How Do I Choose A Good Bookkeeper?

Every business looking to scale in revenue and performance requires the services of a bookkeeper. A good one ought to be able to handle the daily accounting work while also ensuring that the business is kept on track financially wise. You may begin to ask ‘how do I choose a good bookkeeper?

The moment you begin a business, you will have to handle numbers. All businesses regardless of how small they have to maintain proper records of all transactions carried out. This includes expenses, sales, and salary payment. Everything that involves the movement of money in your enterprise requires this service.

Even though you can handle these tasks yourself, most business owners are not equipped to handle such tasks. This is the reason why businesses often outsource professional service.

How do I choose a good bookkeeper

There are several bookkeeping service outlets out there. You need the right pointers to make the right choices.

The location aspect

One unique benefit of using online accounting software is that you will be able to remotely share accounting data. You may, however, want to meet up with your accountant from time to time in person. It is therefore vital that you determine how important the location factor is and make your search with that in mind.

Do you prefer a firm or a consultant

Bookkeepers often function independently hence they may have more than one client per time. Thus, you may opt to engage the services of a firm or an independent consultant. If your business is big enough, you may engage the services of a full-time bookkeeper. It, however, suffices to say that there isn’t any wrong or right approach to this. It all largely depends on the size of your enterprise.

Experience matters

Bookkeepers often require professional qualifications before they will be able to handle accounting work legally. Bookkeeping, on the other hand, does not work with such restrictions; however, there are available certifications. You should check before you engage their services if they have any membership of professional bodies. Always be in search of someone who has a proven track record. Also, check if they have experience working in your field.

Engage the power of social media

Social media shouldn’t be just for whiling away time. There are dozens of benefits to be derived from such platforms if well used. You may use platforms such as LinkedIn to search for ideal professionals. You may talk to business advisors and the local chambers of commerce. These people should be able to give you solid recommendations.

Make the right choice!

Ensure you talk to as many people as you can within the available time. While doing this, carry out the necessary checks. This is by checking their qualifications and references.  Cultural fit and personality are also quite vital. The ideal bookkeeper will be doing a lot of communication with your staff and yourself. This is why you need to engage the services of someone who functions well in your chosen environment. Hence, you need to engage the services of someone helpful, friendly, and dedicate.

Why do you need a bookkeeper?

The need to engage the services of a bookkeeper is one that cannot be overemphasized. Here are some reasons why you need one:

1. They have a better understanding of your business

Because your bookkeepers handle the daily accounts, they often have a deeper insight into your company’s finances. With the insights they have, they should be able to help steer your company to where it should go. They can help identify troubled waters long before you get there.

2. They help you save time

Except you have a deep understanding of bookkeeping, it is unwise to handle this work by yourself. What many do not know at first is that expenses, processing of receipts and payments are just a part of the job. The ideal bookkeeper is often able to assign certain expenses to certain clients. Usually, they will pick the numbers and input them into certain accounting software and interpret the results. The ideal bookkeeper should know how transactions ought to be treated to give you the ideal business reports.

3. Management of cash flow

It is worthy of note that accountants give you much-needed services especially on tax issues, strategic advice, and annual returns. The ideal bookkeeper will maintain a close look at your accounts regularly. This should help maintain the cash flow.

Just before you leap!

Note that engaging the services of a bookkeeper is the same as engaging the services of just about any professional. The first thing to be mindful of is your requirement. It is when you do this that you can tell the ideal people for the role. Here are some points to ponder upon:

• What is the expected volume of transactions

You have to factor in the number of transactions you carry out on a daily, monthly, or weekly basis. This should help you ascertain how much time for bookkeeping you require.

• What type of business do you operate

The nature of your business plays a pivotal role in determining the services you require. For instance, retail companies will always have different accounting requirements for manufacturing companies.

• What are your important dates

The important days to consider include tax return dates and payroll days. It is therefore imperative that your accountants are as accurate as possible with the dates.

• Which software do you use

It is always ideal to use online accounting software as your bookkeeper will be able to share real-time data with you all the time.

In conclusion, the bookkeeper has to create calm out of storms. They handle receipts, numbers, and other relevant accounting data which flow from your business. They collate it all and analyze with the right software and produce the right results. Now you got the answer to your question “how do I choose a good bookkeeper”?

Good bookkeepers convert the data into useful financial data. These data help you have a proper perspective of the state of your business. Having the right bookkeeper should help your business grow. This is why you need to engage the services of the right bookkeeper.