Bookkeeper vs Accountant vs Tax Agent: Who Should You Hire?
📘 Introduction
If you’re running a business in Malaysia, chances are you’ve come across terms like bookkeeper, accountant, and tax agent. While they may sound similar, each role serves a different purpose — and hiring the wrong one could cost you time, money, or even legal penalties.
This guide breaks down the key differences and helps you decide who your business really needs.
🔍 What’s the Difference?
📒 Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper is responsible for recording daily financial transactions, such as:
- Invoices & receipts
- Bank reconciliations
- Expense tracking
- Monthly cash flow reports
They keep your financial data up to date but do not offer financial analysis or tax filing.
🧩 Suitable for:
Small businesses, startups, e-commerce sellers, and companies needing organized records but not advanced analysis.
📊 Accountant
An accountant takes your bookkeeping data and analyzes it to produce:
- Financial reports
- Profit/loss statements
- Budget planning
- Strategic financial advice
Some accountants also handle tax preparation, but not all are certified to submit taxes officially.
🧩 Suitable for:
SMEs that want to grow, plan financially, or prepare for loan applications, investors, or audits.
🧾 Tax Agent (LHDN Registered)
A tax agent is a licensed professional approved by LHDN (Inland Revenue Board Malaysia) to:
- Prepare and file corporate/personal tax returns
- Represent clients during tax audits
- Provide strategic tax planning
🧩 Suitable for:
Businesses or individuals needing compliance with Malaysian tax law or having complex tax obligations.
👥 Who Should You Hire?
| Business Situation | Recommended Role |
|---|---|
| Need to clean up and track finances | Bookkeeper |
| Need financial advice or budgeting | Accountant |
| Need tax filing or dealing with LHDN | Tax Agent |
| Need all three tasks handled | A team or freelance mix |
If budget is tight, freelancers on platforms like ezicount.com let you hire by task or on a monthly basis — with no long-term commitment.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Understanding these roles can help you avoid overpaying or under-hiring. You don’t need a full-time CFO — you just need the right expert at the right time.
👉 Need help now?
Browse verified freelancers on ezicount.com and get matched with bookkeepers, accountants, and tax agents near you.