Your Bookkeeping Questions—Answered by a Pro

If you're running a small business and feeling unsure about your bookkeeping, you're not alone. I’ve worked with many business owners who are doing their best to stay on top of everything—and bookkeeping often ends up being the task that gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

In this post, I’m answering some of the most common questions I hear from business owners. If you’ve ever wondered about any of these, you’re in good company.

1. Do I really need a bookkeeper if I already use QuickBooks (or another software)?

QuickBooks and other platforms are powerful tools, but they’re only as effective as the person using them. Just like owning a calculator doesn’t make someone an accountant, using software doesn’t guarantee your books are accurate or complete.

A bookkeeper helps you get the most out of your tools—setting things up correctly, reconciling accounts, tracking expenses properly, and generating reports that actually make sense.

2. What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

This is a great question—and one that confuses a lot of people.

• A bookkeeper manages the day-to-day financial records of your business: categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and keeping your books current.
• An accountant typically focuses on tax preparation, strategy, and compliance—often using the books your bookkeeper has maintained.

Think of it this way: your bookkeeper keeps the financial engine running smoothly; your accountant steps in to make sure it's tax-season ready.

3. How often should my books be updated?

Ideally, your bookkeeping should be updated monthly. This ensures you always know where your business stands financially and are never scrambling when tax deadlines or big decisions come up.

Falling behind can lead to missed deductions, budgeting problems, or unpleasant surprises later on.

4. What if I’m behind or unsure if my books are “correct”?

First—don’t panic. You're not the only one.

Catch-up bookkeeping is a very common request, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Whether you're behind a few months or even more, it's possible to clean things up, get current, and move forward with confidence.

5. Can I just do it myself to save money?

You can—but the real question is: what is your time worth?

Many business owners start by doing their own books, and that’s okay. But as your business grows, your time becomes more valuable, and the risks of DIY bookkeeping (like errors, missed write-offs, or audit issues) grow too.

Hiring a bookkeeper can actually save you money by helping you avoid costly mistakes—and free up your time to focus on growing your business.

✅ Final Thoughts

If any of these questions hit close to home, know that you're not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself.

I offer free, no-pressure consultations to answer your questions and help you figure out if bookkeeping support would make a difference in your business. No sales pitch. Just a conversation.

📅 Want to chat? Book a free 30-minute consultation below