If you have made the wise decision to outsource your bookkeeping requirements to a professional the next stage is to find one that will offer you the very best service and value for money. So what are the most important things to look for in a bookkeeper? Here we outline some of the factors that should appear at the top of your wish list.
Testimonials
Many bookkeeping firms claim to offer the best service, but can they substantiate their claims through testimonials from satisfied clients? An important thing to do is to make sure you can check that other businesses have been satisfied with the service.
Specific Industry Experience
Another important factor is experience. Of course the longer the firm has been trading the better, however, making sure they have experience in your particular area of business is crucial. Certain industries call for specialist knowledge and an understanding of the particular issues involved so make sure the bookkeeping firm has dealt with other traders or companies in your field, and of your size too. If you are a sole trader or small to medium sized business, don’t opt for a bookkeeper that normally deals with corporate organisations.
Flexibility
Try and find someone that offers a flexible service that is tailored to your specific needs. Some firms provide off-shelf packages which don’t always fit the bill.
Proactive
Make sure your chosen bookkeeper is dedicated to streamlining your working processes so that you can stop worrying about deadlines, fines and paperwork. If you do not have time to deal with these things then find someone who does, someone who is capable of doing them properly on your behalf and who works proactively to make sure they have everything they need from you by the required dates.
Saving you Money
Find someone who can save you as much money as possible by properly advising you on claiming for expenses. Bookkeepers who have the most experience and expertise will save you substantially more.
Ease of Contact
If you are a hands-on business owner who spends the working day actually doing your job then you will benefit from being able to speak to or see your bookkeeper outside office hours. When considering your prospects, ask them how and when they can be contacted. If they are flexible and happy to speak to you during evenings or weekends then this will make your life much easier.
Dedicated to Staff
A good bookkeeping firm will invest in its staff to make sure they are committed to providing the very best service to their clients. If the firm holds the Investor in People Standard then this is a good indication of their allegiance to their staff.
Guarantee of Satisfaction
A guarantee of satisfaction always goes a long way in showing that a bookkeeper is dedicated to providing a quality service. Look for a money back guarantee – if you are not satisfied then you do not pay.
Members of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Finally but by no means of least importance, if the bookkeeping firm is a member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) then this means they will be required to continue to meet certain high standards. Membership of the ICB is only awarded to those bookkeepers who are able to display superior levels of experience, qualifications and competence and meet a set of strict criteria.
If you follow these steps when sourcing a bookkeeper then you will be well on your way to finding a quality, reliable firm that offers professionalism, expertise and value for money.