As a business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You’re responsible for managing your team, keeping up with customer demand, and ensuring that your bottom line stays healthy. With so much to think about, it’s easy to let other aspects of your business fall by the wayside. Hiring the right bookkeeper saves time, reduces stress, helps organize finances, saves money, and helps you make better spending decisions.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a bookkeeper for your business. But before that, you need to decide whether you want to outsource this task or keep it in-house. If you have the time and resources to train someone on your staff to handle bookkeeping, that may be the best option for you. If you prefer to outsource this task, consider these reminders when hiring a bookkeeper.
Qualifications
First, you want to make sure that the bookkeeper you hire is qualified and experienced. When you’re looking to hire a bookkeeper, check their credentials and reputation. Check that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job properly. A good way to do this is by verifying their references and talking to other business owners who have used the bookkeeper’s services. It can be useful to ask which accounting software they are familiar with and give them an assessment test on Excel or Quickbooks, for example.
Fit – not just function
Another option is to check which industries the bookkeeper has experience in. Experience is always a valuable asset, especially in this type of job. Look for someone who has experience working with businesses similar to yours. They’re typically the ones that hit the ground running and will have a good understanding of your specific needs.
Trust your spidey sense
Finally, don’t forget to trust your gut. If you feel that a candidate would be a good fit for your business, go with your instinct and give them a chance. A good candidate is detail-oriented, easy to communicate with, organized, and proactive.
Putting these three pieces together will help you find who can handle the technical aspects of bookkeeping and will fit well with your team, and understand the pitfalls to watch out for in your specific industry.
Putting it all together
If you are a small business owner, chances are, you wear a lot of hats. You’re the salesperson, the marketing director, the customer service representative, and more. With the right bookkeeper on your team, you can focus on growing your business while knowing that your bookkeeping is in good hands.
Look for someone with extensive experience, choose one who is comfortable using your accounting software, ask for referrals from other small business owners, and meet with several bookkeepers before making a final decision. By following these smart tips, you’ll surely hire the right bookkeeper for your business in no time!
