What is the difference between Bookkeeper, Accountant, and Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

Bookkeeper A bookkeeper is a person with experience in daily accounting entries. They generally have experience with accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and even employer-filed taxes. Bookkeepers may have an associate’s or higher degree, or they may be trained on the job. Accountant An accountant usually has been educated in all basic accounting functions and may have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business and possibly a master’s degree as well. However, not all accountants are fully trained in bookkeeping functions and in small business accounting software so make sure to be specific about your business’ needs when interviewing individuals to handle your accounting needs. Keep in mind, anyone can call himself/herself an accountant. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) A CPA is an individual that will generally have the same amount of education as an accountant but have also passed a series of tests and must take a certain amount of continuing education yearly in order to ret ... more