We want to take a moment to acknowledge our hard-working Bay Area professionals, bookkeepers. They don’t always get the credit they deserve. Bookkeepers are the stage crew behind the show.
They spend hours getting the set ready so when the lights go on, the main players can focus on doing their best. It’s the so-called ‘little things’ bookkeeping in San Francisco does for businesses every day, such as:
- Recording financial transactions, such as accounts payable and receivable, and keeping receipts and other documentation for each.
- Manage payroll and handle payroll reports.
- Maintaining ledgers of a company’s financial history is valuable, including keeping audited financials ready for review.
- Support executives with budget forecasting.
- Ensure a business stays compliant with tax laws and regulations.
- These are not small jobs, and they are not the only ones. Bookkeepers can be a valuable right hand to a busy financial executive, keeping their VIP organized and ready to tackle any project the company requires. The CFO gets the glory, but it’s the bookkeeper handling their daily financials.
Never Underestimate the Value of an Expert Bookkeeper
Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates the work bookkeepers do for San Francisco businesses. Some bookkeepers may be asked to answer phones when the receptionist is on break. Or expected to assist with more menial administrative work when leaders think they have some free time. Being a bookkeeper is a profession that involves training and building a skillset. Some bookkeepers may have earned a certification alongside software training. Many hold a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, payroll, and taxes. And it doesn’t stop there. A bookkeeper can be a lifelong learner, staying up to date on tax law and new accounting practices. It also requires specific personality traits to be a great bookkeeper including being detail-oriented, analytical thinking, and strong organization. When they are treated like professional partners, a San Francisco bookkeeper can help business leaders review tax advantages and catch missteps before the filing is sent off. Now that doesn’t sound like someone who would be asked to ‘answer the phones’, does it?
We never underestimate the value of the bookkeepers on our Safe Harbor team. They work side-by-side with our CPA’s and tax consultants. And they are always ready to support our clients. Either by managing a San Francisco business’s bookkeeping, or coming in to review the situation and provide a clear, organized bookkeeping plan. A great bookkeeper can be the key to a smooth, organized tax season for San Francisco businesses.
