If you’re running a business and wondering what is full charge bookkeeping, you’re likely at a stage where basic bookkeeping is no longer enough but hiring a full accounting department or CPA still feels excessive.
Full charge bookkeeping sits right in the middle: it covers the entire accounting cycle, from daily transactions all the way to financial statements and compliance support.
This is the level of bookkeeping most serious small and mid-sized businesses rely on.
Short Answer: What Is Full Charge Bookkeeping?
Full charge bookkeeping is a comprehensive bookkeeping service where one professional manages all accounting functions for a business, from daily transactions to financial reporting without the need for in-house accountants.
In simple terms:
A full charge bookkeeper handles everything except signing tax returns or providing legal opinions.
Understanding What Full Charge Bookkeeping Really Means
What Does “Full Charge” Mean in Accounting?
The term “full charge” means full responsibility.
A full charge bookkeeper:
- Oversees the entire accounting cycle
- Ensures books are accurate and compliant
- Prepares reports for owners, lenders, and CPAs
- Acts as the primary financial gatekeeper
This role is far beyond data entry it requires judgment, experience, and accountability.
What a Full Charge Bookkeeper Is Responsible For
A full charge bookkeeper typically manages:
- All bookkeeping records
- Payroll coordination
- Month-end and year-end closing
- Tax-ready financials
- Ongoing compliance support
They are often the financial backbone of a business.
Core Duties Included in Full Charge Bookkeeping
Day-to-Day Bookkeeping Tasks
These include:
- Recording all transactions
- Managing accounts receivable and payable
- Reconciling bank and credit card accounts
- Tracking expenses accurately
Accuracy at this level directly affects taxes, cash flow, and business decisions.
Payroll, Taxes, and Compliance Responsibilities
Full charge bookkeeping often covers:
- Payroll processing
- Payroll tax calculations
- Filing payroll reports
- Sales tax tracking and reporting
While a CPA may file final tax returns, full charge bookkeepers ensure the data is correct.
Financial Reporting and Month-End Close
At month-end, full charge bookkeeping produces:
- Income statements
- Balance sheets
- Cash flow statements
- Management summaries
These reports are what owners and lenders rely on.
Full Charge Bookkeeping vs Other Accounting Roles
Full Charge Bookkeeping vs Basic Bookkeeping
| Feature | Basic Bookkeeping | Full Charge Bookkeeping |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry | Yes | Yes |
| Reconciliations | Limited | Full |
| Financial statements | No | Yes |
| Payroll & taxes | No | Yes |
| CPA-ready books | No | Yes |
Full Charge Bookkeeping vs Staff Accountant
A staff accountant may focus on:
- Journal entries
- Internal reporting
A full charge bookkeeper:
- Manages everything end-to-end
- Works independently
- Coordinates with CPAs
Full Charge Bookkeeping vs CPA
CPAs:
- Sign tax returns
- Provide legal tax advice
Full charge bookkeepers:
- Prepare accurate financials
- Support CPAs
- Reduce CPA fees by keeping books clean
How Full Charge Bookkeeping Works in a Real Business
Transaction Recording
Every transaction is recorded and categorized correctly.
Reconciliation and Review
Accounts are reconciled monthly to ensure accuracy.
Adjusting Entries
Depreciation, accruals, and corrections are made.
Financial Statements
Reports are prepared and reviewed.
Management Reporting
Insights are shared to guide decisions.
Real-Life Examples of Full Charge Bookkeeping
Example 1: Small Service Business
A plumbing company with 12 employees uses a full charge bookkeeper to manage payroll, expenses, and monthly reports without hiring a controller.
Example 2: Growing E-Commerce Company
An online store with inventory, sales tax, and multiple payment processors relies on full charge bookkeeping to maintain accurate margins.
Example 3: Professional Firm
A law firm uses full charge bookkeeping to handle trust accounts, billing, and financial reporting while the CPA handles year-end taxes.
Full Charge Bookkeeping vs Other Options
| Option | Scope | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Bookkeeper | Limited | Very small businesses | Low |
| Full Charge Bookkeeper | End-to-end | Growing businesses | Medium |
| CPA Firm | Advisory & taxes | Complex entities | High |
| In-House Accountant | Full-time | Large businesses | Very High |
When Does a Business Need Full Charge Bookkeeping?
You likely need full charge bookkeeping if:
- Revenue exceeds $250k–$500k
- Payroll is growing
- Compliance risk is increasing
- You need monthly financial reports
- Your CPA requests cleaner books
FAQs About What Is Full Charge Bookkeeping
What is full charge bookkeeping in simple terms?
It means one professional handles all bookkeeping tasks from start to finish.
Is full charge bookkeeping the same as accounting?
No, but it covers most accounting functions except licensed CPA work.
Do small businesses need full charge bookkeeping?
Yes, once complexity increases.
How much does full charge bookkeeping cost?
Typically monthly flat fees, varying by complexity.
Can a full charge bookkeeper replace a CPA?
No but they reduce CPA workload and costs.
Is full charge bookkeeping outsourced or in-house?
Both options exist.
Does full charge bookkeeping include payroll taxes?
Yes, often.
Is full charge bookkeeping worth it?
For growing businesses, absolutely.
Conclusion
So, what is full charge bookkeeping?
It is complete, end-to-end bookkeeping responsibility designed for businesses that need accuracy, compliance, and clarity without the cost of a full accounting department.
For growing companies, full charge bookkeeping is not a luxury.
It is infrastructure.