What does a bookkeeper do day-to-day?

I'm considering studying accounting, but I'd like to know more about what a bookkeeper's daily tasks are. How much math is involved, and is this a position that uses a lot of computer software?

A bookkeeper's central role is to maintain financial records for a company or organization and keep track of their day-to-day transactions. Your responsibilities, if you were to assume such a position, would be to ensure that every financial transaction is recorded accurately in the general ledger, which is often achieved using software. Therefore, computer literacy would be a significant skill for this role.

In terms of the day-to-day tasks, this could involve processing invoices, receipts, payments, and other financial transactions, managing payroll, and maintaining various financial reports. Additionally, you might be tasked with reconciling bank and credit card accounts, in addition to comparing actual financial results to budgeted figures. In this case, analytical skills are handy, as discrepancies need to be identified and communicated.

Regarding the math involved, it's more basic arithmetic rather than complex calculations, but accuracy is critical due to the financial implications. Any errors can have significant consequences, hence attention to detail is essential in this role.

While the use of software varies across different organizations, most modern businesses utilize accounting or bookkeeping software to automate and streamline their financial record-keeping processes. So, experience with programs like QuickBooks, Xero, or even Microsoft Excel is generally desirable or required.

Even though a bookkeeping role might not involve advanced math or sophisticated statistical modelling, it does demand a certain level of comfort with numbers, as well as solid organizational and problem-solving skills.