Five Sure Ways on How to Find a Good Bookkeeper

Knowing how to find a good bookkeeper is very important. Bookkeepers manage your business finances. They are responsible for keeping payments up-to-date and calculating your payable taxes. They also keep invoices, manage your payroll and other transactions critical to your business. Thus, you should be able to trust them. They could help you improve your business or they could be the cause of your financial loss.

Learning how to find a good bookkeeper is not difficult. Below are five general guides to help you select the right bookkeeper for you.

One way  to confirm that an applicant has the underpinning knowledge required is to confirm that they have formal qualifications such as a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping) or higher. While looking into their formal qualification, also assess your business and see how easy or complicated your finances could be. A small business usually has simpler bookkeeping methods as compared to a bigger company. If your business is just relatively small, a bachelor’s degree holder will have acquired more than enough skills to manage your finances. More recently the Australian Taxation Office has introduced legislation that requires bookkeepers, who are also submitting BAS Statements, to have a minimum qualification of Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping). Click here to find out more about the unique Aussie Accounts Bookkeeping course, which is nationally recognised.

Lessons discussed in a business or accounting school are mostly theoretical. It is an entirely different thing once a bookkeeper, your bookkeeper is in place, as every business has a unique operating system. For this reason it is important for you to discuss with your bookeeper your individual business’ processes, the software you use and any other aspects of your accounting system that may be of interest. By opening up honest and transparent communication with your bookkeeper from the beginning, you’re more likely to create a strong and stable work foundation for the future. You can also ask if they have had actual experiences already of filing income tax returns, and if they are a BAS Agent who is compliant with the new legislation effective 1 March 2010, or processing payrolls.

Also review other qualifications that may not necessarily be related to bookkeeping, but are important nonetheless, such as interpersonal and communication skills. Good bookkeepers should have a pleasing personality, especially so if they will be dealing with other employees of the company and representing you when submitting financial reports to banks or other institutions. They should also be able to handle pressure if there is much work to do. Having the ability to multi-task is a definite plus.

Remember, if you find that searching for an in-house bookkeeper is too much hassle, or would like to take advantage of a team of fully qualified bookkeepers – think about outsourcing your bookkeeping. Many times, you’ll find that it is more cost-efficient and convenient to use an outside firm than setting up and keeping another employee. Professional Bookkeepers such as Aussie Accounts, augment the skills that you have in your existing team, and make it possible for you to get on with the important stuff of running your business. Click here to find out more about Aussie Accounts services for business owners.

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