What the role actually covers
A bookkeeper handles the daily recording that keeps accounts current: sales, purchases, receipts, payments and bank entries. For many small businesses this is the right hire, not a full accountant — the work is consistent recording rather than analysis and reporting.
- Recording daily sales, purchases and payments
- Bank and cash reconciliation
- Maintaining supporting documentation
- Preparing figures for an accountant or auditor
What has to be true on day one
Separate these from what a good candidate can learn in a few weeks — over-specifying is the fastest way to a brief that returns nobody.
- Consistency and orderly record-keeping
- Comfort with your software or a willingness to be trained on it
- Honesty about the limits of their qualification
How to assess the shortlist
Give a week of realistic transactions and ask them to record and reconcile. Look for whether supporting documents are tracked properly, not just whether the numbers balance.
The mistake employers make most often
Hiring a bookkeeper and expecting management reporting and tax judgement. If you need interpretation and advice, you need an accountant, and paying bookkeeper rates will not get you one.
Salary in the twin cities
PKR 40,000 – PKR 80,000 / month is the typical range for this role in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Treat this as a starting benchmark, not a fixed figure. Actual rates move with experience, the specific brief and how competitive the skill is at the time of hiring.
Hiring by city
Frequently asked questions
What does a bookkeeper do?
A bookkeeper handles the daily recording that keeps accounts current: sales, purchases, receipts, payments and bank entries. For many small businesses this is the right hire, not a full accountant — the work is consistent recording rather than analysis and reporting.
What should we look for when hiring a bookkeeper?
Consistency and orderly record-keeping. Comfort with your software or a willingness to be trained on it. Honesty about the limits of their qualification.
How do we assess a bookkeeper?
Give a week of realistic transactions and ask them to record and reconcile. Look for whether supporting documents are tracked properly, not just whether the numbers balance.
What is the most common mistake hiring this role?
Hiring a bookkeeper and expecting management reporting and tax judgement. If you need interpretation and advice, you need an accountant, and paying bookkeeper rates will not get you one.
What salary should we budget for a bookkeeper in Islamabad or Rawalpindi?
PKR 40,000 – PKR 80,000 / month is the typical range for this role in the twin cities. Confirm the current market rate against your specific brief rather than treating this as a fixed figure.
What does Staffly charge?
The standard direct-placement fee is one month of the agreed salary, payable when you hire. Your business pays the salary separately and employs the person directly. Every placement carries a written 6-month replacement guarantee, subject to its conditions.