Virtual Assistant vs Bookkeeper: What's the Difference?

A detailed comparison of virtual assistant and bookkeeper freelancers — key differences, rates, and when to hire each for your project in Canada.

If you're looking to hire a freelancer for your next project, you may be wondering whether you need a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper. While both roles are valuable and sometimes overlap, they serve distinct purposes and bring different strengths to a project. Understanding the differences between a virtual assistant and a bookkeeper will help you make the right hiring decision, save time, and get better results for your budget. In this guide, we break down what each role does, how they differ, what they cost, and when to hire one over the other.

Role Overview

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is a professional who specializes in their specific domain, bringing focused expertise to projects. They typically work on tasks that require deep knowledge and specialized tools within their area. Canadian freelance virtual assistants often work with startups, agencies, and established businesses across the country, delivering targeted solutions that drive results. Their focused skill set means they can dive deep into complex problems within their specialty.

Bookkeeper

A bookkeeper brings a different but complementary perspective to projects. Their expertise lies in their specific domain, with a focus on delivering value through their unique skill set. In the Canadian freelance market, bookkeepers are sought after for projects that require their particular blend of skills and experience. They excel at tackling challenges that fall squarely within their area of specialization.

Key Differences

Primary Focus
Virtual Assistant: Virtual Assistants focus on their core area of expertise, delivering specialized solutions within their domain.
Bookkeeper: Bookkeepers concentrate on their specific area, bringing targeted knowledge and tools to projects.
Core Skills
Virtual Assistant: Requires deep expertise in tools, frameworks, and methodologies specific to the virtual assistant role.
Bookkeeper: Demands proficiency in the tools and techniques central to the bookkeeper discipline.
Typical Projects
Virtual Assistant: Projects that require focused virtual assistant expertise and specialized deliverables.
Bookkeeper: Projects that need dedicated bookkeeper skills and domain-specific outcomes.
Deliverables
Virtual Assistant: Specialized outputs within the virtual assistant domain, tailored to project requirements.
Bookkeeper: Targeted deliverables that leverage bookkeeper expertise and best practices.
Career Path
Virtual Assistant: Typically progresses from junior to senior virtual assistant, potentially moving into leadership or consulting roles.
Bookkeeper: Advances from entry-level to senior bookkeeper, with opportunities for specialization or management.

Rate Comparison

When it comes to rates, both roles command competitive freelance rates in the Canadian market. Mid-level freelance virtual assistants typically charge between $30 and $50 per hour, while senior professionals can earn up to $80/hr. In comparison, mid-level bookkeepers charge between $42 and $72 per hour, with senior rates reaching $115/hr. The difference in rates often reflects the level of specialization required and market demand for each skill set in Canada.

Virtual Assistant Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$18–$30/hr
Mid-level$30–$50/hr
Senior$50–$80/hr

Bookkeeper Rates (CAD/hr)

Junior$25–$42/hr
Mid-level$42–$72/hr
Senior$72–$115/hr

When to Hire Each

Hire a virtual assistant when your project specifically requires their area of expertise and you need deep, focused skill in that domain. This is the right choice when the deliverables are clearly within the virtual assistant discipline and you need someone who can hit the ground running with specialized knowledge.

Choose a bookkeeper when your project aligns more closely with their particular skill set and requires their specific type of expertise. If your needs span both areas, consider hiring both professionals to work in tandem — their complementary skills often produce the best results for complex projects.

Sample Freelancers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a virtual assistant and a bookkeeper?

The main difference lies in their area of focus and core skill set. A virtual assistant specializes in their specific domain, while a bookkeeper focuses on their particular area of expertise. While there can be overlap, each brings unique value to projects within their specialty.

Can a virtual assistant do the work of a bookkeeper?

While there may be some overlap in skills, a virtual assistant and a bookkeeper are distinct roles with different specializations. Some professionals may have cross-functional skills, but for best results, it's usually better to hire the specialist whose expertise matches your specific project needs.

Should I hire a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper for my project?

It depends on your project requirements. If your needs align more closely with virtual assistant expertise, hire a virtual assistant. If your project requires bookkeeper skills, go with a bookkeeper. For large or complex projects, you may benefit from hiring both.

Who earns more in Canada: a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper?

Freelance rates vary based on experience, specialization, and location. Both roles command competitive rates in the Canadian market. Check the detailed rate comparison above for current hourly rate data by experience level.

Do I need both a virtual assistant and a bookkeeper?

For complex projects that span both domains, hiring both can deliver superior results. Each specialist brings focused expertise that ensures quality work in their area. For smaller projects with a clear scope, one specialist is usually sufficient.

Explore More

Hire a Virtual Assistant in TorontoHire a Bookkeeper in TorontoVirtual Assistant Freelance RatesBookkeeper Freelance RatesBecome a Freelance Virtual AssistantBecome a Freelance Bookkeeper

Ready to Hire?

Browse verified freelancer profiles on freel.ca and find the right expert for your project.

Browse Freelancers