Hiring a bookkeeper can seem like a scary proposition if you don’t know what to ask or how to screen them in an interview. Here are some questions to ask a potential bookkeeper that will help ensure they have the qualifications, skills, and experience to do the job well and help your business grow.
What services will you offer?
Do you provide payroll services? What types of businesses do you typically work with? We can’t work together if we’re not a good fit, so please tell me about your typical clients. We want to make sure the bookkeeping solutions we choose match the size and nature of our business. What’s your turnaround time for monthly accounting statements? How does your pricing system work?
What are your qualifications?
Qualifications for bookkeepers vary by industry, but can include relevant work experience with accounting, finance and/or taxation. Qualified professionals may also possess a certificate from an accredited institute or college program in bookkeeping. Additionally, some professionals are certified public accountants (CPAs) who have passed the CPA exam.
Here are some questions you may want to ask potential candidates:
•Why did you become a bookkeeper?
•How long have you been practicing as a professional?
•What qualifications do you hold that are relevant to this position?
•Can I see your resume and references?
What is your experience level?
Do you have any experience with accounting and bookkeeping?
Do you use QuickBooks and how proficient are you with this program?
If a client’s financial statements were off by $2000, how would you go about tracking that down to determine the problem?
What is your favorite part of your job?
The interview process itself can feel intimidating at times. However, it is necessary to do your due diligence when hiring an accountant.
Below are five questions every business owner should ask their prospective accountant before they hire them.
1) What is your experience level?
2) Do you have any experience with accounting and bookkeeping?
3) Do you use QuickBooks and how proficient are you with this program?
4) If a client’s financial statements were off by $2000, how would you go about tracking that down to determine the problem?
5) What is your favorite part of your job?
At AIRE Consultants, we want our clients to feel like part of the family. We value personal service and would love to build a relationship with you. Here are five questions you must ask before you hire your bookkeeper:
1) What will my bill look like? We do things differently here; it’s not all about how much time we spend. The more complex the bookkeeping needs, the more time it takes to get an accurate picture of what’s going on with your business. To get started, we’ll need to come in for an hour at the end of each month and create a snapshot of your financial position. From there, we can develop a plan that meets both your needs and budget.
2) Why should I work with you instead of someone else?: There is no one size fits all approach to accounting services because every business is different. So instead of trying to make one size fit all, we take the time necessary to understand where you’re coming from so that together, we can design solutions that work for you
3) Do I have any other obligations when hiring a bookkeeper?: It’s important to know who’s responsible for doing what so there are no surprises down the line.
4) What software do you use? -I primarily use QuickBooks Online. Why did you start using it?: I started using quickbooks online because it allowed me to work virtually with my bookkeeping clients. I am also able to work at anytime from anywhere!
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