What you should look for when finding a bookkeeper

When it comes to your business bookkeeping, you want assurance on 2 things:

1. That it’s being done right and is ATO compliant
2. That you can trust your bookkeeper

Your business needs to have a clean financial record, with all your accounts in order – invoices being raised and tax compliant, expenses being paid and reconciled, bank accounts being balanced, etc.

But as a small business owner, you’re unlikely to be a trained bookkeeper. You probably don’t even have time to do your books correctly. It’s just another one of those chores…

That’s why all the business experts highly recommend you get a bookkeeper on your team.

What you need to look for to find a great bookkeeper

1. An insane level of attention for details

You don’t want a bookkeeper who is alright with details. You want one who is like a hawk, picking up on all the little nitty-gritty details to make sure your books are balanced. And, you want to make sure your books aren’t leaking money.

2. Process crazy

An outstanding bookkeeper will love processes (just as much as they love numbers). It’s all about logic. A great bookkeeper will be able to help you organise your financial systems. You’ll get a good indication of how well organised a bookkeeper is from the moment you contact them. Take note of how they respond to you and their sign-up process (a great way to see how they operate).

3. Isn’t full of jargon

Once you’ve worked up the courage to use a bookkeeper and trust them with your business finances, you want to make sure they communicate clearly. You want to know what your books are saying, so you need to find a bookkeeper who gets that you may not understand money terms and explains your books in words you understand.Shows confidence.

If you’ve let your books get a little out of control, or they’re a little tricky, a great bookkeeper won’t bat an eyelid. They’ll make you feel at ease, explaining to you what it’ll take to get your books back in order.

4. Shows confidence

If you’ve let your books get a little out of control, or they’re a little tricky, a great bookkeeper won’t bat an eyelid. They’ll make you feel at ease, explaining to you what it’ll take to get your books back in order.

5. Talks numbers with your accountant

In business, it’s important to have an accountant as well as a bookkeeper. Although they have similar roles, an accountant will go into more detail about your finances with you. Your accountant will rely on your bookkeeper to make sure your books are accurate, so ultimately, they’ll work together and communicate with each other.

6. Is training to be (or is) a BAS agent

With many small businesses being registered for GST, a great bookkeeper will either be a BAS agent, be training to become a BAS agent or work with a BAS agent. And although you may not be registered for GST just yet, you’ll want to make sure your bookkeeper is a BAS agent in case you reach that point. Once you’ve found an amazing bookkeeper you trust, you want them to be with you as your business grows.

7. Doesn’t shut you out

You want clear lines of communication with your bookkeeper. You’ve put your trust in them, and you’ve given them financial insight into your business. The last thing you want when you hand over your books is radio silence. You’d think – what the heck are they doing with my books, why haven’t I heard anything? A great bookkeeper will keep you informed about your financial situation.

8. Is qualified

This may seem like a given, but please make sure your bookkeeper is qualified. In a virtual world, people have been known to offer this service without the correct qualifications. You should look out for qualifications such as Cert IV in Financial Services or a Diploma of Accounting.

9. Hangs out in all the right circles

Ask your bookkeeper what industry associations and networks they belong to. When people are specialists (no matter what field they’re in), they tend to join reputable organisations, so they create their little network of contacts. They also have oodles of information that will help with the tricky questions.

Have you found a great bookkeeper for your business?

A bookkeeper should be a part of your business team – no matter how big or small you are. But you need to be 100% comfortable with your bookkeeper. You’re going to show them your intimate bits, and you want them to know what they’re doing. I’d love to hear about what you look for in a bookkeeper. Or if you haven’t found a bookkeeper, what’s stopping you? Please comment below.

Want to chat about your books?

If you haven’t found your perfect bookkeeper yet, I’d love to have a chat to see if we’re a good fit. Feel free to get in touch on 03 9982 9757.