Office Manager vs. Bookkeeper: What Are the Differences?

Office managers and bookkeepers are both important positions in any business. They are responsible for different aspects of the company, but there are some similarities between the two roles. In this article, we compare and contrast the job duties of an office manager and a bookkeeper, and we provide information on the skills and education needed for each position.

What is an Office Manager?

The Office Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the office and provides support to the company’s employees. They plan and coordinate office activities, manage office supplies, and supervise the office staff. The Office Manager is also responsible for maintaining the company’s records and files. They may also provide support to the company’s executives and managers. In some cases, the Office Manager may also be responsible for handling the company’s finances and accounts.

What is a Bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers maintain financial records for businesses and organizations. They keep track of all money coming in and going out, as well as preparing reports on the company’s financial activity. Bookkeepers typically work in an office setting, but some may work from home. They typically work full time, but some may work part time or on a freelance basis. Bookkeepers may work for a single company or organization, or they may work for multiple clients.

Office Manager vs. Bookkeeper

Here are the main differences between an office manager and a bookkeeper.

Job Duties

Although the job duties of a office manager and a bookkeeper may overlap, they focus on different areas within a business. A bookkeeper focuses on the financial aspects of a company by recording, storing and processing financial information. This can include activities like creating and maintaining financial records, such as invoices and receipts, entering data into accounting software and preparing financial reports.

A office manager typically manages the nonfinancial operations of a company. Their job duties can include things like overseeing and scheduling employee work hours and breaks, managing email communications, providing customer service and coordinating events and meetings.

Job Requirements

Most office manager and bookkeeper positions require at least a high school diploma, though some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting. Additionally, many professionals in these roles pursue certification through organizations like the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). These certifications can help candidates stand out to potential employers and show that they have the skills necessary to perform their job duties effectively.

Work Environment

Office managers and bookkeepers work in different environments. Bookkeeping is a more technical job that requires employees to perform calculations, record data and use software programs. They may spend most of their time working alone or with other bookkeepers on projects.

Office managers typically work in an office environment where they interact with many people throughout the day. They may also travel to visit clients or vendors.

Skills

The specific skills used on the job by an office manager and a bookkeeper can differ depending on the size and type of organization they work for. However, both roles typically require excellent organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. Office managers may also need customer service skills to interact with clients, vendors and customers, while bookkeepers may need accounting skills to maintain financial records.

Salary

The average salary for an office manager is $55,923 per year, while the average salary for a bookkeeper is $49,431 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.