Virtual bookkeepers are like regular bookkeepers, only better.
If you’re a small business owner, it might be time to consider a virtual bookkeeper. As the expert on all things that have to do with your product or service, you might find that you’re struggling with your bookkeeping, or just simply don’t have the time to dedicate to it or the expertise to do it quickly, easily, and accurately. The answer to your problems is a good bookkeeper. And an even better idea is a virtual bookkeeper.
What Is a Virtual Bookkeeper?
A virtual bookkeeper is simply a bookkeeper or accountant that provides their services to your business but is able to work remotely from a different office or location. Whether your bookkeeper is in another state or just across town, the ability to get things done without having to be in the same room is a convenience you shouldn’t live without. There’s no reason in this day and age to have your accountant on-site every day. Virtual bookkeeping is one of the best ways to balance staffing and the work that needs to be done.
The First Things to Look for When Choosing a Virtual Bookkeeper: Honesty and Reliability
Your bookkeeper is going to be the keeper of your finances, the watcher on the wall, the person with their finger on the pulse of your business. They must have your trust and they must be reliable. Do your research, get references, and conduct a thorough interview before hiring them, just as you would any other employee. Keep in mind hiring a firm or group that handles your books instead of an individual gives you more leverage with the company if something with your books should go awry.
Next, Look for Integration of Systems
One thing that is critical to the success of a working relationship with a virtual bookkeeper is the integration of your systems and the applications and/or software you use. You want to make sure your bookkeeper or accountant has experience integrating your software program with theirs. If not done correctly, you could end up with a mess.
Don’t have your own bookkeeping software yet? Not to worry, a good bookkeeper will be able to get you set up on the right program to allow both of you to work seamlessly, even if remotely. Quickbooks is generally the preferred software for many accountants and can be set up quickly and easily to cover everything you need for all of your financial records, tracking, and reporting.
Another Thing to Check? Availability
Even virtual employees need to have availability when you need them. When interviewing your potential bookkeeper, find out their hours, when they are in the office and when they are with clients. Do they travel to meet with clients or is it all done via email, phone, and web conference? If it’s important to you to be able to meet face-to-face with your bookkeeper from time to time throughout the year, be sure to choose one that is geographically able to do that. If you’re fine with all phone and electronic communication, make sure you look at that aspect of their services as well.
Finally, Are They Open to Learning about Your Business?
Do they ask as many questions as you do? Are they genuinely interested in learning about your business and your processes? If you find that your candidate seems less than enthusiastic about you and your company, move on. Your bookkeeper should be as interested in having you as a client as you are about having them on your team. Anything less is not the right choice. Your business deserves the right fit.
If you have a business, you need a business bookkeeper. When you’re ready to lighten your load and take the books off your plate, call 678-990-0924 for a free consultation to learn how a virtual bookkeeper can help your business.
