So you have decided to hire a bookkeeper to relieve you of the stress of doing your own books- or maybe you are not happy with the job your current bookkeeper is providing and you are looking fora better option. So how do you find a great bookkeeper who will provide the level of service you want?
Well, as the old saying goes, when it comes to bookkeeping “you get what you pay for.” Unfortunately, bookkeeping in Canada is not regulated-not yet anyways. Anyone with any sort of background in accounting (or lack there of) can pop a sign on their lawn advertising bookkeeping services. Although most bookkeeping service providers come with good intentions, very few are actually professionally trained. So “Buyer beware!”
To help with your search for a qualified bookkeeper, we have provided below 5 important questions you want any bookkeeper to be able to answer before hiring them:
1. Does the bookkeeper have a recognized Professional certification confirming the length of experience and level of expertise in bookkeeping? For Example can the bookkeeper show proof of a CPB Canada designation (Certified Professional Bookkeeper) or a CB designation (Certified Bookkeeper)?
2. Does the bookkeeper work closely with a professional accountant(s) who oversees the work performed? For example can they provide letters of reference from 2 or more accountants they have worked with recently?
3. Does the bookkeeper have expertise using an Integrated cloud based software platform for managing your financial records? For example is the bookkeeper a QuickBooks Proadvisor with an advanced certification in QBO or Xero? Is the bookkeeper experienced in using integrated expense management apps, Payment processing apps and project management tools to add efficiency to your bookkeeping processes?
4. Does the bookkeeper have the skill set necessary to carry your business through its various growth stages? For example-do they have expertise in setting up new businesses, migrating between desktop and cloud software and can they provide education and training? Do they have the expertise needed to recognize trends in your numbers, monitor KPI’s, run cash flow reports and provide the forecasting services you will need as you grow?
5. Does the bookkeeper have the experience and ability to customize their services to your specific business needs and will they provide the more cost effective flat rate monthly billing or are they still using the more unpredictable hourly billing with a dated one size fits all mentality.
Be sure to ask any potential new hire these questions before you sign on the dotted line.
