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Five benchmarks to hire the right bookkeeper for the correct purpose

Last week, we discussed about the six basic expectations small business owners should consider when hiring a bookkeeper. This week, we are going to introduce another five more expectations as benchmarks in order to hire the right person for the right purpose.

1. Does your bookkeeper understand your industry?

Every industry varies from one to one, and it does not mean that one without background knowledge for your industry is out of the picture. But of course, the one who has related background to your industry is at more advantage. Understanding an industry is something that can be learnt. Some may argue, “How different can a retail store and hair salon be?” The basic bookkeeping fundamentals can be similar but it is not exactly the same. Every industry has different jargons and aspects, and this can be learnt if the candidate has a positive attitude.

2. Is he or she good with communication?

Communication is important in every position in a business. Your bookkeeper must be able to ask for help and clarify anything that they do not understand. It is also his or her responsibility to communicate with you in order to let you know what took place in the office when you were not around.

3. Does your bookkeeper know how to use a computer?

Doing bookkeeping on paper is not longer something that will happen in our era. With computerised bookkeeper systems, quality reports can be generated fast and accurately provided keying in the precise information. So, they need to know how to use your bookkeeping software as well as Word, Excel, e-mail system and the Internet.

4. Is he or she interested in continuing their education or learning new things?

Why is this important? Accounting standards changes, it is not static. It is very important for your bookkeeper to be interested in seeks new information that is applicable to your small business. Not only that, if your business is growing, your bookkeeper should also improve their skills and ability to deal with your demands.

5. Is he or she willing to commit to your business?

Many small businesses hire part-time bookkeeper and one of the greatest issues is that small business owners allow their bookkeepers to do their work whenever they have time. By doing so, they are indirectly telling the bookkeepers “You can put me on the bottom of your priority list.” Therefore, hire someone who will make your business a priority but not squeezing their responsibilities to you into his or her personal life. Your small business bookkeeper or accountant should be someone who can focus and get things done properly.

The first step to run a business that is profitable is to hire the right people at the right time for the right purpose. Always set the expectations for your potential future employees before bringing them on board. Quality financial reports are the fundamental to the success of a business. You should be able to rely on those figures and your bookkeeper, if not, what is the point?

 
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