What did a bookkeeper do in colonial times?

In colonial times, a bookkeeper was responsible for maintaining financial records for businesses and individuals. They meticulously recorded transactions, tracked expenses, and managed accounts to ensure accurate financial reporting. This role was crucial for merchants, landowners, and colonial governments, as it helped them manage their finances and make informed economic decisions. Bookkeepers often used handwritten ledgers and basic arithmetic to perform their tasks in an era before modern accounting software.