Maybe you’re a small business owner who has decided that it’s time to outsource your bookkeeping, or maybe you are starting a new business and want to make sure you keep on top of your finances from the get-go. Whatever the reason, finding a good Quickbooks bookkeeper is essential to keeping your business finances in order.
If you are wondering how to find a Quickbooks bookkeeper that is right for you and your business, you are not alone. In this blog we will be discussing a few key things to look for when searching for a Quickbooks bookkeeper.
Let’s jump right in!
Many entrepreneurs start their businesses because they’re passionate about a certain product or service. However, as the business grows, so do the administrative tasks that take away from time that could be better spent developing the passion project.
This is where a bookkeeper can come in handy. A bookkeeper can help you with the day-to-day tasks of keeping your books in order, so that you can focus on other aspects of running your business.
There are a number of other reasons why you might want to hire a bookkeeper for your business. Here are just a few:
Be sure to check out our blog IRS Receipt Requirements to learn more about the receipts you should be keeping for tax season!
Now that you know why you might want to hire a bookkeeper, the next question is, which bookkeeper is right for you?
There are four main types of bookkeepers: freelance bookkeepers, full-time bookkeepers, firm bookkeepers, and remote bookkeepers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the type that is right for you and your business.
Freelance bookkeepers: Freelance bookkeepers are self-employed individuals who work with a number of different clients. They are usually less expensive than firm bookkeepers, but they may not have the same level of expertise or be able to offer the same range of services. They also may not be available during regular business hours, which can make communication difficult.
In House Bookkeepers: In-house bookkeepers are hired full-time by your company. This can be a good option if you want someone on-site to handle your books, but it can be more expensive than other options. This option is also not ideal if you have a small business, as you may not need the full-time services of a bookkeeper or have the funds to pay for them.
Firm bookkeepers: Firm bookkeepers work for accounting or bookkeeping firms. They usually have more experience and expertise than freelance bookkeepers, but they are also more expensive. The advantages of working with a firm bookkeeper include having access to a team of experts. They usually have more experience than freelance bookkeepers thus can offer a wider range of services. However, they may be limited by location and may require in-person meetings.
Remote bookkeepers: Remote bookkeepers are usually firm bookkeepers who work remotely, either from their own home or from an office in another location. They offer the same level of service as firm bookkeepers, but at a lower cost. Remote bookkeepers use softwares such as Quickbooks to do their work, which means they may be flexible with their hours and can offer services to clients in different time zones.
When choosing a bookkeeper, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. If you are looking for a more affordable option, a freelance bookkeeper might be right for you. If you need a higher level of service and expertise, a remote bookkeeper might be a better choice. And if you prefer to meet with your bookkeeper in person, a firm bookkeeper could be the best option.
Of course you will need to consider the bookkeeper’s skills and experience when choosing who to work with. Basic Skills a bookkeeper should have include:
However, since many people have these fundamental skills, it’s also important to consider other factors, such as personality and communication style. After all, you will be working closely with your bookkeeper, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with. Look for the following qualities in a bookkeeper:
When choosing a bookkeeper, you will also need to consider your needs. What services do you need? How often do you need them? What is your budget? Answering the following questions will help you narrow down your choices and find the right bookkeeper for you:
Here are additional factors to consider based on the type of business you have:
You may also offer your buyers payment plan options through Shopify, which requires you to record the transactions based on when the funds are received. An ecommerce bookkeeper should be able to track all of this information and keep your records up-to-date.
Depending on the size of your retail business, you may have one or more physical locations. If you do, you will want to track inventory levels at each location. This can be done with a point of sale system that is integrated with your accounting software. A retail bookkeeper should understand how to set up and use such a system. They should also understand how to track sales and returns.
(Check out our blog page to get answers to common “how-to” Quickbook questions -> HERE)
A Quickbooks bookkeeper can help you stay organized and on top of your finances from the very beginning. However, many small businesses wait until they are already in business to hire a bookkeeper. If you are thinking about hiring a Quickbooks bookkeeper, here are a few signs that it might be the right time:
If any of these apply to you, then it might be time to hire a Quickbooks bookkeeper.
If you are looking for help getting your e-commerce, service, or retail business bookkeeping in order – book a Free Strategy Session with us today.
What other Bookkeeping questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!
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Maybe you’re a small business owner who has decided that it’s time to outsource your bookkeeping, or maybe you are starting a new business and want to make sure you keep on top of your finances from the get-go. Whatever the reason, finding a good Quickbooks bookkeeper is essential to keeping your business finances in order. If you are […]
