Do I Need An Accountant Or Learn Basic Bookkeeping?

If you’re starting a small business or side hustle, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “Do I really need to hire an accountant, or can I just learn bookkeeping on my own?” It’s a valid question – and the answer depends on your goals, budget, and how hands-on you want to be with your finances.

Let’s break it down.

1. The Role of an Accountant vs. Bookkeeping Basics

An accountant doesn’t just crunch numbers. They help with financial planning, tax filing, compliance, and even business strategy. Meanwhile, basic bookkeeping focuses on tracking income, expenses, and making sure your records are in order – something every business owner needs to do.

So, kahit hindi ka accountant, mahalagang alam mo ang basics ng bookkeeping. Why? Because understanding your numbers helps you make smarter decisions. You’ll know if your business is actually profitable or just busy.

2. When Learning Bookkeeping Makes Sense

If you’re just starting out, especially as a freelancer, online seller, or small entrepreneur, learning basic bookkeeping can be a huge advantage. There are tons of free resources and apps (like Wave, QuickBooks, or even Excel) that make it easier.

Plus, knowing the basics protects you from being scammed and helps you communicate better with any accountant or bookkeeper you eventually hire.

3. When It’s Time to Hire an Accountant

As your business grows, things can get more complicated – may VAT ka na, employee payroll, business permits, and tax deadlines. This is when getting an accountant saves you time, stress, and penalties. Imagine missing a BIR deadline or overpaying your taxes – mas malaki pa ang gastos kaysa sa professional fee ng accountant.

4. Best of Both Worlds? Yes, Please.

Start by learning the basics of bookkeeping, even just for daily tracking and understanding cash flow. Then, when your income gets steady or your operations grow, hire an accountant for the heavy stuff – especially taxes and compliance.

You don’t always need to choose one over the other. Learn what you can, then delegate when it’s smarter. Remember, your time as a business owner is valuable – use it where it matters most.

So, do you need an accountant or just learn bookkeeping? The real answer: You need both, at different stages. Start small, grow smart.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. Ano ang pinagkaiba ng bookkeeping at accounting?
   Bookkeeping involves recording daily financial transactions, habang accounting is more about analyzing, interpreting, and reporting those records for decision-making and tax purposes.
2. Kailangan ba ng license para mag-bookkeeping?
   Hindi kailangan ng license to do basic bookkeeping for your own business, but professionals like CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) need licenses for formal accounting services.
3. Pwede bang ako na lang ang mag-bookkeeping ng business ko?
   Yes! Many small business owners do their own bookkeeping, especially sa simula. Just make sure you’re consistent and accurate.
4. Anong apps or tools ang magandang gamitin sa bookkeeping?
   Maraming free or low-cost tools gaya ng Wave, QuickBooks, Excel, at Notion para ma-track ang kita’t gastos mo easily.
5. Magkano ang karaniwang bayad sa accountant sa Pilipinas?
   Depende sa scope of work. Some freelance accountants charge around ₱3,000–₱8,000 per month for basic services, habang mas malalaki ang bayad sa corporate or full-service accounting.
6. Kailan ako dapat kumuha ng accountant?
   Kapag lumalaki na ang income mo, may employees ka na, o nagbabayad ka na ng VAT and other business taxes – it’s time to get help.
7. Paano makakaiwas sa BIR penalties kung ako lang ang nag-bookkeeping?
   Stay updated with BIR deadlines, keep complete records, and file correctly. Pwede ring mag-consult sa accountant at least once a year for review.
8. Anong klaseng records ang kailangan kong itago?
   Keep receipts, invoices, sales records, bank statements, payroll records (if any), and tax documents – at least for 3 years.
9. May training ba na pwedeng kunin para matuto ng bookkeeping?
   Yes! Maraming free webinars, YouTube tutorials, and even TESDA or online courses that teach bookkeeping basics.
10. Pwede bang part-time lang ang accountant ko?
    Definitely. Maraming accountants offer part-time or freelance services, especially for small businesses and freelancers.

Business News Philippines was launched in October 2015 as a portal for readers to learn more about operating a business in the Philippines.

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