When hiring a bookkeeper, you need to ensure that you are finding the best one. But how exactly do you do that? You need to ask them the right questions to ensure that you hire the right one. If you want to learn more about what questions you should ask someone when hiring a bookkeeper, keep reading below.
1. What Accounting Software Are You Familiar With?
It's important to ensure that your bookkeeper is familiar with the accounting software you use, as this will make the transition smoother and help avoid any potential errors. A good bookkeeper can quickly adapt to new software, so if you're considering switching accounting programs, it's worth asking your bookkeeper for their opinion first.
2. What Is Your Experience in Bookkeeping?
You'll want to know how much experience your bookkeeper has to gauge their level of expertise. If they're relatively new to bookkeeping, you may want to provide them with some additional training or supervision.
3. What Is Your Availability?
You'll want to ensure your bookkeeper is available to work the hours you need them to keep your business running smoothly. Bookkeeping can be time-consuming, so you'll need to make sure your bookkeeper is available during the hours you need them.
4. What Are Your Rates?
Of course, you'll also want to know how much your bookkeeper charges for their services. Getting an estimate upfront will help you budget for this important expense.
5. What Qualifications Do You Have?
While experience is important, you also want to make sure your bookkeeper is qualified for the job. There are a few different qualifications you can look for, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation. These qualifications will ensure that your bookkeeper has the knowledge and skills to do the job properly.
6. What Software Do You Use?
Another important question to ask is what software your bookkeeper uses. You want to ensure they're using software compatible with your own systems and that they're comfortable using it. This way, there won't be any hiccups when transferring data or getting reports.
7. What Is Your Process for Tracking Expenses?
It's also important to find out how your bookkeeper tracks expenses. You want to make sure they have an efficient and effective system, so you can be confident that all of your expenses are being accounted for.
8. How Often Do You Communicate with Clients?
Finally, you'll want to ask about communication. You should find out how often your bookkeeper plans to communicate with you and their preferred methods. This way, you can be sure you're on the same page and that you'll be able to get the information you need promptly.
Conclusion
When hiring a new bookkeeper, you need to ensure that you are hiring the right one for you. You can ask the right questions to assess their skills and qualifications. However, not all bookkeepers will be perfect when you hire them; additional training may still be needed. Whatever it is, just ensure that you invest in the right person.
If you need an accountant for eCommerce or influencers in Australia, you can contact The ECommerce Accountant. We offer various services from accounting to bookkeeping and even business advice. Contact us to learn more about our services.