What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Bookkeeper?
Hiring a bookkeeper is an important decision for your business. This person may have access to your financial records, accounts, reports, and other sensitive information.
But not every bookkeeper provides the same services or works the same way.
Before choosing someone based on price alone, it is important to understand their experience, what they provide, how they communicate, and what you can expect from the relationship.
What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Bookkeeper?
Before hiring a bookkeeper, ask questions about their qualifications, services, technology, communication, reporting, security practices, and experience working with businesses like yours.
The goal isn't simply to find someone who can enter transactions. You want bookkeeping support that fits your business and gives you confidence in your financial records.
Here are five questions to ask.
1. What Are Your Experience and Qualifications?
Start by learning about the bookkeeper's background.
Ask questions such as:
How long have you provided bookkeeping services?
What training or qualifications do you have?
What accounting software do you use?
What types of businesses do you typically work with?
Do you have experience with businesses in my industry?
Industry experience isn't always required, but your bookkeeper should understand how businesses like yours make money, spend money, and maintain their financial records.
2. What Exactly Is Included in Your Bookkeeping Services?
"Bookkeeping" can mean different things depending on the provider.
Before signing an agreement, make sure you understand exactly what is included.
Ask whether the service includes:
Transaction categorization
Bank and credit card reconciliations
Monthly financial reports
Accounts payable or receivable support
Payroll coordination
Cleanup work
Tax-ready financial records
You should also ask what is not included.
Understanding the scope from the beginning can prevent confusion when you need additional support later.
3. How Will We Communicate?
Communication is an important part of a good bookkeeping relationship.
Ask how often you can expect to hear from your bookkeeper and how you should contact them when you have a question.
You may want to ask:
Will I have a dedicated contact?
How often will we communicate?
Can I ask questions throughout the month?
How quickly are questions typically answered?
Will we have regular financial reviews?
The right communication style depends on your business, but expectations should be clear from the beginning.
4. What Financial Reports Will I Receive?
Bookkeeping shouldn't leave you wondering what is happening with your money.
Ask what financial reports you'll receive and how often they'll be prepared.
Common reports can include:
Profit and loss statement
Balance sheet
Cash flow information
Accounts receivable reports
Accounts payable reports
You should also understand whether your bookkeeper will simply send the reports or help you understand what the numbers mean.
Accurate reports are valuable, but they become much more useful when you know how to read and use them.
5. How Is My Financial Information Protected?
Your bookkeeper may handle sensitive financial and business information, so security should be part of the conversation.
Ask about:
How documents are shared
Where financial information is stored
Who has access to your records
How passwords and account access are handled
What security practices are used
A professional bookkeeping relationship should include a clear process for protecting your information.
Choosing a Bookkeeper Based on Price vs. Fit
Choosing on Price Alone
When price is the main deciding factor, a business owner may:
Focus primarily on the monthly cost
Assume bookkeeping services are all the same
Skip conversations about communication
Overlook the reporting process
Discover service limitations later
Choosing Based on Fit
When you evaluate the overall fit, you can:
Review qualifications and experience
Understand the complete scope of services
Discuss expectations before getting started
Evaluate the communication process
Consider what your business may need as it grows
Price matters, but it is only one part of the decision.
A Bookkeeper Handles Important Parts of Your Business
A good bookkeeper isn't simply someone who enters transactions.
You are trusting this person or firm with important financial information about your business. Their work can affect the accuracy of your records, the financial information you use to make decisions, and how prepared you are when tax time arrives.
Taking time to ask questions before hiring someone can help you choose a bookkeeping relationship that works for your business now and as your needs change.
Looking for Bookkeeping Support?
Choose bookkeeping support that gives you confidence in both your records and the people helping you manage them.
Emerald Tax & Accounting provides bookkeeping and financial support designed to help business owners maintain accurate records and better understand their business finances.