Bookkeepers vs CPAs: Who Should Handle Your Business Finances?
If you run a business, you’ve probably asked yourself this question:
“Who handles business finances? Should I hire a bookkeeper or a CPA?”
It’s a smart question - and one that trips up a lot of freelancers, side hustlers, and small business owners.
You’re not alone if you’re wondering:
“Aren’t they basically the same thing?”
“Do I need both?”
“Which one will actually help me save time and money?”
Let’s break it down simply: no accounting jargon, just straight answers - so you know who to call, when to call them, and why it matters.
💼 What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper is the person who helps you organize, track, and maintain your financial records on a regular basis.
They handle:
Recording income and expenses
Reconciling bank statements
Categorizing transactions
Managing accounts receivable and payable
Creating monthly financial reports (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
At Breakspears Bookkeeping Services LLC, we specialize in helping solo entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and small business owners stay on top of their numbers with flat-fee monthly bookkeeping—so you never feel overwhelmed or behind.
💡 Think of a bookkeeper as your financial sidekick, keeping your books tidy and your business running smoothly every single month.
📊 What Does a CPA Do?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed professional who can:
File your business taxes
Offer tax planning advice
Help with audits or financial compliance
Create detailed financial forecasts
Provide strategic advisory for larger financial decisions
CPAs are most valuable at tax time or if your business structure is complex (e.g. multi-member LLCs, corporations, investors involved).
💡 Think of a CPA like a financial consultant—great for the big-picture strategy and tax-saving moves, but not someone you typically talk to every week.
🤔 Bookkeeper vs CPA: What’s the Difference?
📌 So... Who Handles Business Finances?
Here’s the golden rule:
➡️ Bookkeepers handle your daily and monthly finances.
➡️ CPAs step in for tax time and long-term planning.
Most businesses - especially freelancers, solopreneurs, and creative entrepreneurs need both at some point, but they don’t need them both all the time.
💡 A bookkeeper is your ongoing partner in staying organized, saving time, and being ready for taxes.
💡 A CPA is your seasonal expert who makes sure you’re compliant and tax-efficient.
🧠 Why Bookkeepers Are Often Your First and Most Frequent Hire
When you're just getting started or growing your business, it's your bookkeeper who:
Keeps your financial records clean and audit-proof
Makes tax time easy by preparing everything your CPA will need
Helps you understand your cash flow and profit month to month
Saves you from last-minute receipt hunts and spreadsheet chaos
That’s why so many small business owners trust Breakspears Bookkeeping Services, LLC to keep their finances on track with affordable remote bookkeeping packages.
👩💼 When Do You Need a CPA Instead of a Bookkeeper?
Call a CPA when:
You're filing complex taxes or have employees
You're applying for loans or outside investment
You're dealing with an IRS audit or notice
You’re changing your business structure
You want detailed tax planning strategies
In these cases, your bookkeeper and CPA can work together. Your bookkeeper provides clean, accurate records - and your CPA builds on that foundation for taxes or big decisions.
🔁 Bookkeeper + CPA = Your Dream Financial Team
You don’t have to choose one over the other.
You just need to know who does what and when to bring them in.
Think of it like this:
Your bookkeeper keeps the machine running smoothly.
Your CPA tunes it up when it’s time to race.
And when they work together? You get clarity, compliance, and confidence - without the financial overwhelm.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Who Should Handle Your Business Finances?
If you’re asking who handles business finances, bookkeeper vs CPA, the real answer is:
➡️ Start with a bookkeeper. Bring in a CPA when the time is right.
Most of your ongoing financial needs - like staying organized, tracking cash flow, and understanding your numbers can be handled by a great bookkeeper (🙋♀️ like me!).
At Breakspears Bookkeeping Services, LLC, we offer:
Flat-fee remote bookkeeping
QuickBooks Online expertise
Monthly reports, reconciliations, and clarity
Support that’s friendly, jargon-free, and personalized
📬 Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
Let’s chat. Whether you’re just starting out or getting serious about growth, we’ll help you feel confident about your numbers.
👉 Explore our bookkeeping packages or book a free discovery call today.
