Almost half of all small business owners work more than 50 hours a week. A full 82% admit they work between 40-50 hours a week.
What’s the point? The average business owner has hundreds of details to keep track of, as well as many hats to wear. However, there’s one important task that’s best left to the pros — bookkeeping.
Keep reading to learn how to find the best bookkeeping services for small businesses.
1. Ask for Referrals
First up on our list of essential bookkeeping for entrepreneurs is the most obvious (but often overlooked) suggestion: ask.
Talk to other small business owners in your network. Which individual or company do they use to do their bookkeeping? Are they happy with the results?
You might consider asking your attorney or accountant for a referral, as they usually know plenty of professional bookkeepers. You could also check with your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which keeps a list of recommended bookkeepers on hand.
2. Know Your Business Needs
No two small companies are exactly alike. Before you contact a bookkeeper, consider the current and projected needs of your business.
For example:
- Do you need bookkeeping services daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly?
- Do you need a part-time or a full-time bookkeeper?
- Do you want your bookkeeper to be local, in-house, or remote?
Consider the size of your business as well as your budget. A full-time, in-house bookkeeper will cost more than a virtual, part-time bookkeeper — but the cost is worth it if your business is booming.
On the other hand, if you’ve just launched your startup, you may only need bookkeeping services every month or every quarter. As you scale up your business operations, you can scale up your bookkeeping too.
3. Expertise & Experience
Ideally, the right candidate will already be familiar with your type of business, whether you run a brick-and-mortar flower shop or you work from home as a consultant.
When you interview a candidate, be sure to ask questions like:
- How long have you been a bookkeeper?
- What degrees, certifications, and other credentials do you have?
- What types of clients do you normally work with?
- How much do you know about my industry/job field?
Pay close attention to the answers, as well as their communication style. Your bookkeeper should demonstrate a thorough understanding of numbers while being able to explain things in a way you understand.
4. Honesty & Transparency
Your bookkeeper is going to track all the money going in and out of your business. More than anything else, it’s vital to find someone you trust with this important task.
During the interview, the bookkeeper should provide you with an instant quote for their services, without any hidden fees. They should also be happy to provide a list of references (current and past clients) for you to contact directly.
Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses
Even if you’re the DIY type, it’s best to hire a professional to manage your books. As you search for bookkeeping services for small businesses, keep these tips in mind!
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