When you decide it’s time to hire a bookkeeper you start Googling things like “when to hire a bookkeeper” and “things to know about bookkeepers.” The articles you read contain great information, but you also need to know some things about your business before you find a bookkeeper. 

The type of business you run. Are you a graphic designer, photographer, or virtual assistant? Be clear on the services you offer. This will help you find a bookkeeper who understands your industry. (btw, I specialize in photographers and website designers so if you need help, I got ya!).

The additional services you need. Maybe you need payroll services or someone to help you implement Profit First. Think through the things you might need your bookkeeper to provide.

The number of transactions you have each month. Look at your business bank and credit card statements and count the number of transactions (payments, deposits, etc). Often bookkeepers use this to help determine your monthly fee.
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The accounting software you use (or want to use). There are any types of accounting software out there today. If you have no idea which one to use, a bookkeeper can help make a good decision. However, if you already use a certain software be sure to find a bookkeeper who is familiar with it (I recommend and work exclusively with QuickBooks Online).

Wondering what benefits bookkeepers can bring to your business? Wonder no more:

1. Organized finances. No more feeling scattered and unsure about your numbers. Instead you’ll be confident that your financial statements are correct and actually mean something to you. And speaking of financial statements… 

2. Help you understand your finances. Feel clueless or confused when you look at your numbers? I get that. You are a creative after all not a numbers person. A bookkeeper will create financial statements customized to your business and will help you understand them.

3. Minimize the potential of costly errors. Have you ever entered numbers wrong? $2,000.00 instead of $20.00? If an error is made bookkeepers will catch them for you. It never hurts to have a second pair of eyes on your books.

4. Gain time because you won’t be doing your bookkeeping any more. Think of how you can reinvest that time in marketing, networking, or furthering your education. Sounds exciting to me!
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​5. An unbiased opinion in your business. You are emotionally invested in your business which is a good thing but occasionally you need someone to tell you like it is (nicely of course). A good bookkeeper will give you an outside perspective which will help you reach your goals.

It pains my bookkeeper heart to tell this to you.

There are bad bookkeepers in the world.

There. I said it.