7 signs you’re about to hire the right bookkeeper
Having someone who’s both qualified and experienced to manage your bookkeeping is not only smart, it’s crucial to the success of your business. Smart business owners know that to grow a small business your time is better spent meeting, networking and building relationships with new clients.
Little expenses and small losses can add up, and over time, become big problems if not managed correctly. That’s why the right bookkeeper is the best way to save you money, and in the long term, free up your time so you can get on with growing your business.
And here’s how you know you’ve found the right one:
They listen
Some bookkeepers may be so caught up with telling you about their past clients or the latest software they’ve worked with that they forget to actually listen to what you need for your business. You should feel comfortable talking to your bookkeeper and be able to discuss freely the way you want your business run.
They ask lots of questions
A good bookkeeper should begin by asking you questions about your business. Expect to share lots of information about your business and about the way you run it. It helps to have a good rapport with your prospective bookkeeper right away, you’re about to share your most intimate business details with them so it will put you at ease if you get along with them and feel you can trust them.
They have testimonials
Choose a professional bookkeeping company with a good reputation and a proven track record. A healthy portfolio of clients and lots of testimonials are usually a good sign.
They have experience
Check to make sure your bookkeeper has experience working with a range of bookkeeping software. They should know what software suits your business and industry and be able to advise you on upgrades. They should be up to date with security concerns and all current security and virus scanning software.
They’re affordable but not cheap
They should be able to manage your bookkeeping properly. Do they have the right skills and qualifications for the tasks you need done? Can they do the job and are they able to show you how you can save money by using their services? Going for the lowest price isn’t necessarily always the way to guarantee you’ll get the best bang for your buck. Bookkeeping is an essential part of any business and ultimately should offer your business an excellent return on investment.
They can understand your business
As a business owner you know how to set up and run the operational side of your business, but you may not have all the knowledge and skills to take care of your bookkeeping and manage your accounts. It’s really important that your accounting system is set up properly right from the beginning to alleviate the stress associated with this aspect of the business. A good bookkeeper will be able to manage your cash flow and keep a close eye on the health and performance of your business.
They’re likeable
You’re about to enter an important business relationship with your bookkeeper, where you’ll be sharing financial information and intimate knowledge of your business. It’s important that you get along with your new bookkeeper and get a good ‘vibe’. Ask yourself if you could happily go out for a coffee with your new bookkeeper.
When you’re looking to outsource your bookkeeping function it’s important that you have the right company representing your business. Building a relationship of trust and easy communication is essential. Once you’ve got the right bookkeeper, you should start to see an improvement in your cash flow within a few months and as your bottom line grows, so will your business.
Want to know more?
We can help with all your bookkeeping needs. Call us today for a chat and a free bookkeeping analysis for your business. We’re in Adelaide Australia on 1300 900 938 or email us here.
