How to choose the right bookkeeper and/or accountant for your business

Straight Up Small Business

Getting your numbers right is crucial for business success, which makes having the right bookkeeper and accountant by your side all the more paramount. Many of my clients came to me following a bad bookkeeping experience elsewhere, where they received a lack of communication, errors in their bookkeeping, and they were left wanting a more solid relationship with their numbers person.
Finding the right bookkeeper or accountant for you and your business requires more than a quick Google. One of the first things to bear in mind is that bookkeepers and accountants do very different things. Bookkeepers focus on organising financial data at a transactional level and maintain a close relationship with you as the business owner. I like to say that bookkeepers are in the trenches with you, up close and personal with your day-to-day numbers. This is why it’s important to find someone you can trust and be vulnerable with.
Accountants, on the other hand, especially tax accountants, offer high-level strategic services like tax planning and compliance. They are less focused on the minutiae, cost a lot more than a bookkeeper due to the extra qualifications and compliance they undertake, and accountants often don't have a close relationship with their clients.
Some of the key considerations when choosing a numbers person for your business are:
1. Qualifications: Ensure your bookkeeper or accountant holds the necessary certifications and registrations, demonstrating professional competence.
2. Experience: Look for professionals with industry-specific experience to better cater to your business's unique needs. It makes a world of difference when your numbers person has prior experience working with businesses similar to yours.
3. Recommendations: Seek referrals from trusted sources to find a numbers person who aligns with your requirements. Don’t take just anyone’s word for it. Make sure you do thorough research and ask questions to any questions you have.
4. Location: While virtual services are prevalent these days, consider whether the physical location of your numbers person is essential to you. While it might seem preferable to be able to pop into an office to chat, from my experience, you can still build a wonderful relationship with your bookkeeper online.
5. Vibe and Values: Evaluate the cultural fit and values of the bookkeeper or accountant to ensure a harmonious working relationship. Look at their website and social media to really get a feel for the person and the way they work.
Choosing the right bookkeeper and accountant is a critical decision for any business owner. By considering qualifications, experience, recommendations, location, and compatibility, you can find a numbers person who fits your needs and contributes to the financial health of your business. Remember, a well-informed decision today can pave the way for long-term success tomorrow.

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
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