wide referral base, we can offer the services of others to assist in clients’ needs.
– What type of businesses do you like to work with?
Small, medium, and large business are great. Especially business owners who need bookkeeping services done on a monthly basis.
– What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and bank cards in the near future.
– Where are you located?
Santa Rosa, CA. We can work with clients located in any city as much of the work is done electronically.
– Can you help me get organized?
Yes, please contact us today!
What is a Bookkeeping Service?
A bookkeeping service works to develop and maintain a company’s financial processes and ensure there is a proper record of payables and receivables. The service will ensure all financial transactions done by the company are appropriately documented and recorded. Additionally, they manage payroll, handle sales tax, withholding and quarterly taxes, generate monthly financial reports, and reconcile bank statements.
A bookkeeping service allows you to get a clear financial picture of your business and helps you see how the business is performing.
What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper’s main responsibility is to maintain the general ledgers of the client. They will compile data on a daily basis, categorize expenses in the ledger, ensure that the data entered into the ledger is accurate, reconcile bank statements against the ledger, handle billing, and generate financial reports. Some bookkeepers also handle payroll, send out 1099 forms to employees, and process W-2 forms.
Can a Bookkeeper Do Tax Returns?
A bookkeeper’s main responsibility is to ensure your general ledger of receivables and payables is up to date. Bookkeepers do not file tax returns on behalf of clients. For this, you would require a CPA. However, when your books are properly maintained and up to date, it is easier for an accountant to file taxes.
Do You Need to be Certified to be a Bookkeeper?
It is not necessary for a bookkeeper to be certified, but having a certification from a national organization provides the bookkeeper with more credibility.
One of the most recognized certifications is from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB). The association offers certification in four areas, and the bookkeeper certification exam covers small business accounting, small business financial management, and bookkeeping and payroll. The payroll certification tests a person in 18 topics, like wages, payroll, disability plans, and direct deposit.
Do Bookkeepers Do Payroll?
A bookkeeper may handle payroll or they may help a company in processing employee paychecks, tax forms, and tax payments. Most bookkeepers usually focus on inputting payroll data into the accounting system after they receive the necessary documents. Some bookkeepers may even assist you with timesheet management to handle overtime and hourly employees. It is best to use a payroll service if you are looking to ensure it is done accurately and precisely.
What is the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?
A bookkeeper is primarily responsible for recording and keeping track of day-to-day transactions for your business. As a result, you have access to accurate and current financial records at any given time. On the other hand, an accountant structures your taxes, helps with tax planning, and ensures tax compliance. They analyze your finances, and advise you how to decrease costs and increase profits.
A business benefits when both the bookkeeper and accountant work together to ensure all the transactions are recorded and performed according to the advice provided by the accountant.
Can a Bookkeeper Become an Accountant?
Many people assume that a bookkeeper and accountant are one and the same. A bookkeeper does not require a license or certification while an accountant does. So, for a bookkeeper to become an accountant, they would need to get certified and licensed after getting 150 hours credit of college education to sit for the national Uniform CPA Exam. A bookkeeper does not require a college education.
Do Bookkeepers Use QuickBooks?
Most bookkeepers look for the latest technologies to ensure they can do seamless work for their clients. So, you will find many bookkeepers using QuickBooks, especially since Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks, has introduced bookkeeping to its repertoire of products.
To learn more about our payroll services in Santa Rosa, get in touch with us right away. We would be happy to assist you. Call us at 707-664-1425 today!