When it comes to taking care of your business’s finances, having a good bookkeeper can be an invaluable asset. But what should you look for when choosing the right bookkeeper for your business?
As a business owner, having an experienced bookkeeper is essential for keeping your finances in order. But, with so many bookkeepers available, how do you choose the right one? With the right information and questions, you can find the perfect bookkeeper who can help your business run more efficiently.
In this post, we’ll explore what to consider when selecting a bookkeeper and why having a reliable one is so important. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important qualities to consider.
What to Look for in a Bookkeeper
When running a business, keeping accurate and up-to-date financial records is essential. This can often be a daunting task, and many business owners find they need help keeping their books balanced. That’s where bookkeepers come in—they are an invaluable asset to any organization.
Experience & Credentials
The first step in hiring a bookkeeper is to look at their qualifications. It’s important to make sure that the person you hire has some kind of certificate or degree in accounting or bookkeeping. Not only will this ensure that your financial records are being handled correctly, but it will also provide peace of mind that your books are in competent hands.
A good bookkeeper should have experience working with companies of similar sizes and complexities as yours. Be sure to ask about their education background, any certifications they may hold, and what kind of experience they have had in the past. You should also make sure that any prospective hire has experience using industry-standard accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero.
Hiring a Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is also highly recommended since CPBs must adhere to professional standards and ethics guidelines set by The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). CPBs are required to keep up with continuing education requirements—so if you hire one, you can be certain that they will bring up-to-date knowledge to your business’s financial operations.
Organizational Skills & Attention to Detail
Another important trait to look for in potential bookkeepers is organizational skills and attention to detail. A good bookkeeper should be able to keep track of all financial transactions, organize receipts and invoices, reconcile accounts, prepare financial statements, and more. They should also have an eye for detail so that any discrepancies or errors can be caught easily.
This is especially true if your business deals with multiple currencies—your bookkeeper should have experience with foreign exchange rates and other international financial matters.
Organization is key for any successful bookkeeper. They should be able to identify potential issues before they become problems, allowing you more time focusing on other aspects of running your business.
Effective Communication
Communication is key when it comes to managing finances. You want someone who can explain complex concepts in simple terms while also being clear about deadlines and expectations. A good bookkeeper should be comfortable explaining their work processes so that you are aware of what is being done at all times. This helps build trust between both parties which is essential for any successful professional relationship.
It’s also beneficial if your potential candidate has experience working with different types of accounting software, as many businesses use cloud-based solutions. Having someone who can navigate these programs quickly and efficiently will save you time and money in the long run.
Personality & Values Fit
When it comes to bookkeeping, having someone who understands your values and goals is just as important as having someone who knows what they’re doing. During interviews, ask prospective hires about their values and how those align with your own values as a business owner. This will help ensure that there will be no surprises down the road.
If you’re looking for someone who values accuracy over speed or vice versa, it’s best to know this from the start. If possible, try asking current employees or other contacts in your network for recommendations or referrals. This way you can get a better sense of whether someone would be a good fit for both the job and your company culture before bringing them on board.
Services Offered & Rates
It’s important to make sure that any prospective hire can provide all of the services that your business needs. From basic data entry and accounts receivable/payable tracking, to payroll processing and tax filing assistance. Ask potential candidates what specific services they offer and how much they charge for those services. Some may offer discounted rates for businesses with special circumstances such as startups or nonprofits.
It’s also important to ensure that any bookkeeping fees fit into your budget without sacrificing quality service. It might seem like a good idea to hire someone with lower rates, but it could end up costing more in the long run. If their work isn’t up to par or mistakes are made frequently due to lack of experience or training, this could cost your business time and money.
What to Consider When Looking for a Bookkeeper
Finding the right bookkeeper isn’t always easy. It’s advantageous to make the effort, as having an experienced professional handle your finances can save you time, money, and stress. By doing thorough research on potential hires’ backgrounds, asking questions about their values and goals, and understanding what services they offer, you will be able to find the perfect bookkeeper for your business needs who can help take care of all of its financial operations quickly and accurately.
When searching for a bookkeeper, there are several key factors to consider beyond just qualifications and experiences – personality fit matters, too. Keep these tips in mind when searching for a new bookkeeper:
- experience & credentials
- organizational skills & attention to detail
- ability to communicate effectively
- familiarity with various accounting programs
- willingness to learn new technologies as they become available
With these qualities on hand, any business owner can rest assured knowing their finances are taken care of by an expert!