# bookkeeping

/ˈbʊkˌkipɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈʊkkiːpɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bookkeeping
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the process of recording all the financial transactions for a business. It involves keeping track of money coming in and going out so you know your total balance.

For teachers: the systematic recording of financial transactions, including the preparation of financial statements and the maintenance of accounting records.

## Examples

- She handles all the bookkeeping for the small shop.
- The company hired a professional to manage the bookkeeping because the owner was too busy with daily operations.
- While accounting focuses on the interpretation and analysis of financial data, bookkeeping remains the foundational task of recording every transaction in a consistent and verifiable manner.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.