5 Qualities of a Good Bookkeeper You Should Always Look For

Money always has a personal touch to it — whether it’s because you’re nervous about your earnings, hesitant to share the ‘mess’ that’s your books, or simply feel uncomfortable with someone coming into your business so closely. It’s not unsurprising that hiring a bookkeeper can bring up those same feelings, and it can greatly impact who (or if) you decide to hire.

But you shouldn’t let it hold you back; instead, focus on hiring someone you’re comfortable with, diving into your finances, and keeping you organized and up to date. Look for the qualities of a good bookkeeper, and you’ll be in good hands.

The Qualities of a Good Bookkeeper 

A good bookkeeper is one that you’ll feel comfortable with and who’s also an expert in what they do — you should be able to trust your bookkeeper with your money; if you’re stressing 24/7, they might not be the right person for you.

Of course, there’s more to a good bookkeeper than ‘good vibes’ and personal connection. Here are a few qualities of a good bookkeeper you should look for:

#1. Great Communication Skills

Communication is a necessity between your bookkeeper and you. You need clear, consistent, and comfortable communication — if you’re constantly too nervous to ask questions or waiting weeks to hear back from your bookkeeper, it’s not a good match.

Good communication builds a better, more positive relationship, leading to no withholdings and an overall better financial outcome.

#2. Expertise & Trustworthiness

Your bookkeeper should be an expert in what you do. If you’re a service provider, they should be comfortable and experienced in what to expect — the same applies to an e-commerce shop; they should be experienced in sales taxes and types of deposits. 

#3. Personal Connection

I know I said this wasn’t the only quality of a good bookkeeper, but it is a valuable one. You should feel comfortable with your bookkeeper, meaning there has to be some type of personal connection — or rather, a positive one.

Before you hire, book calls with the bookkeepers you think are a good fit. Chat for a little while to learn more about them (and them more about you) and get a better feel for potentially working together.

#4. Willingness to Educate

A good bookkeeper is always willing to explain or educate you on your finances or books. If you have a question, they should be willing to answer it, and if you need a little help understanding your reports, they should be willing to walk it through with you. You should never feel confused — and if you do, your bookkeeper should be there to help you.

#5. Desires Your Success

Your bookkeeper shouldn’t see you as a paycheck (big ick there) and should actually desire your success. Sure, you’re hiring them to do a job — bookkeeping — but they should have your best interests at heart. Honestly, this is a good rule to keep whenever you outsource, not just when you outsource your bookkeeping.

What to Remember When Hiring a Bookkeeper

Ultimately, it’s about finding a bookkeeper that works best for you. Even a recommendation from your closest business best friend can only go so far if the bookkeeper doesn’t have any experience (or desire) to work with a business like yours.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions before you hire or even book calls with multiple bookkeepers to see how you interact and feel with each one before making a decision. Ideally, you’ll want to work with your bookkeeper for a long time, so it’s okay to take a minute to make your decision.

And, if you’re looking for a bookkeeper for your business and you’re a creative service provider or coach, I’d love to hop on a call to see if we’re a good fit and how I could help you (and your business) feel more comfortable and confident in your finances. Just click here.