Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper looks back at what already happened. This person categorizes transactions, reconciles bank and credit card accounts, sends invoices, and often pays bills. They often prepare the month-end close, which a controller or CPA may review.

These accurate books feed your financial statements, tax returns, and cash forecasts. Clean books are the base the other finance roles build on. Without them, reliable plans are hard to build.

This job differs from a controller’s or a CFO’s. A controller checks accuracy and timing. A CFO reads numbers forward to guide strategy. The bookkeeper works to keep the historical data correct so others can do their work.