Whether you’re running a small business or a large one, dealing with finances is one of the most important responsibilities. It can be one of the most challenging tasks to tackle all by yourself. Trying to keep up with payroll, invoices, and taxes, while managing your day-to-day operations is enough to make anyone’s head spin.
That’s why hiring a bookkeeping service can help you get your financials straightened out and your business on the path to growth. A great bookkeeper can become a true partner for you and your business. They can offer you advice and guidance as your business grows to help you make the best financial decisions. Read on to learn how to pick the perfect bookkeeping service for your company.
What Is a Bookkeeper?
On the surface, a bookkeeper is someone who prepares your accounts, documents financial transactions, and reconciles your bank statements. They “keep your books,” making sure that your payroll goes out on time, your invoices get paid, and your checks clear. Your bookkeeper will learn the complete ins and outs of the financial side of your business, and then help you make better decisions based on reports and data analysis.
A bookkeeper is not the same as an accountant, however. An accountant’s main job is to provide assistance and guidance with tax strategy. They can take the information compiled by your bookkeeper to submit income tax returns, look for potential tax breaks, and make sure your taxes are prepared properly in case of an audit.
The right bookkeeper should go beyond simply keeping the books — by choosing carefully, you can work in partnership with your bookkeeper to ensure you are optimally positioned to take that next step in your business.
Look for the Right Experience
The first thing you want to look for in a bookkeeper is the right experience. You want to work with someone who has a proven track record of success and who is familiar with how the business world really works. This goes beyond industry or type of business, however; any bookkeeper worth their salt will be able to apply concepts and experience across any type of business.
The bookkeeping world has evolved to a primarily digital existence. With this in mind, you’ll also need to look for someone with a plethora of experience in bookkeeping software. No matter if you have an existing platform that works with your needs, or if you’re looking to move your records into the right software, your bookkeeper will be able to help you.
Think About Your Needs
Before you get started reaching out to bookkeepers, it’s a good idea to sit down and think about what you need. Every business’s bookkeeping needs are different, so knowing what you need upfront will make the process much easier for you. It will also help you find a bookkeeper whose skills best suit your business.
You’ll want to think about what keeps you up at night in regards to your current day-to-day tasks, as well as what you want taken off your plate. Remember, your ideal bookkeeper will work to make your life easier and help you have a better understanding of your financials.
Ready to Get Started with a Bookkeeper? Contact Hill Bookkeeping & Consulting today!
Hill Bookkeeping & Consulting was founded on the idea that business owners can make better decisions when they are empowered with accurate, up-to-date financial data. We believe that when you know where you are, you can better see where you are going. Since 2015, we have been helping small business owners get a clear picture of their finances and create solid action plans to help them reach their next goal. Our motto is “clean books, clear decisions.”
Schedule an intro call with us to get back to growing your business!
