Top 5 tips for finding the right bookkeeper

Annabel Barnes • 12 August 2021

Are you currently looking after your own bookkeeping? Are you looking to outsource but concerned to let go and hand over the responsibility?

Whether you have been looking after your own accounts or you are looking to move away from your current bookkeeper, we have the tips for you to ensure you find the right person to look after your books.

At Bluebells Bookkeeping Ltd we love working with our existing clients and really enjoy building relationships with our new ones. We believe that it’s essential to develop a good friendly relationship to ensure that there is no lack of communication from either side.

So our first tip is:

1. Find someone you click with, someone you can trust. The best way of doing this is via recommendation, ask your friends and acquaintances and see if anyone you know uses a bookkeeper. Check out the bookkeepers’ reviews and arrange to have a chat with them preferably via video call so that you can meet them face to face. Many bookkeepers’ work virtually so it may not be possible to meet in person. Trust your instinct and make sure you understand what they say, it’s no good having a bookkeeper who speaks to you using jargon that you don’t understand. A good bookkeeper will be open, honest and clear in their reporting.

2. Ensure the bookkeeper you chose is familiar with dealing with your business structure. Some bookkeepers specialise in particular types of businesses but at Bluebells Bookkeeping Ltd we cater for the needs of all businesses. We specialise in the Beauty Industry, Construction and Health Sectors. However our services are adaptable to suit any industry's needs.

3. Ask to see proof of your bookkeepers’ qualifications and make sure they are accredited. For example we are AAT accredited.

4. Find a Bookkeeper who uses the latest software. A bookkeeper should make your life easier, not more difficult. Having the right software and processes in place will eliminate last minute searching for receipts and paperwork, taking the pressure off you. We use software such as Cloud Accounting Software and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology which helps keep track of your finances and cash flow in real-time.

5. Choose someone who is proactive and reactive. Your bookkeeper should take action on your behalf and deal with discrepancies and queries without necessarily needing your assistance. They will chase outstanding payments and resolve invoice queries which will be a load off your mind. If your bookkeeper acts as your agent with HMRC this will be highly beneficial to you, no more time wasted on phone calls!

A good bookkeeper will find ways for you to save money and help your business become more streamlined and efficient.

If you’re struggling to find the right bookkeeper then book a call with us! We would love to have a chat and hear more about your business aspirations.

Book a call

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