What is the primary role of a bookkeeper?

The primary role of a bookkeeper is to record all the financial transactions of a business. This includes documenting sales, purchases, receipts, and payments, which forms the foundation of the organization's financial records. Accurate bookkeeping is crucial as it ensures that all financial data is tracked systematically, allowing for the preparation of financial statements, monitoring of cash flow, and ultimately aiding in business decision-making.

While tax preparation, auditing, and financial consulting are important financial functions, they typically fall under different professional roles. A bookkeeper focuses specifically on maintaining accurate records of day-to-day financial transactions, which is essential for the business's financial health. This foundational work allows for more complex financial analysis and auditing to take place by accountants or auditors later on.