What’s the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?

If you've ever wondered whether you need a bookkeeper or an accountant for your business, you're not alone. They both work with money and financial records, so it’s easy to confuse the two. But they actually play very different roles — and understanding those roles can help you decide who you need and when.

What a Bookkeeper Does

A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day financial tasks for your business. Their main job is to keep everything organized and recorded accurately. Here are some things a bookkeeper typically does: Records all your business transactions, (sales, purchases, etc.) Manages invoices and payments Handles payroll, Reconciles bank accounts, Keeps your books updated and tidy. In short, a bookkeeper keeps track of the money coming in and going out of your business. They make sure your financial information is current and accurate.

What an Accountant Does

An accountant looks at the bigger picture. They take the financial information the bookkeeper records and use it to help you understand how your business is doing and how you can improve. Here are some things accountants usually do: Prepare financial statements (like profit & loss reports), File taxes and help with tax planning, Analyze your business performance, Give advice on budgeting and growth, Help with financial decisions and strategy, So while a bookkeeper is focused on the details, an accountant is focused on the analysis and what those details mean for your business.

Which One Do You Need?

It depends on your business and what kind of help you're looking for. If you just need someone to keep your financial records in order, a bookkeeper might be enough. But if you want help understanding your finances, planning for taxes, or making big financial decisions, you’ll want an accountant. Many growing businesses use both — a bookkeeper to handle the daily tasks, and an accountant to guide the bigger picture.

Final Thoughts

Bookkeepers and accountants are both important, but they serve different purposes. Bookkeepers keep your financial records clean and current. Accountants use that information to give you insights, prepare taxes, and help your business succeed. If you're not sure which one you need, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

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Corporate Accounting

May 21, 2025

Focusing on maintaining accurate financial records within a company, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing financial information for decision-making.

What GAAP Means for Your Business

By Toby Zambetti • May 21, 2025

GAAP stands for Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. These are rules that keep business books fair, steady, and easy to compare. Lenders, investors, and partners often expect GAAP-style records. These rules make it easier to spot trends, check for errors, and prove financial health. GAAP is not just for big corporations. In San Francisco small and mid-sized businesses often need to follow it too. It matters when seeking loans, going through audits, or showing value during a sale. A GAAP setup gives you a full and honest view of the business, with no fluff or hidden risk. Who Needs GAAP Accounting in San Francisco? Some businesses are legally required to follow GAAP. Others choose to follow it to stay ahead. If you work with investors, government contracts, or regulated industries, GAAP might not be optional. In the Bay Area, growth moves fast. GAAP can help a local business grow the right way. It builds trust and shows others that you take your finances seriously. If your business is scaling or making big moves, GAAP keeps the numbers in line. Common GAAP Accounting Tasks We Handle Following GAAP means more than keeping receipts. It involves a range of steps and habits. At TNZ Accounting, the goal is to make these steps clear and doable. Here’s what GAAP support often looks like: • Creating balance sheets that show real value • Tracking income and expenses using accrual methods • Documenting assets, liabilities, and equity the right way • Following clear rules for depreciation and amortization • Recording revenue only when it’s earned • Making sure every transaction has a traceable path • Preparing for reviews, audits, or investor meetings These tasks help turn everyday records into useful reports. They also help spot errors early and show real business performance. What Happens If You Don’t Follow GAAP? Skipping GAAP can lead to confusion. Numbers might look off. Mistakes might go unseen. Worse, banks or investors may walk away if records don’t meet their standards. San Francisco Bay Area businesses that skip GAAP often face delays in funding or get flagged in audits. It’s not just about rules—it’s about trust. And trust is hard to win back once it’s lost. What Makes GAAP Accounting Different? GAAP is not just about what you track—it’s about how and when you track it. A GAAP system avoids guessing and delay. It’s based on facts and timing. For example, under GAAP, revenue is only counted when it’s earned, not just when cash hits the account. That one detail can change how a business looks on paper. It shows what the company has truly earned, not just what’s been paid. That’s why banks and investors care about GAAP. They want the full picture. GAAP for Startups and Growing Companies A young company may not need GAAP on day one. But as it grows, the risks and rules grow too. Investors will ask for reports. Audits may come up. Even if not required by law, GAAP helps a business grow clean In tech-heavy San Jose, this matters. Startups that plan to raise money, sell, or go public need to get this right. Waiting too long can mean redoing months of records later. Starting with a GAAP plan early helps avoid that. Keeping GAAP Simple and Useful GAAP accounting might sound complex, but it doesn’t have to be. The goal is to make it work without slowing the business down. TNZ Accounting sets up GAAP systems that are simple to follow and built for the way local businesses operate. Whether you’re dealing with inventory, services, or software, the books can still follow GAAP rules. It’s about habits, timing, and structure. Once in place, the process runs smoother month after month. Why San Francisco Bay Area Businesses Choose TNZ for GAAP Accounting Every city has its quirks, and San Francisco is no different. Local tax rules, fast-moving industries, and growth-focused founders create real pressure. GAAP adds structure when that pressure builds. TNZ Accounting brings local insight to the GAAP process. From early planning to year-end reports, everything is built with care and clarity. The work is done right, the first time. That means fewer surprises and stronger financials. TNZ helps companies move fast—without cutting corners. Ready to Put GAAP in Place? It starts with a call. You’ll get a clear plan, honest answers, and straight-up support. No pushy sales. Just accounting that works.

What Is a CFO Service?

By Toby Zambetti • May 19, 2025

CFO stands for Chief Financial Officer. It’s the person who helps plan, manage, and steer the company’s money. A full-time CFO can cost six figures a year. That’s not always an option. TNZ provides part-time CFO support that fits the size and pace of your business. This service gives you a financial lead without hiring one full time. You get high-level thinking, planning, and insight. It helps you stay focused while the money side stays in order. Who Uses CFO Services in The San Francisco Bay Area? Many local companies hit a point where basic accounting isn’t enough. Maybe cash flow feels tight. Or maybe growth is fast and hard to track. That’s where CFO services help. In San Francisco, tech, construction, and service-based businesses often turn to a part-time CFO. They want better control of spending, better forecasts, and someone to plan for what’s next. What CFO Services Include CFO work goes beyond bookkeeping. It helps answer bigger questions, like: Can the business afford to grow right now? Are costs getting out of control? How much cash will be left at the end of the quarter? Is it time to hire, raise prices, or cut spending? Will funding cover the next 12 months? TNZ builds answers to these questions into clear monthly reviews. These are not just reports. They are action plans made from real data. Monthly Planning and Cash Flow Tracking A strong CFO plan starts with clear cash flow. That means watching how money moves every week. Not just income, but timing. When money comes in late or leaves early, it causes stress. TNZ helps map cash flow patterns and make solid budgets. You’ll see what’s coming before it hits. Planning helps prevent surprises and keep payroll, vendors, and taxes covered on time. Budget Control and Forecasting Growth without control can drain a business. A CFO helps keep a close eye on the budget. This means checking spending by category and building clear monthly forecasts. You’ll know if this month is tracking above or below goal. You’ll spot problems faster. And you’ll have a clear plan to fix them before they grow. Strategic Planning and Financial Goals The job of a CFO isn’t only to track the past. It’s to shape the future. That includes setting profit goals, planning for taxes, and building long-term value. If you plan to grow, sell, or raise capital, you’ll need clean books and strong margins. TNZ helps you get there. Every move gets tracked and measured. Help with Investors and Lenders If you’re looking to raise money or secure credit, your numbers must hold up under pressure. That means more than simple profit reports. TNZ builds full financial packets. These show past results, current health, and growth plans. Whether you meet with banks, VCs, or buyers, your reports will be ready—and make sense. A CFO Who Knows San Francisco Bay Area Business Every region has its patterns. San Francisco companies face high wages, fast-moving markets, and sharp shifts in demand. TNZ understands how these things affect cash and planning. Whether it’s software, design, or logistics, your business deserves advice based on what’s real—not guesses. TNZ helps local companies think ahead, stay calm, and make smart money choices. When to Bring in CFO Support You don’t need to be huge to need CFO help. You just need to want clarity. If you're growing, facing cash gaps, or prepping for funding, it may be time. TNZ helps make the shift from reactive to proactive. The right moves at the right time can mean the difference between scaling smart and stalling out. How It Works CFO services start with a full review. TNZ looks at income, spending, debt, and plans. From there, a monthly system gets built. You’ll have reports, check-ins, and clear goals. No clutter. No fluff. Just numbers that tell a story—and support every decision. CFO Support That Grows With You As your business grows, the CFO plan can grow with it. You won’t get stuck paying for work you don’t use. And you won’t outgrow the system either. The support flexes as goals shift. Start small, scale when needed, and keep clear numbers every step of the way. Ready to Talk Numbers? Call TNZ Accounting today. Get the insight and structure to grow with less stress—and no guesswork.