Introduction
If you’re looking to contract with a bookkeeper, put them through an interview. Even if your best work buddy told you they are the greatest bookkeeper they’ve ever had and not to look at using anyone else. Give yourself the peace of mind that you met with this bookkeeper and they answered your questions to your liking. Ensure you are contracting with someone that meets and exceeds your standards! Some of the topics to discuss are their credentials, accounting software, and services provided.
CREDENTIALS
Be sure that the bookkeeper you’re interviewing is a certified public bookkeeper (CPB) and is certified in the accounting and payroll software they use. Ask them to show their certifications! Additionally, ask about their experience, work history, and references. They should easily be able to provide you with all of this information. If they push back and claim that you don’t need this information, that’s a red flag.
ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
The accounting software they use isn’t necessarily important, but you should be able to access it whenever you need. Most accounting software, like Xero and QuickBooks, have the ability to add you as a user. Ensure that your bookkeeper adds you before you sign a contract or make a payment. Some bookkeepers may not allow this for some reason, so make sure that there is a statement in their contract that says you will be given access to the accounting software. I’ve heard horror stories about how business owners were ghosted by their bookkeepers and didn’t have access to any of the financial information in the accounting software their bookkeeper used. Don’t let this be you!
SERVICES NEEDED
It sounds obvious, but please make certain your bookkeeper provides the services you need. Don’t assume! For example, a bookkeeper may state they send out financial reports. This is great, but at what frequency? Do you want them on a monthly basis or quarterly? It is important for you to understand the services being rendered and the fine details about those services. If you want your financial reports on a monthly basis, make sure your bookkeeper puts it in your contract. Ensure you are getting what you are paying for!
Conclusion
In conclusion, take charge when interviewing a prospective bookkeeper. Do not be afraid to ask for their certifications to vet their credentials. Be sure to get added as a user to whatever software they use, and get the fine details about the services they provide. As the client, you deserve to have access to your financial information and be confident in the bookkeeper you are working with. Good bookkeepers will provide the information you request and respect the questions you are asking because, at the end of the day, you are protecting your small business. A protective business owner is a smart business owner.
Thank you for tuning in and be sure to check out next month’s topic: The Onboarding Process with a Bookkeeper
Sincerely,
Kayla Maldonado