In a small business, the owner ends up wearing many hats to get the product or service delivered, the customers served, and the accounts settled. Within each functional area of a small business, there are even more hats. Although the accounting function might be considered one big hat, there are actually a number of skills that make up “the accounting department” in a small business. Here’s a list to help you understand how it all works together. As you read through it ask yourself how you are covering these functions in your workplace. Data Entry Clerk A data entry clerk typically knows how to do a few types of transactions that are routine. Perhaps this is posting timesheets from source documents, inventory transactions, or keying in transactions from one report or system to another. The data entry clerk usually has little or no knowledge of accounting or bookkeeping, and this person will need help when there are exceptions to the routine. Bookkeeper The main function of a bookkeeper is to post the transactions and reconcile the accounts of the business. This can include a number of functions and areas: Invoicing and receipts in the accounts receivable area Checks and bills [...]

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