How to Hire a Bookkeeper [+ Interview Questions]

Outsourcing the financial management of your business is a great way to save time, stress, and money.

But it’s scary to know you have to trust someone else with your money.

Here’s how you can hire a bookkeeper that you can trust so you can stop sweating the bills.

What to Look For in Hiring a Bookkeeper?

When hiring a bookkeeper, you should look for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and has experience with bookkeeping and accounting.

Let’s look at a few important components of hiring a bookkeeper.

What Qualities to Look for in a Bookkeeper

When you are looking to hire a bookkeeper, there are certain qualities that you should look for in order to ensure that you are getting the best possible service.

Here are some of the qualities to look for in a bookkeeper:

1. Attention to Detail.

A good bookkeeper will have a keen eye for detail and will be able to spot errors or discrepancies. This attention to detail will ensure that your finances are accurately managed.

2. Organizational Skills.

A bookkeeper needs to be organized in order to keep track of all the financial information. This organizational skill will help to keep your finances in order and will make it easier for you to understand your financial situation.

3. Honesty.

When you are entrusting your finances to someone, you need to be able to trust that they will be honest with you. A bookkeeper who is not honest with you could end up costing you money.

4. Communication Skills.

A bookkeeper needs to be able to communicate effectively in order to keep you updated on your finances. They should be able to explain things to you in a way that you can understand and should be available to answer any questions that you may have.

5. Flexibility.

A bookkeeper needs to be flexible in order to accommodate your schedule. Ideally, they should be able to work around your schedule.

How to Interview Potential Bookkeepers

When you're ready to hire a bookkeeper, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you find the best fit for your business.

Here are some key questions to ask when interviewing potential bookkeepers:

• What accounting experience do you have?
• What bookkeeping software do you feel most comfortable using?
• What is your experience with double-entry bookkeeping?
• What is your experience in preparing financial statements?
• What is your experience in reconciling bank accounts?
• What is your experience in managing accounts receivable and accounts payable?
• What is your experience in tracking inventory?
• What is your experience in preparing tax returns?
• What other skills or experience do you have that would be relevant to this position?
• Do you have any questions for me about the position?

After the interview, check their references to see what other employers’ experience with them was like.

How to Know If a Bookkeeper Is Right for Your Business

But how do you know if a bookkeeper is right for your business?

Here are a few things to consider:

1. How complex is your business?

If you have a lot of transactions and financial data, then you will need someone who is experienced and can handle all that information.

2. What is your budget?

Bookkeepers can be expensive, so you need to make sure you can afford one.

3. What do you need a bookkeeper for?

Do you need someone to just handle your finances, or do you need someone who can also provide advice and guidance?

4. What are your expectations?

Make sure you are clear on what you expect from a bookkeeper before hiring one.

How to Onboard and Train Your New Bookkeeper

But what happens when you need to hire a new bookkeeper?

How do you onboard and train them so that they can be successful in their new role?

Here are a few tips to help you onboard and train your new bookkeeper:

1. Clearly Define the Bookkeeper's Role and Responsibilities.

Make sure your new bookkeeper knows exactly what their role is and what is expected of them. This will help them hit the ground running and avoid any confusion down the road.

2. Set Up a System for Tracking Income and Expenses.

Your bookkeeper will need a system for tracking income and expenses. Show them how you want this to be done, and provide any templates or tools that they will need.

3. Teach Them Your Accounting Software.

If you use accounting software, make sure your bookkeeper is trained on how to use it. They should know how to enter transactions, generate reports, and more.

4. Review Your Financial Statements With Them.

You should review your financial statements with your bookkeeper on a regular basis. This will help them understand your business and spot any potential issues.

5. Answer Their Questions.

Encourage your bookkeeper to ask questions. They may not know everything, and that's okay.

By answering their questions, you can help them learn and become more successful in their role.

FAQs

How much does it cost to have a personal bookkeeper?

The cost of hiring a bookkeeper can vary depending on the size of the business and the complexity of its financial needs. Generally, bookkeepers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $25 to $50 per hour.

What to look for in hiring a bookkeeper?

When looking to hire a bookkeeper, you should consider their experience, education, and references.

Is it worth it to hire a bookkeeper?

It depends on the size and complexity of your business, as well as your own personal preferences. If you have a lot of financial transactions and want someone else to handle them, it may be worth it to hire a bookkeeper.

Do small businesses need a bookkeeper?

The need for a bookkeeper will vary depending on the size and complexity of the business.

However, in general, small businesses can benefit from hiring a bookkeeper to help manage their finances and ensure that their books are accurate and up-to-date.