Determine If You Need A Bookkeeper

The first step in hiring a good bookkeeper is to determine if you even need one. Do you currently have a bookkeeper? Are you doing your own bookkeeping tasks? Are you spending too much time completing these tasks and researching the proper ways to do them? Do you want your business to be compliant and ready for tax season? Then you need a bookkeeper. Keep reading to find out next steps to hiring the perfect bookkeeper for your business.

Determine Your Budget

Chances are, you have not yet set aside a budget line item for hiring a bookkeeper. You could accomplish this a few different ways. Do you have enough “wiggle room” in your budget for adding to your staff? Perhaps you have extra funds for professional outsourcing? Would your business suffer if you spent a little less on advertising? Ultimately, consider how much time and effort you could save by not having to do the work yourself. How much is your time worth? If your budget is super tight, you might also consider outsourcing to a professional. Often, the right candidate can complete your tasks more efficiently (because we typically know what we’re doing) and can save you money down the line.

Interview Potential Candidates

Now that you have your budget figured out, it is time to interview potential bookkeeper candidates. Make sure to ask questions about their credentials, any certifications, previous experiences, and how they would solve similar issues you have had in the past. You can also ask ice breaker questions that can help you get a sense of the type of worker they will be. Find out how they work best (team vs. independent, daily work expectations vs. periodic deadlines, business hours vs. flexibility, in office vs. remote or hybrid, etc.). I can tell you as a night owl mom of three, I need the flexibility of working remote with hours in chunks of my own choosing, and you can often find me ‘burning the midnight oil’. Your books can still be in top shape selecting this type of candidate as long as the deliverables are met.

Choose The Best Candidate

Once you have conducted several interviews, it is time to select the best candidate. You know best how to run your business and who would make a great addition to your team. Reach out to the candidate of your choosing with an offer and feel confident that your books will be in the best shape before long. Sometimes the most knowledgeable and likeable candidates can end up in less than ideal outcomes, but know that arming yourself with these tips will give you the best chance to hire a good bookkeeper. My last piece of advice would be to consider starting the contract with a trial period.

For more tips and advice, or if you are interested in my services, please reach out via email or text.