People underestimate the power of long-term relationships with your financial team. The truth is these relationships greatly benefit your business over time. This is precisely why finding a great bookkeeper is essential for the overall health of your small business.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re looking for a bookkeeper. You want these relationships to last, so it’s especially important that you find your perfect match!
That said, every business owner needs to know why a long-term relationship with your bookkeeper is so important.
Why does a long-term relationship with your bookkeeper matter?
I always say, “Money is like MEDICINE.”
And what I mean by that is – just like DOCTORS – your financial service providers will serve you best OVER TIME.
Cuz think about it…
It doesn’t make sense to hop from doctor to doctor (unless the doctor is frankly a terrible one). This is because it becomes difficult for each new provider to understand you, your medical history, the little ins and outs of your care over the years…
… It’s the same with money.
A bookkeeper who intricately understands your business, its history, its ins and outs, and the way it has changed over time, will be more efficient and helpful to you.
There is ENORMOUS value in investing in a long-term relationship with your financial people.
You WANT these relationships to be built to last.
So, how do you find a great bookkeeper to hire?
There are a few different things you can do to ensure that the bookkeeper you hire is a good long-term match.
How’s the vibe?
This one seems obvious, and yet I still have clients come to me from terrible experiences with bookkeepers and financial professionals who were just…mean, dismissive, or just plain rude.
When you’re interviewing a potential new bookkeeper ask yourself:
- Do they make me feel comfortable?
- Do I feel in my gut like I can trust them?
- Are they being patronizing in any way?
Remember, you’re hiring for a bookkeeper because you either want to take this task off your plate or because bookkeeping is not your zone of genius, and you’d prefer to delegate it.
You should never be made to feel stupid or incompetent. A good bookkeeper is patient and is a skilled teacher – they explain things you don’t know without you having to ask.
Knowing when you need to outsource your bookkeeping is EMPOWERING – it means you know what your business needs!
Ask for referrals
Another tip to consider when you’re looking to hire a great bookkeeper is to ask for referrals.
What better way to find someone you can trust for the long term than to ask peers in your industry who you trust?
This is always a great way to find a potential match for you and your business.
Look for Specialists
A little-known fact about bookkeepers is that not all of them will understand your particular industry.
This applies to every industry – whether it’s digital products and marketing, coaching, e-comm businesses, artists, construction, or agencies like PR or branding.
There actually are bookkeepers who specialize in different niches.
Look for someone who has plenty of experience working with businesses just like yours!
Finding and hiring a niche bookkeeper is a great way to ensure you find your perfect match – they already know a TON about your industry. Because they have other clients working in your arena, they keep up-to-date on changes in the marketplace, tax law, or technology that can help your bookkeeping run smoother.
Do they know what they’re doing?
This one can be tricky. Firstly, you absolutely must hire a bookkeeper who is a true pro. Even if your neighbor’s daughter’s brother’s sister’s cousin knows how to use QuickBooks Online, please don’t forget that this is your MONEY we’re talking about.
Incorrect numbers on your books can result in all sorts of headaches – from tax problems, to profit losses, and – the very worst – fraud and theft.
That said, if you’re hiring a bookkeeper, it probably means you yourself are not a bookkeeping expert. So how can you tell if a bookkeeper is actually a pro?
Here are a few good questions to ask:
- How do you, and how often do you reconcile accounts?
- Do you have any certifications like the QuickBooks Online Pro Certified Advisor or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers?
- How do you keep yourself organized?
- How do you manage passwords? (Pro tip: NEVER give out your personal passwords to your bookkeeper. Make sure you contact your bank and add them as an information-only-based user. This means they can pull data from your account, but not transact).
Remember, money is like medicine.
This is a good way to think about any of your financial team members. When it comes to your money, long-term relationships benefit you and your business.
Consider how important it is to work with professionals who not only understand your business but who are extremely knowledgeable and make you feel comfortable and cared for.
If you’re looking to hire a bookkeeper you can count on, our door is always open. Book a free consultation here.
