Finding the right bookkeeper to manage your company finances is a significant investment. It is vital to find someone familiar with your accounting software and who understands the complexities of your industry.
Look for bookkeepers who communicate clearly and can meet your deadlines. They should also be honest and abide by set policies when sharing sensitive information.
Experience
A good bookkeeper has established financial processes to keep your records up-to-date and accurate. They can also make tax time more accessible and provide insight into your business finances.
Ask about their experience and whether they have worked with your industry or do remote quality bookkeeping. You can also ask what their specialized niche is. Some bookkeepers work as a generalist, while others focus on more specific aspects of accounting.
It is also essential to figure out their communication and teamwork skills. Ideally, you want to work with someone who will communicate effectively and conveniently for you. Ensure they are willing to email, text, and call as needed. It helps you understand how they manage their files and data security.
Education
A bookkeeper can be successful without an accounting degree, but they must have a high level of education. Look for candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business or accounting who take continuing education classes to stay updated on industry changes.
It is also crucial that a candidate has a good understanding of technology and cloud-based accounting systems. Ask about their experience with software like QuickBooks and how they keep up with technological advancements in the industry. When you hire a bookkeeper, you trust them with sensitive financial data. Ensure they have a robust security protocol in place and are familiar with the laws regarding digital privacy. It is also worth asking about their background check policy.
Skills
Bookkeepers deal with confidential financial data, so security is a crucial consideration. A background check can help determine whether your candidates have a history of mistrust or financial indiscretions. Moreover, they must be familiar with your industry’s practices and security protocols.
You can assess a bookkeeper’s hard and soft skills using various tests. For example, you can use a logical reasoning test to measure their ability to find patterns in data and come to informed conclusions. A Microsoft Excel test can also give you confidence in your spreadsheet proficiency.
You can also use a culture add-on to see how well a candidate fits your company’s values and work style. For instance, the test allows you to ask questions about their preferred communication methods and whether they follow a segregation policy of duties.
Reputation
A quality bookkeeper must have a keen eye for detail and be efficient. Errors in balancing accounts can cost you a lot of money, so finding someone who can spot mistakes and correct them quickly is essential.
They should also be able to communicate clearly and efficiently. They should be able to explain financial information in a way that makes sense to you and be responsive to your needs.
It is also essential to know what type of software they use. Look for a bookkeeper proficient in professional financial software. This will allow you to save time and money by automating many of your bookkeeping tasks. Additionally, it will ensure that your financial data is accurate and up-to-date.
Fees
Anyone can call themselves a bookkeeper, but only a few are certified and highly skilled. Please find out the candidate’s credentials and talk to past clients about their experience working together. This will help you gauge how well they work with you, their communication style, and how honest they are.
Some bookkeepers charge hourly, while others use a flat monthly rate. Finding the proper fee structure can be tricky, depending on how complicated your financials are.
Regardless of the pricing model, ensure no hidden fees or punitive charges exist. Also, ask about their security measures. Anyone who works with confidential data must be able to guard it at all costs. Ensure they are prepared to discuss their security measures and what happens if the relationship ends.