Good bookkeepers understand the chaos that can be created when the books are left undone or left to the last minute. Armed with this, they are prepared to rummage through the rubble and to put things back in order.

Their understanding of the numbers help them to capture all the financial information that comes through your company. It means they can now use this information to create a snapshot of your business in order to help you understand where your business stands, where savings can be made and what to do to help your company to grow.

Good bookkeepers are a silent partner working behind the scenes keeping your business healthy and running smoothly. They ensure that financial obligations are met with good timing and take the worry off your shoulders. So take the time necessary to hire a good one!

One of the first things to consider is their competence. Make sure that they have been trained as a bookkeeper. Ask for their certifications and check that they are valid and issued by a professional body. Some bookkeepers learn their job from work experience and that is commendable. However training is essential because during this, they will learn about all the little cogs that make the machine run smoothly. They will learn about unexpected situations so that should such arrive, they will be dealt with in a professional manner.

Secondly, since your bookkeeper will be in constant communication with you and your staff, it is very important to ensure that their personality and business ethics fit with yours and your company’s. Even though you are outsourcing this to an outside firm or individual, scrutinise them as you would if you were to employ a member of staff. They must be keen, helpful and get along with your staff members in a friendly way.
Competent bookkeepers are also trustworthy and reliable. They highly esteem business confidentiality and give you the assurance and peace of mind that your business finances are in safe hands. So look for their initiative in this area during the interview.

Contributed by Terry Daniels
Managing Director