As a Canadian CPA, CA (and also programmer), I think the difference between bookkeeping and accountancy is the need for judgement.
A bookkeeper will record transactions in designated accounts using the process that has been indicated for that type of transaction. However, the bookkeeper will not be evaluating the revenue recognition process to establish when it is reasonable to record revenue (versus deferred revenue, a liability) as a transaction relates to the standards in effect. It is also likely that the bookkeeper will not be responsible for making calls as to whether certain situations should be recorded as contingent liabilities or simple F/S note disclosures or for things like testing intangible assets for impairment.
For a typical tech startup, there are probably fewer situations that give rise to the need for an accountant than bigger, more complex entities. That being said, I suspect that many start-ups with complex cap tables are not reporting in full GAAP / IFRS conformity simply because this is likely not something required by the users of their F/S.
A bookkeeper will record transactions in designated accounts using the process that has been indicated for that type of transaction. However, the bookkeeper will not be evaluating the revenue recognition process to establish when it is reasonable to record revenue (versus deferred revenue, a liability) as a transaction relates to the standards in effect. It is also likely that the bookkeeper will not be responsible for making calls as to whether certain situations should be recorded as contingent liabilities or simple F/S note disclosures or for things like testing intangible assets for impairment.
For a typical tech startup, there are probably fewer situations that give rise to the need for an accountant than bigger, more complex entities. That being said, I suspect that many start-ups with complex cap tables are not reporting in full GAAP / IFRS conformity simply because this is likely not something required by the users of their F/S.