Franchise bookkeeper or CPA: who does what
Updated 16 October 2026
The short answer
A bookkeeper keeps the books current and closes each month. A CPA holds a state license and advises on entity structure. A franchise owner needs both, and the work goes most smoothly when the CPA receives books that were closed and reconciled every month.
What the bookkeeper does
- Records every transaction and reconciles every account.
- Closes the month and produces the profit and loss and balance sheet.
- Reconciles royalties and the ad fund to the franchisor’s statement.
- Hands the CPA a year-end package.
What the CPA does
- Advises on entity structure, depreciation and estimated payments.
- Represents you with tax authorities.
How they work together
Agree on the year-end package early: the trial balance, fixed asset additions, loan statements and owner draws. When the books close every month, the CPA spends time on planning instead of fixing entries.
Talk to Averan
Tell us how your business runs today, and we will walk you through what working together would look like.