10 Essential Questions to Ask a New Bookkeeper Before You Hire Them

Hiring a bookkeeper is a significant decision for any business, big or small.

Bookkeepers play a pivotal role in maintaining your financial records and ensuring your business’s financial health. To make an informed choice and find the right fit for your company, it’s crucial to ask the right questions during the interview process. It may seem strange for us to talk about this but the truth of the matter is that we want new clients to feel at ease with us and trust us in the vital work that we do in helping your business.  So it is important to start on the right foot. So let’s discuss ten essential questions to ask us before making the hiring decision.

What Is Your Experience in Bookkeeping?

Start with the basics. Understanding your potential bookkeeper’s experience level will help you gauge their ability to handle your business’s financial needs. Inquire about our previous roles, industries that we have worked in, and the size of the organizations that we have assisted.

Are You Familiar with Industry-Specific Accounting Practices?

Depending on your business’s industry, specific accounting practices and regulations may apply. Ask us if we have experience working with businesses in your field and if we are knowledgeable about industry-specific financial considerations. We work in multiple business sectors from hospitality to finance, industry, manufacturing and so much more.

What Software and Tools Are You Proficient In?

Bookkeeping often involves using various accounting software and tools. Ensure that your potential bookkeeper is comfortable with the software you use or plan to implement. Familiarity with popular tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or industry-specific software can be a significant advantage. Luckily we are. And we can even create bespoke bookkeeping systems for businesses that perfectly match their needs.  Round pegs should always be able to fit a round hole.

Can You Provide References?

Request references from previous clients or employers. Speaking to their references can give you insights into their work ethic, reliability, and the quality of their bookkeeping services. We are more than happy to do this. Just call us today to find out more.

How Do You Stay Updated with Tax Laws and Regulations?

Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and staying compliant is crucial. Ask us how we stay informed about tax law changes and how we ensure your business remains tax-efficient and compliant.

What Is Your Approach to Organisation and Record Keeping?

Effective bookkeeping requires excellent organisational skills. Inquire about our methods for organising financial records, tracking expenses, and maintaining accurate financial data.

How Do You Handle Confidential Information?

Confidentiality is paramount when it comes to financial data. Ask about our approach to safeguarding sensitive financial information, including any measures we take to protect data from security breaches.

Can You Explain Your Pricing Structure?

Understanding our bookkeeping pricing structure is essential to ensure it aligns with your budget. Inquire about our rates and charges for specific services.

Are You Open to Providing Financial Reports and Insights?

A bookkeeper should do more than just record transactions; they should also help you understand your financial performance. We want your business to build more momentum so we think that keeping you in the loop with financial reports is crucial to your businesses ongoing success.

How Do You Communicate and Collaborate with Clients?

Effective communication is key to a successful working relationship. Discuss communication expectations, whether it’s regular updates, scheduled meetings, or preferred channels of communication. We can do face to face meetings, phone calls, video calls…you name it.

Hiring the right bookkeeper is a critical step in ensuring the financial health of your business. By asking these essential questions during the interview process, you can gain valuable insights into our qualifications, approach to work, and compatibility with your business needs. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate us to make an informed decision that benefits your business in the long run.

After all, we want our clients to feel safe in the knowledge that they have hired the best bookkeeping company for their business needs.