Bookkeeper vs accountant vs CPA: which one do you need?
These three roles overlap, which is why they’re easy to confuse. Here’s what each actually does so you can hire the right one.
Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper records your day-to-day transactions, reconciles bank and credit-card accounts, runs payroll and prepares the books. They keep your financial data clean and current, which makes everything downstream cheaper and faster.
Accountant
An accountant works from those books to prepare financial statements, file tax returns and advise on your finances. Not every accountant holds the CPA designation.
CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant)
A CPA is a licensed, regulated professional. In Canada, only CPAs can perform certain assurance work (like audits) and they’re held to professional standards by a provincial CPA body. For corporate tax, planning and anything requiring audited or reviewed statements, a CPA is the right choice.
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How to choose
Simple personal taxes: an accountant or tax preparer is fine. Small business with regular transactions: a bookkeeper monthly plus a CPA at year-end is a common, cost-effective combination. Incorporation, financing, audits or complex tax planning: hire a CPA firm.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bookkeeper file my taxes?
A bookkeeper can prepare and often file straightforward returns, but corporate tax, tax planning and audited or reviewed financial statements should be handled by an accountant or CPA.
Do I legally need a CPA?
Not for most small-business compliance. You need a CPA for audits and certain assurance engagements, and you’ll usually want one for corporate tax and planning.
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