How to Choose a Bookkeeper: A Simple Guide to Getting It Right

Choosing a bookkeeper is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. The right person will save you hours of stress and help you understand your numbers. The wrong one? They’ll cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

If you're wondering how to choose the right bookkeeper for your business, read on. In this article, we’ll break it down step-by-step so you know what to look for in a great bookkeeper and where to look.

1. Know what you need help with

Before you can choose a bookkeeper, you’ve got to know what you need from them. Bookkeeping isn’t just data entry; it covers everything from bank reconciliation and invoicing to budgeting and forecasting.

Ask yourself:

• Do I just need someone to keep the records tidy?

• Or do I want strategic support with financial planning?

• If I had a financial expert at hand in my business, what would I ask them?

Make a list of the tasks you want to hand over, and then think about what you’d really like to know from a financial expert in your business. This will help you choose the right bookkeeper.

2. Choose someone with the right skills and expertise

It’s not all about qualifications. A great bookkeeper combines skills, experience, and expertise. Your bookkeeper is likely to be a business owner themselves, so as well as being able to do a great job of the bookkeeping, they’ll also be able to talk strategically with you about the financial aspects of running your business.

Look for someone who:

• Is qualified with a reputable professional body

• Is licensed and insured – a licensed bookkeeper needs to follow strict procedures for Anti Money Laundering Regulations and will have professional indemnity insurance

• Understands your accounting software

• Communicates clearly and regularly

• Can explain financial terms in plain English

• Thinks ahead and brings you solutions

You want someone who’s more than a number-cruncher, your bookkeeper will see every financial working in your business, why not choose a great bookkeeper who will become a trusted advisor for your business?

4. Ask the right questions before you hire

It’s tempting to ask, “How much do you charge?” - but there are more revealing questions to ask first.

Try these:

• “Do you work with other clients in this industry?”

• “How regularly will you be in touch with me?”

• “Can you walk me through how you’d handle catch-up work?”

• “Are there any opportunities to automate or streamline any of the bookkeeping processes we have at the moment?”

• “How do you keep up with changes in the industry?”

The right bookkeeper will be able to answer with confidence and may even raise things you haven’t thought about.

5. Pick someone who keeps learning

The bookkeeping industry changes fast. Regulations shift, software evolves, and best practices move on. Professional bookkeepers are obliged to complete ongoing professional development, and as a business owner, you benefit when they do, so make sure you choose somebody who stays up to date.

6. Check reviews and reputation

When you’re choosing a bookkeeper, trust your gut - but back it up with facts.

Check:

• Testimonials on their website

• Reviews on Google or LinkedIn

• Their social media content (are they active and consistent?)

Great bookkeepers are proud of the work they do.

7. Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest

Choosing the cheapest bookkeeper can cost you more in the long run.

Just like you’d choose the mechanic you trust over the cheapest mechanic, Bookkeepers who charge more often provide more value. They can streamline your processes, help you plan ahead, and free up your time to grow your business.

So if a quote seems high, ask what’s included. You might be surprised by the return you’ll get.

Conclusion: How to Choose a Bookkeeper You Can Rely On

Choosing a bookkeeper doesn’t have to be a gamble. Take the time to understand what you need, ask the right questions, and choose someone who’s committed to their own development as well as your business’s.

When you work with a great bookkeeper, you're building a foundation for business growth. Choose wisely.

Nicola x