Preparing for your first meeting with a small business bookkeeper is crucial to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the bookkeeping services they will provide and how they will help you manage your finances. Having a list of key questions to ask will help you evaluate the bookkeeper’s qualifications and experience, as well as their communication and reporting capabilities.
Preparing for your first meeting with a small business bookkeeper is crucial to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the bookkeeping services they will provide and how they will help you manage your finances. Having a list of key questions to ask will help you evaluate the bookkeeper’s qualifications and experience, as well as their communication and reporting capabilities.
Here are some key questions to ask when preparing for your first meeting with a small business bookkeeper:
- How do you keep track of our financial transactions and records?
This question will give you an idea of the bookkeeper’s methodology for managing your financial transactions and records. They may use a software program, spreadsheets, or a manual system. It’s also important to understand how they ensure the accuracy and completeness of your financial records.
- Can you explain the bookkeeping processes and how they relate to our specific business needs?
This question will help you understand the bookkeeper’s level of expertise and experience. They should be able to explain the bookkeeping processes and how they will apply them to your specific business needs.
- How will you communicate financial information to us, and how often will we receive updates?
It’s important to know how often you will receive financial updates and in what format. Some bookkeepers provide regular reports, while others may only provide updates upon request. It’s also important to understand the communication channels they use, such as email, phone, or in-person meetings.
- How do you handle accounting for sales tax, payroll taxes, and other government compliance requirements?
This question will help you understand the bookkeeper’s experience and expertise in handling government compliance requirements. It’s important to ensure that your bookkeeper is familiar with the laws and regulations related to your business, as well as the deadlines for filing and paying taxes.
- How do you handle accounts payable and accounts receivable?
This question will give you an idea of the bookkeeper’s process for managing your accounts payable and accounts receivable. They should be able to explain how they track and record payments and invoices, as well as how they handle any discrepancies or disputes.
- Can you provide references or examples of other small businesses you have worked with?
Ask for references from other small business clients they have worked with. This will give you an idea of their level of experience and the types of businesses they have worked with.
- How do you ensure the security and confidentiality of our financial information?
It’s important to understand the bookkeeper’s procedures for protecting your financial information. They should have measures in place to prevent unauthorized access, such as password-protected access to your financial records.
In conclusion, preparing for your first meeting with a small business bookkeeper is an important step in ensuring that you have a good working relationship with them. Asking the right questions will help you understand their qualifications, experience, and communication and reporting capabilities.
Preferred Bookkeeping and Tax Services, LLC , based in Palm Coast, specializes in accounting and tax preparation services. They specialize in tax return filing and tax planning for individuals, Bookkeeping and financial statements for small businesses, Corporate tax return filing.
Rachel Velez, founder of Preferred Bookkeeping and Tax Services, LLC, is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and stays current with continuing professional education courses so that her firm stays on the leading edge of ever-changing tax laws and accounting methods. Click to learn more or Call 386-627-8300 so that they can assist you.
