Having a great bookkeeper is one of the pre-requisites to answering the question “does your bookkeeper make you smile?” Like five fingers on a hand, there are five signs that you have a great bookkeeper to look for.
At Estmere we ask the question: does your Bookkeeper make you smile? A pre-requisite to delivering smile-worthy services is to be great at what you do. This article discusses the five signs you have a great bookkeeper.
When running a business, managing finances is crucial to success. While many business owners may choose to handle their finances on their own, hiring a professional bookkeeper can offer a number of benefits.
A great bookkeeper can help keep your financial records organized, accurate, and up-to-date. But how do you know if you have a great bookkeeper? Here are five signs that you have a great bookkeeper to look for:
1. Attention to Detail
One of the most important traits of a great bookkeeper is a strong attention to detail. Bookkeepers are responsible for tracking every financial transaction that takes place within a business, from expenses to revenue. Any errors in recording these transactions can lead to financial discrepancies and even legal issues. A great bookkeeper will meticulously track each transaction, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Knowledge of Accounting Principles
A great bookkeeper will have a thorough understanding of accounting principles and practices. This includes knowledge of the different financial statements, such as the balance sheet and income statement, as well as an understanding of tax laws and regulations. With this knowledge, a great bookkeeper can provide valuable insights into a business’s financial health, making recommendations for improvements and helping to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
3. Excellent Communication Skills
A great bookkeeper will also have excellent communication skills. They should be able to explain financial concepts and reports in a way that is easy for business owners to understand. Additionally, they should be responsive to questions and concerns, and able to provide timely and accurate information. A great bookkeeper should also be able to work collaboratively with other members of a business’s financial team, including accountants, tax professionals, and financial advisors.
Great communication extends further – a great bookkeeper should know what they don’t know, and not be afraid to say it. For example, Bookkeepers can’t issue official IRS tax guidance – but knowing who can, and collaborating with others (such as your CPA) to find the answers, is valuable.
4. Ability to use Technology
In today’s digital age, it is essential that bookkeepers have the ability to use technology effectively. This includes knowledge of accounting software, as well as the ability to work with spreadsheets and other financial tools. A great bookkeeper should be comfortable with technology, and able to use it to streamline financial processes, automate tasks, and improve efficiency. More than this, they must be security-aware and at all times protect your data and financial information.
5. Trustworthiness and Ethics
Finally, a great bookkeeper should be trustworthy and ethical. They are responsible for managing a business’s financial records, which means they have access to sensitive information. A great bookkeeper should be honest and transparent, and should prioritize the confidentiality of a business’s financial information. Additionally, they should adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring that all financial transactions are recorded accurately and honestly.
Being a great bookkeeper is just the start. Making your clients smile is more than just what an individual can possibly deliver on their own.
It includes the team approach, support of each other and of our clients, and ability to change and evolve with each business we serve – to provide reliable, boring, high-value outcomes day-after-day, and year-after-year.
