What is a Full Charge Bookkeeper?
A full charge bookkeeper isn’t just a record-keeper – they’re a financial powerhouse. Especially valuable for small to midsize businesses, they manage everything from A/P and A/R to payroll and monthly financial statements. But what exactly is a full charge bookkeeper, and how do they differ from a traditional bookkeeper or accountant? Let’s break it down.
Download Our Free Brochure →What is a Full Charge Bookkeeper?
A full charge bookkeeper is responsible for managing the full cycle of accounting duties for a business, often taking ownership of all accounting functions up to the trial balance. Unlike junior bookkeepers who may only enter transactions, a full charge bookkeeper prepares reports, handles payroll, performs bank reconciliations, and sometimes even interfaces directly with tax preparers or CPAs.
In many ways, they act like a “mini controller” for smaller firms, bridging the gap between a bookkeeper and a certified accountant.
Responsibilities of a Full Charge Bookkeeper
Here’s what a full charge bookkeeper typically handles:
- Accounts Receivable (A/R) and Accounts Payable (A/P)
- Bank and credit card reconciliations
- Payroll processing and related tax filings
- Monthly financial reporting and trial balance
- Sales tax tracking and remittance
- Journal entries and general ledger maintenance
- Supporting CPAs during audits or tax season
Their role can be especially vital in companies that don’t yet require a full-time CPA or controller but need deeper expertise than basic bookkeeping.
Full Charge Bookkeeper vs. Regular Bookkeeper
| Task | Bookkeeper | Full Charge Bookkeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| A/P & A/R Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Payroll Management | – | ✓ |
| Financial Statement Prep | – | ✓ |
| Trial Balance | – | ✓ |
| Audit Support | – | ✓ |
The full charge bookkeeper steps into a more strategic role, while a traditional bookkeeper may focus on task-specific duties under supervision.
Test Case Example
Business Scenario:
A 10-employee marketing agency hires a standard bookkeeper to manage A/P and A/R. However, they run into issues during year-end when tax season hits – no one has reconciled bank accounts or tracked sales tax accurately.
Solution with Full Charge Bookkeeper:
They switch to a full charge bookkeeper through RemoteBooksOnline. Not only are reconciliations and payroll handled smoothly, but monthly financial statements and CPA coordination are now taken care of – saving the owner 10+ hours/month and avoiding tax penalties.
Why Hire a Full Charge Bookkeeper?
- Cost-Effective Alternative to a CPA – Provides broad financial oversight without the higher hourly rate of an accountant.
- Improved Accuracy – Minimizes costly errors in payroll, reconciliations, or financial reports.
- Time Savings – Business owners focus on growth while the bookkeeper handles compliance and reporting.
- Tax Prep-Ready Books – Streamlined financials make tax filing faster and cheaper.
When Should You Hire One?
If you’re managing growing financial complexity (e.g., multiple revenue streams, staff payroll, inventory), it’s time to upgrade from basic bookkeeping to full charge bookkeeping. Businesses typically consider this role once they cross 5-10 employees or generate $500K+ in annual revenue.
Download Our Free Brochure →FAQs
Is a full charge bookkeeper a CPA?
No. They are not CPAs but may work closely with one. They handle most day-to-day and month-end accounting tasks.
How much does a full charge bookkeeper cost?
Rates vary by complexity and region but typically range from $45-$85/hour, or a flat monthly fee through outsourced providers like RemoteBooksOnline.
Can a full charge bookkeeper help with taxes?
They prepare clean books and reports, which a CPA or tax professional then uses to file taxes.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a full charge bookkeeper is one of the smartest moves a small business can make when they’re ready to scale. With services like RemoteBooksOnline, you get expert-level support – without the payroll overhead – and ensure your books are always audit- and tax-ready.
Ready to scale your finances with a full charge bookkeeper? Start your free month with RemoteBooksOnline.
Curious about full-service bookkeeping? Our Full‑Service Bookkeeping guide explains everything-from end‑to‑end support to benefits-so you can see how it transforms your financial workflow.
Wondering about remote bookkeeping rates? Our guide to remote bookkeeper pricing breaks down typical costs and value-so you can budget with confidence.
Thinking about outsourcing your financials? Our Why Hire a Bookkeeping Service blog explains the top benefits-from expert accuracy to serious time savings.
