Whether you have recently started a new business or already have an established business, you will (very likely) come to a point within your business journey where you will need some help with your books!
As a business owner you would be expected to want the best for your business. So, when looking to engage a bookkeeper, you should be looking for a great one! But what makes a bookkeeper a great one?
Great bookkeepers understand your business’ processes
They will take the time to get to know you and your business, to fully grasp the way you operate, in order to ensure that your processes are as simple and streamlined as possible.
Great bookkeepers ask questions
In order to ensure accurate and correctly allocated transactions, you should be open to your bookkeeper asking questions. Bookkeeping and guesswork don’t go together!
Great bookkeepers keep up with the times
Keeping up to date with changing technology is an absolute must in the world of bookkeeping. A lot of time and money can be saved by automating processes and utilising cloud based software – for example: Xero, Quickbooks and MYOB
Great bookkeepers are trustworthy
You could say that the relationship between a client and a bookkeeper is sacred! Your bookkeeper gets to see the state of your finances, good or bad, and you should feel comfortable with being completely honest and transparent.
Great bookkeepers know when to say they don’t know
Bookkeepers and BAS agents are not permitted to give advice on certain topics, in which case you should allow them to say they “don’t know” and to refer you to your accountant for further guidance.
In addition to the above points, finding a bookkeeper with solid experience, as well as the appropriate training and accreditation, is essential.
When it comes to professional experience, you may find that with more qualifications and experience come higher fees. But you may also find that experienced bookkeepers work faster than someone less experienced, so the hourly rate may be higher, but the time spent on your books will be less.
Every bookkeeper should have some formal bookkeeper training. It’s a preferred bonus if they are also registered as a Business Activity Statements (BAS) agent – A registered BAS agent is a bookkeeper who possesses the required skills, qualifications and experience to correctly account for GST and prepare your BAS according to legislation.
On the whole, finding a great bookkeeper is not a simple task. It is always a good idea to ask for recommendations or referrals from friends, family or business associates. Reviews or testimonials are also great indicators of how others perceive a bookkeeper – why not have a look at ours: https://saveyourmoney.com.au/testimonials/
