Whether part-time or full-time, the right bookkeeper can help you run your business more efficiently and may even help you grow and become more profitable.
How do you choose the right bookkeeper? Following are some tips:
KNOW YOUR NEEDS AND HIRE ACCORDINGLY
The candidate’s knowledge base should be at the level you need. If too qualified, they will likely move on in a short while. If underqualified, they may not be able to handle the job.
Decide if you are comfortable with a remote worker or need them to be on site.
GAUGE THE CANDIDATE’S EXPERIENCE
They should have experience in, or knowledge of your industry or a related industry, and should understand the nature of your business. Competency in another industry may not necessarily translate well to yours.
FAMILIARITY WITH ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
Know your accounting software and hire someone that is familiar with the software, and if needed would be able to suggest an alternative.
Some software packages can scan documents and update the bookkeeping. If yours does, the candidate should be comfortable with it.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
Know what you need.
Do you require a knowledge base beyond basic accounting such as government filings or payroll? For example – GST/QST filings, deductions at source, etc.
Does the job involve other areas such as invoicing, bill payment, etc.
The right bookkeeper must be comfortable with frequency of filings and be able to respect filing deadlines (e.g. Monthly, quarterly, annual).
If regular reports need to be prepared (e.g. Interim financial statements, budgets, cash flows, etc.), do they have the knowledge base to prepare them?
COMMITMENT
If the position is part-time, they must have the needed time to devote to your business.
REFERENCES
References are key. Check them carefully.
“SOFT” SKILLS
A good candidate should have good communication skills to deal effectively with clients and the government.
Organizational skills are essential. They should be able to sift through records and recognize important documents.
If you are a growing business, the candidate should be eager to commit to your future needs and advance with you.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
If you have more questions about how to select a bookkeeper that is right for your business, please contact our Accounting and Bookkeeping team.
