Bookkeeper vs Accountant

System

Does anyone else find that some clients try to push for you to do everything, i.e.. be their accountant. I just had a client asking me all sorts of tax questions and how to get round it all. I told him he needs to see a tax specialist.

Out of interest, where do you draw the boundary of being a bookkeeper?

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

Working in practice, I come across bookkeepers every day - some good, some not so good! (I would like to add, none of the not so good ones come on this site!)

I expect a good bookkeeper to basically take the accounts to trial balance and then let us do the rest. I would not expect them to produce final accounts, offer tax advice or tax planning advice. My experience with bookkeepers tells me that they have enough to do, without getting involved with the statutory requirements.

Hope that helps, but I'm sure that the more experienced bookkeepers (Sheelagh, Sue02, JodieR or Claudia Lowe) that post on this site will be able to give you a more general idea of where they "draw the line".

Kind regards
Steve

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

I do bookkeping, accounts and tax for my clients, but I do get asked questions that are way beyond my level of expertise, so I then suggest that they get specialist advise. Clients though do expect you to be a master of all trades - and you should take it as a compliment that they think you would know the answer!

Claudia

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

I find the same thing, clients think they are saving money asking the bookkeeper questions rather than go to their Accountant.

I never answer a question I am not certain of the answer. I tell them they need to speak to their Accountant.

I am on good terms with my client's Accountants, so I let the Accountant know I have been asked something and that I have referred the client to them, which gives them time to be prepared for the question. I also let them know if there is anything I have discussed with the client they should be aware of. As we usually see the client more than the Accountant, the client's often chat about things that are happening.

It is the Accountant the signs off the books at the end of the year, so I feel it is best they are involved in important decisions

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

I also find that clients ask me questions which may be outside the scope of what a bookkeeper would normally be expected to have experience of. If it's tax advice they're after I generally refer them to their accountant because I don't make a point of keeping up to date with changes. Other topics, eg VAT, payroll, software, data protection, I am more likely to answer either immediately or after some research, if it's relevant to the services I offer.

Lyagirl - my advice would be to draw the line at a point where you cannot confidently do the work/answer the question well. Don't be afraid to say that the work is beyond the scope of your experience. There's plenty of work out there for good bookkeepers and it really isn't worth the stress and anxiety associated with getting out of your depth.

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

I would echo Sheelagh's comments.

Don't be afraid to tell clients when something is beyond the scope of your expertise. It can be very liberating!

If it is something I have studied but not had any practical experience of, e.g. inheritance tax, then I may give a rough idea to the client but tell them they need to see an accountant that specialises in that particular area.

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

I think that it's quite normal for your 'title' to vary from client to client. A lot of my clients call me their accountant because I prepare their accounts in their entirety and submit their tax returns, and to other clients I am 'just the bookkeeper'. In that case I'll do as everyone else has said and only give advice where I know what I'm talking about, and even if I'm sure I've got it right I always say that they should double-check with their accountant before making any decisions as they may be aware of additional factors that need to be taken into consideration.

and peugeot, i'm flattered to be on your list of 'experienced bookkeepers'

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

I am only too glad to acknowledge the hard work that you do "behind the scenes" so to speak! The problem I have is sourcing more of you!.

Kind regards
Ste

System

Re:Bookkeeper vs Accountant

Thanks for your help. I am a new bookkeper and just got a bit worried/anxious as I am about to go and see my first client and he seems to think I should be in place of his accountant!

ARRRRR I'm scared!