The Number One Thing You Should Look for in a Bookkeeper

Unfortunately, we haven't yet developed the digital equivalent of a handshake.

Here's the number one thing you should look for in a bookkeeper:

someone you can build a strong relationship with.

Does that surprise you?  Let's talk.

I won't berate the point that building relationships is a must for small businesses.  Nor will I attempt to argue that there aren't secondary qualities--attention to detail, work ethic, professionalism, trustworthiness--that are important too.  What I will argue is that you're looking for that human connection when hiring a bookkeeper; you're looking for that feeling from your gut, "I like this guy."  It's a little abstract, a little intangible but you'll know it when you feel it. 

Imagine asking someone for advice.  What qualities of this interaction make it a positive experience?  You want honesty.  You want openness.  You want to be comfortable discussing tough topics and help making rough decisions.  What type of person do you see yourself having this strong a relationship with?  That's who you are looking for.  It's not easy and it'll take time but you want to shoot for the ideal here.  You want an adviser comfortable advising.  You want to be comfortable being advised.  

So, in the beginning, how do you identify all these intangibles?  I'd make it a point to look for authenticity and respect.  These qualities put us at ease quickly--they build trust.  Look for someone eager to communicate, someone who is easy to get on the phone or who replies to emails quickly.  You'll be touching base with your bookkeeper frequently.  Make sure you won't be subconsciously dreading reaching out.  Finally, you are looking for a bookkeeper who values you and your vision.  It's another abstraction but your bookkeeper shouldn't lose sight of your goals and what you value.  In short, they should care.

All of this is a tough order.  And you still need to review all of their traditional credentials too.  Keep it mind that a strong relationship is doubly important if you are seeking a digital bookkeeper. 

Good luck.

Don't Go it Alone! Hire a Bookkeeper Post-Haste!

Is bookkeeping just data entry?  That's an easy notion to have.  "When I'm doing the books, " a new small business owner may say, "all I do is log the transactions."  Many bookkeepers, particularly those who also offer digital services, make a point of arguing for the necessity of having a dedicated bookkeeper.  I think most small businesses already recognize the value of having a professional bookkeeper handle the books.  They know that hiring a professional is more cost effective in the long term and frees up the owner from spending their time on paperwork.  I think the reason so many small businesses forgo a professional bookkeeper is the belief that they can go it alone--that they can bring costs down by doing the work themselves.

And some of them are probably right.  But, even the most able small business owners, of which I am sure you are an example, will be dedicating too much of their time and talent, honestly, better spent elsewhere.  The idea that bookkeeping is just data entry boils down to a rationalization.  I've decided to cut costs a little managing the books therefore the value of a bookkeeper is less than typically assumed.  It's an easy fallacy to have.  But I would urge you:  

DON'T DO IT!

Go with your gut.  Don't go it alone.  

You already know that hiring a professional bookkeeper means less time spent on paperwork and more time directly managing the larger affairs of your business.   Bookkeepers bring another trained set of eyes to your business.  They're not just looking to input data.  They're looking to help your business trim the fat and streamline processes.  Bring someone on board who wants your business to succeed.  Someone closer to an adviser or partner than an employee.  Hire a professional bookkeeper.