subject: Learn How To Choose A Great Bookkeeper! [print this page] In small business the bookkeeper is one of those necessities that helps the owner save time in making sure the books are up to date however choosing the right bookkeeper can be a great challenge. In this article we are going to look at some of the traits of a great bookkeeper and how you can find the right one for your business.
Hint 1: Ask for Recommendations
I know, this sounds like common sense but guess what, the number of people who actually don't ask for a recommendation from other business owners or friends astounds me.
Hint 2: Are they Qualified and Registered to Submit a BAS!
All bookkeepers must now be registered to submit the BAS and must be registered as a Registered BAS Agent. This was introduced by the tax office to ensure that they understand their obligations for doing the BAS
Hint 3: Ask Your Accountant for Advice
Many accountants do have preferred bookkeepers and this will generally mean that the total cost of your books being done will be less because they work together and know the quality of each others work.
Hint 4: Ask the Bookkeeper to Enter Some Data
A good indicator of what your bookkeeper is going to cost is to watch how long it takes to enter a sample invoice or bill into your accounting system. Time the event....now if the bookkeeper used their mouse exclusively for the data entry, they you can reasonably expect their fees will be seven times higher than someone who uses the shortcuts.
I have seen some bookkeepers charge up to $15,000 a year for data entry for a small business with a turnover of $400,000. This is outrageous and part of the problem was that the bookkeeper was using the mouse instead of the shortcuts.
Hint 5: Watch where the Bookkeeper Enters Your Data
If you bookkeeper isn't asking you questions about where your data is entered then there is a real risk that they could be posting your invoices and bills to the wrong locations. A good bookkeeper will spend the first couple of sessions with you to identify where your invoices and bills should be posted.
Hint 6: Do they hold a Nationally Accredited Qualification
All bookkeepers in this day and age should hold the required Nationally Accredited Qualification or degree. Ask to see a copy of their qualifications
Hint 7: Ask to See References
Any bookkeeper worth their weight will have asked previous customers to supply them with references and testimonials. Ensure that you are asking to see them.
