Do I Need a Bookkeeper, an Accountant, or Both?

If you run a business, chances are you’ve heard the terms bookkeeper and accountant thrown around—but do you really need both? And what’s the difference anyway?

Whether you’re a sole trader, landlord, or small business owner in Bracknell, understanding the distinction between these two roles can help you stay compliant, save time, and make smarter financial decisions. Here’s a quick guide to who does what—and how they can work together to support your business.

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

A bookkeeper looks after the day-to-day finances of your business. Think of them as the person who keeps everything tidy, up to date, and ready for your accountant to work with.

• Their role often includes:
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• Recording sales, purchases, receipts, and payments
• Reconciling bank transactions
• Managing accounts payable and receivable
• Maintaining your general ledger
• Producing basic financial reports
• Preparing and submitting VAT returns (if your turnover exceeds the £90,000 threshold)

Some business owners ask their accountant to review VAT returns before they’re submitted, but this depends on your setup and confidence.

You don’t necessarily need to employ a bookkeeper in-house. Many small businesses in and around Bracknell choose to use a flexible external bookkeeper—for example, two days a week or just a few hours a month, depending on need.

• You might need a bookkeeper if:
•  
• You have regular transactions and want accurate, up-to-date records
• You’re VAT-registered or preparing for MTD (Making Tax Digital)
• You’d rather focus on running the business than reconciling bank feeds at 9PM

What Does an Accountant Do?

An accountant takes a broader, strategic view. While the bookkeeper handles the day-to-day, your accountant steps in to analyse, file, and advise.

• Typical services include:
•  
• Preparing and filing tax returns (for individuals, sole traders, partnerships, landlords, and limited companies)
• Submitting statutory accounts to Companies House and HMRC
• Helping you choose the right business structure (sole trader, partnership, limited company)
• Advising on the most tax-efficient way to pay yourself (e.g. salary vs. dividends)
• Supporting you through HMRC enquiries or investigations
• Making sure you stay compliant and avoid late-filing penalties
• Offering guidance on budgeting and financial planning as your business grows
•  
• You might need an accountant if:
•  
• You want to legally reduce your tax bill and avoid common mistakes
• Your business is growing or becoming more complex
• You need help making informed decisions around payroll, VAT, or business structure

Do I Need Both?

In many cases, the answer is yes—bookkeepers and accountants work best as a team.

• A bookkeeper keeps your day-to-day records organised and accurate
• An accountant uses that data to file your returns, offer insights, and keep you compliant

For example, if your business becomes VAT registered, takes on employees, or moves from sole trader to limited company status, the two roles will need to work together seamlessly—often using cloud-based software like Xero, Sage or FreeAgent.

Why Bracknell Businesses Choose Cubic

We’ve been helping local businesses in Bracknell and beyond since 2009, offering both bookkeeping and accountancy services under one roof. That means your finances stay connected—from daily record keeping through to tax returns and year-end accounts.

We work with a range of platforms including Xero, Sage and FreeAgent and we’ll always recommend the one that suits your business best—not just the one we prefer.

Working with Cubic means:
• No jargon
• Clear communication
• A personalised service that scales with your business

Need to Chat It Through?

If you’re not sure what support you need—or whether you should be using a bookkeeper, an accountant, or both—we’re happy to help.

📞 Book a no-obligation chat today
We’ll help you work out what makes sense for your setup and budget.

Contact us
📞 07795 425032
📧 gary@cubicaccountants.co.uk