If you’ve ever Googled “do I need a bookkeeper or accountant,�� you’re not alone. Most founders assume they’re the same. They are not.
Bookkeepers and accountants play different roles in your financial life. Hire the wrong one too early—or too late—and you’ll either overpay or leave major blind spots in your business.
Let’s clear this up once and for all.
👉Looking for a bookkeeper or accountant?Find one instantly on Sam’s List.
TL;DR: What’s the Difference?
| Role | Focus | Tools/Tasks | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | Daily financial tracking | Categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts | $300–$1,200/month |
| Accountant | Strategy & compliance | Tax prep, planning, audits, business guidance | $150–$400/hr or $2K–$10K+ |
Quick insight:
"People get stuck thinking they need one or the other, but most growing businesses need both—or at least a team that can do both well." —Kimi, Co-founder of Sam’s List
How They Work Together
Think of it this way:
Bookkeepers give you clean data.
Accountants use that data to make smart decisions.
If your books aren’t up to date, your accountant can’t do anything meaningful. If your accountant isn’t doing more than taxes, you’re missing strategy.
Who to Hire Based on Revenue Stage
| Business Stage | Who to Hire | Why |
| Just launched | DIY Bookkeeping / Bench / Wave | Save money, build basic structure |
| $100K–$250K in revenue | Bookkeeper | Offload tasks, catch early mistakes |
| $250K–$500K+ | Bookkeeper + Tax Accountant | Ensure compliance + monthly visibility |
| $1M+ and scaling fast | Accountant + Strategic CFO | Planning, forecasting, hiring, fundraising |
📍Use Sam’s List to find someone who fits your stage
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
Categorizes income and expenses
Reconciles bank and credit card accounts
Maintains general ledger
Provides monthly financial reports
Prepares books for tax filing
Great bookkeepers help you:
Stay organized for taxes
Catch errors early
Free up time to run your business
One founder told us they didn’t realize their Stripe deposits weren’t being recorded properly until they hired a bookkeeper. “I was double-counting revenue and didn’t know it. That mistake cost me a grant.”
What Does an Accountant Do?
Files your business taxes
Provides tax strategy and compliance
Conducts audits (internal or external)
Helps with budgeting, forecasting, and planning
Supports investor readiness and growth
When you need an accountant:
You’re raising money or planning expansion
You need help with multi-state or international taxes
You’re behind on filings or want to reduce tax liability
A Sam’s Listaccountanthelped a startup founder get their burn rate under control and delay a fundraise by 6 months. “They showed us what to cut and how to stretch our cash longer. That advice saved us.”
Can One Person Do Both?
Sometimes—but not always well.
Many accountants don’t want to do daily categorization or clean-up. And many bookkeepers aren’t licensed to provide tax advice or handle audits.
Your best bet?
Hire a firmthat does both
Use a bookkeepermonthly and consult an accountant quarterly
Ask upfrontwhat’s included
OnSam’s List, many firms offer both bookkeeping and accounting services—but not all.Some solo bookkeepers only offer categorization and reconciliation, while others don’t prepare taxes. When browsing vendors, check what services are included and don’t assume both are covered.
Cost Comparison
| Service Type | Average Monthly Cost |
| Bookkeeping (solo) | $300–$1,200 |
| Bookkeeper + tax prep | $500–$2,000 |
| Accountant (hourly) | $150–$400/hr |
| Fractional CFO services | $2,500–$10,000/mo |
Keep in mind:
Bookkeeping is often ongoing
Accounting is more project-based (taxes, audits, funding support)
FAQs
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Bookkeepers manage daily financial records. Accountants handle strategy, compliance, and tax-related decisions.
Can I just use QuickBooks or Wave instead?
These tools are helpful—but only if used correctly. A professional ensures accuracy and saves you time.
Should I hire a bookkeeper or accountant first?
Start with a bookkeeper. If your books are messy, your accountant will charge more to clean them up.
Do I need both if I’m under $250K in revenue?
Probably not. DIY tools can work until you grow. But once things get complex, get help.
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Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam’s List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam’s List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
