Keeper of books: What makes a great bookkeeper?

Are you sick and tired of spending hours upon hours, scrolling through your accounts, wondering where all your hard-earned money has disappeared to? Perhaps it was that dress you bought on the company card, or that pesky subscription you never meant to sign up for? Or was it neither? Had you fallen into a fraudulent internet scam? If you are struggling to keep track of your accounts, fret not; all you need is an excellent bookkeeper!

ARTICLE SERIES: KEEPER OF BOOKS

So, what exactly makes a great bookkeeper? What characteristics are we looking for? What constitutes good bookkeeping from bad? Is it defined by the number of years of experience? Knowing how to recognise good bookkeeping will assist you in choosing a ‘cut-above-the-rest’ bookkeeper who will fit your personal requirements.

When on the hunt for the ideal bookkeeper, keep in mind, these essential qualities:

Excellent communication skills

It is about articulating complex ideas in simple terms, proactively asking questions and establishing better ways to avoid accounting and bookkeeping jargon to convey unrestricted, productive financial analysis.A wise bookkeeper never assumes, always asks, and accounts for any errors in compliance and tax implications your accountant may not notice. While this might sound like a bit of a hassle at times, their professionalism demands it. Good bookkeepers would never enter a transaction that may cause grief later on.

Integrity

Any adept bookkeeper should be transparent with what they are doing – after all, no one wants to work with a shady individual!

Knowledge and expertise

Not only are great bookkeepers equipped with a diverse toolbox of financial knowledge, but they are also adverse and up to date with the latest knowledge and technological mastery to maximise compliancy. This introduces the necessary improvements to make your business processes smarter, efficient, and therefore cost effective.

Bookkeeping is more than reconciling bank statements. The best bookkeepers will take the time to understand your business and leverage accounting software to streamline things such as invoicing, payments and payroll, and establish better ways to ameliorate your business.

Team work

Bookkeeping isn’t ever a one-man-show, and, on the basis of extensive organisation skills, top notch bookkeepers understand the value of a great business relationship, are flexible and easy going, and correctly allocate time and effort with you to refine compliancy.

Hopefully, I have helped you understand the importance of identifying a quality bookkeeper. Here at Gilligan Sheppard, we are currently offering free evaluation on our clients’ bookkeeping. To ensure you receive the greatest bookkeeping experience possible, feel free to talk to either your accountant, or alternatively navigate our front desk to converse with me.