Getting The Right Bookkeeper
Whatever size your business, getting the bookkeeping right is an essential component of business management
. It's not just about accounts payable and accounts receivable, there are all the legislative obligations you have to meet as well. And whether you employ a bookkeeper or contract out to a bookkeeping service you need to know that you have got the right person working with you - not only in terms of expertise and efficiency, but someone you can trust whole-heartedly with the in-depth financial knowledge of your business.
So what are they keys to finding the right person? Here are some steps to help you make that decision:
1. Know exactly what you need and want
It is really important that you define your expectations at the outset. What does the bookkeeper need to provide to your business? Are they just coming in at the end of each month/quarter to tidy up the books and complete the BAS or do you want someone who is going to take care of the entire bookkeeping process?
Here are some things to consider about what you want them to do:
-Processing all your day-to-day transactions and keeping track of accounts receivable and accounts payable
-Managing your bank reconciliations
-Managing your payroll
-Managing your compliance around GST, BAS, PAYG and Super
-Being able to trouble shoot and fix up errors
-Running reports on your business activities
-Managing your end of financial year processes
2.Get to know your potential candidates
Just because a bookkeeper may be contracted to you, and only working with you part time does not mean that you can't be thorough with your interview process. It is vital that you check out that they have the experience that you require.
-What are their qualifications?
-Are they a BAS Service Provider?
-How long have they been in business?
-Can they give you names of three clients for references?
-Do they have a police check?
-How do they charge and how much?
-What software do they know and how well?
-Do they have areas of expertise?
-What professional memberships do they have?
-What professional development do they undertake on a regular basis?
3.Making the decision
Once you have found out as much as you can then you need to make your choice and select the bookkeeper. Remember though, cheaper isn't always better. Particularly in an area as vital as your business' finances. There is no point in employing someone who will cost you less initially, only to have to spend time and money fixing up their mistakes down the track. Make sure you take the bookkeeper you feel comfortable with, know you can trust and believe you can work with into the future of your business. Validate their experience - it is a good idea to have an experienced bookkeeper or accountant in on the interview to ensure that their knowledge in that area is high enough if you don't have a good understanding of that yourself.
And don't forget, whilst you want to make the right decision the first time, if you get it wrong make the change as soon as possible. It is not worth sticking with the wrong person in this essential role.
Good luck!
by: Dionne Nancarrow
Alfresco String Lights Will Convert A Location Into A Wonderland Mobility Vans Options Mini Or Full Sized Intangible Assets Provide Real Value To Stocks. Decorative String Lights Are Perfect Outdoor Lights To Brighten Just About Any Event Ways To Hang Up Led Lights To Decorate Your Christmas Tree Perfect For Any Party: The Planter's Punch Lg E900 Optimus 7 Life Is Not Only Good But Also Is Beautiful Brandy Alexander: The Cocktail With Bundles Of History Destination Greece - What Athens Has In Store For You! 5 Hot Celebrity Halloween Costumes 2011 Why It Takes Time To Craft Hand Laid Model Railway Tracks On A Train Layout Veste Moncler Doudoune Moncler Homme