How do I find a good bookkeeper?

Once you determine you are ready to hire a bookkeeper, finding a good one that you trust can feel like an overwhelming task. Here are some guidelines I’d recommend for anyone in the market for a bookkeeper:

1. Be as specific as possible in what you are looking for

Do you need your bookkeeping updated weekly, monthly, or quarterly?

Do you have any plans to expand or change your business coming up?

Do you want someone who will run payroll for you?

Do you want a bookkeeper who is local to you or is 100% remote ok?

Be ready to answer questions like these and all sorts of questions about your business structure, size, and transactions when you talk to a prospective bookkeeper. These are very important for determining if the business partnership is a good fit.

2. Ask for referrals

Ask friends and colleagues directly or via LinkedIn / other social media for referrals. I love working with professionals that someone I know has recommended, especially when it comes to something like money management, which requires integrity and trust beyond the usual contractor role.

3. Read online reviews

As much as you are able, vet the bookkeeper before you reach out to them. Reviews may be posted on LinkedIn, Google, QBO ProAdvisor directory, Upwork, Facebook, or directly on their website. Reviews are not foolproof, but they are a good start!

4. Schedule a discovery call

Almost every bookkeeper I know offers a free 15-minute discovery call, myself included. These are a great chance to determine fit – and I know for me personally, if I wanted to hire an accountant that looked great on paper, but I got a weird vibe from a discovery call, I am not giving them access to my bank statements 😊

Speaking of client reviews, I’d like to share some of mine here. Are you a nutritionist, coach, personal trainer, or outdoor industry small business owner who wants help with your bookkeeping? Let’s talk!