When navigating the financial waters of your business, you will inevitably come across the terms ‘bookkeeper’ and ‘accountant’. But what really distinguishes a bookkeeper from an accountant? This article reveals the key differences between these two important professions in the financial world.
What is a Bookkeeper? 🔎
A bookkeeper is a professional who deals with the management and maintenance of a company’s financial records. This can range from keeping track of income and expenses to preparing financial statements. He will do this as an employee of that company.
Bookkeepers can take different courses in Belgium. This could be a three-year bachelor’s degree at a university of applied sciences, or a graduate degree in adult education. This person then goes to work for a company taking on the role of accountant.
But we are not talking about an accountant here! Before someone can officially call himself an accountant, he or she must be recognised by the Institute for Tax Advisors and Accountants (iTAA).
What is an Accountant? 🔎
An accountant also deals with managing and maintaining the financial records of one (or more) company. But an accountant may do this from an independent statute, as an independent person from the company for which he keeps the accounts.
But this person may also work internally, as an employee, for a company. In which he or she assumes the position of accountant.
The title accountant results from recognition by the professional institute of accountants. So, as mentioned above, an accountant must be recognised for this by the Belgian Institute for Tax Advisors and Accountants (iTAA). There are many quality requirements and training courses to be followed here.
The main differences between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant ⚖️
Do you want to hire someone as an employee who will take care of the financial side of your business? Then you are talking about a person who will take on the function as a bookkeeper.
Do you want to hire an external company or person who will take care of your bookkeeping? Then by law, that person must be an accountant, who is also registered with the Institute for Tax Advisors and Accountants (iTAA) of Belgium.
Tip:
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