We have listed some of the aspects of Finding a Bookkeeper such as:
Bookkeepers come with varying levels of qualification, experience and industry experience. If you are looking for a specific type of bookkeeper with a definite skill set then please advise your needs in the enquiry form.
A good bookkeeper can keep your business accounts up to date by recording all transactions operations in the business. Many bookkeepers now use computer software and can assist you to integrate this into your business, if needed.
When looking for a bookkeeper you need to realise that many of them are in business for themselves. Also keep in mind that you shouldn't settle for a bookkeeper that isn't highly competent and experienced: being a bookkeeper today means that they are a Registered BAS Agent, covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance and academically qualified. Also in saying that you may need a person to enter data only and not rely on them for 'doing the books'.
Bookkeepers also come with varying price ranges which normally correspond with their qualifications and experience. Ranges to take into consideration (for our locality) are:
We have in the links above described Grade 3, 4, 5 and a 'general' description of a Professional Bookkeeper.
A common costing consideration being currently applied is a fixed fee for a period (say a week or a month). Whether the bookkeeper takes 2 hours or 10 hours the costs is the same and a benefit of this is that the bookkeeper offers free guidance during this time.
- Ensure that you know exactly what you want the Bookkeeper to do
- Talk with or interview at least 3 or 4 bookkeepers, so that you can compare their skill set, personality, experience etc
- Ensure that they are interested in or have experience in your industry
- Ensure you meet with them before you engage them and a Professional Bookkeeper will have a questionaire or client review to question you in regards to your business
- Ensure that on engagement they give you a Client Engagement Letter which outlines the services provided, costs, confidentiality etc
- Is there more than one person in the Bookkeepers business - will the person who you meet be doing the work?
- Ask them for references
- A proficient bookkeeper will provide immediate results, yet is there such a backlog of work that will need some consideration of time to see results?
- Can the bookkeeper offer you further assistance that will give you value for money
- Be cautious of those bookkeepers that claim they are experts in all fields
- Sometimes it is difficult to find the 'right' person to assist you, yet if you are not completely happy, keep looking!
If you are still unsure of if you would like further assistance please contact
Uniting Bookkeepers on 1300 300 866