Questions to Ask a Bookkeeper Before You Hire
Hiring a bookkeeper can be a great way to take the burden of managing your finances off your shoulders, but it's important to choose the right bookkeeper for your business. In this blog post, we'll explore some questions to ask a bookkeeper before you hire, to ensure that you find the best fit for your business.
1. How long have you been bookkeeping for businesses of this size and type?
It's important to find a bookkeeper who has experience working with businesses similar to yours in terms of size and type. This will ensure that they understand your specific needs and can provide you with the best possible service. Ask the bookkeeper about their experience working with businesses of your size and type, and consider how long they've been in the field.
2. What accounting software do you feel most comfortable using?
Different bookkeepers may have different levels of experience and proficiency with different accounting software. It's important to find a bookkeeper who is comfortable using the accounting software that you prefer, or who is open to learning new software. Ask them what accounting software they're most comfortable using, such as QuickBooks or Xero.
3. Do you have experience preparing financial statements and tax returns for businesses in our industry or geographic region?
Different industries and geographic regions may have different regulations and requirements when it comes to taxes and financial statements. It's important to find a bookkeeper who has experience preparing financial statements and tax returns for businesses in your industry or geographic region. This will ensure that they understand the regulations and requirements specific to your business.
4. Can you provide me with a few references from clients who are similar to us in terms of size and business type/industry?
Ask the bookkeeper for references from clients who are similar to your business in terms of size and industry. This will give you an idea of the bookkeeper's experience and capabilities and whether they are a good fit for your business.
5. What is your hourly rate, and do you offer a discount for ongoing services or prepaid blocks of hours?
When hiring a bookkeeper, it's important to understand what their hourly rate is and whether they offer any discounts for ongoing services or prepaid blocks of hours. This will help you budget for the costs of hiring a bookkeeper and ensure that you find a bookkeeper who fits within your budget.
6. How will you bill us - monthly, quarterly, or as needed?
It's important to understand how the bookkeeper will bill you for their services. Will they bill you on a monthly, quarterly, or as-needed basis? This will help you budget for the costs of hiring a bookkeeper and ensure that you're comfortable with their billing schedule.
In conclusion, hiring a bookkeeper can be a great way to take the burden of managing your finances off your shoulders, but it's important to choose the right bookkeeper for your business. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that you find a bookkeeper who has experience working with businesses similar to yours, is comfortable using your preferred accounting software, understands the regulations and requirements specific to your business, and fits within your budget. Remember, a good bookkeeper is a valuable asset for any business, and it's worth taking the time to find the right fit.
