5 Qualities of a Good Bookkeeper

Hiring a professional bookkeeper is the easiest, most profitable way to gauge how well your company operates while continuing to grow your business. But not all bookkeepers are the same.

The one you hire can be the difference between success and struggle. As you research your options, consider these five non-negotiable qualities of a good bookkeeper.

1. Trustworthy

Trustworthiness is one of the most vital qualities of a good bookkeeper. So, trust is a crucial factor when hiring anyone for your company. But when you rely on that person to manage your business's financials, a whole new level of integrity is expected.

After all, your bookkeeper will be handling a lot of important information they must keep confidential—not only because it's beneficial to your company but because you have a legal obligation to your customers to keep all their records, including account balances, private.

Before signing a contract with a new bookkeeper, do your homework. Include a real-life scenario in your interview with prospects accompanied by "What would you do?" questions.

Of course, reputation also goes a long way too. Consider contacting your potential bookkeeper's professional references for additional testimony.

2. Knowledgeable

A well-qualified bookkeeper will be knowledgeable in everyday bookkeeping practices. But they will also understand how those practices apply to your specific industry. In addition, they should be able to track your company's financial progress, compare it to your competitors, and report noteworthy trends or differences.

Also, just like your business strategy is ever-evolving, so is technology. For example, the Cloud has changed how businesses run and keep financial records. This being said, your bookkeeper should be up to speed on these advancements so you can take advantage of them, saving you time and money.

3. Organized

Accurate reporting is ultimately rooted in good organization. Therefore, your bookkeeper should have a well-oiled system for interpreting data, preparing reports, and storing files. This will increase their work's efficiency and your company's profitability.

A bookkeeper who works in the Cloud and keeps digital records of your finances will also help you reach your business goals more effectively.

With the time they're not spending flipping back and forth between piles of paperwork, they can research helpful financial tactics, analyze your account more thoroughly, and point out areas of growth or opportunity.

4. Detail-oriented

One misplaced comma, period, or mistaking a zero for an eight could influence a judgment call and seriously damage your company. With that in mind, your bookkeeper must be very detail-oriented.

They will deal with the numbers you use to make critical financial decisions. A bookkeeper familiar with how your company operates will be able to detect patterns in your financial records and prevent mistakes.

Be sure to discuss your accountant's review policy and ask what safety nets they have to catch numerical mistakes.

5. Client-centric

So, what separates a "good" bookkeeper from the "best" bookkeeper? Much of this comes down to their perspective on customer service and client relationships.

Being skilled in mathematics, knowledgeable, or organized is not enough. Your bookkeeper should have a respectful attitude during your interactions. But they should also be willing to go above and beyond to help you implement a solid business financial strategy. Source