What makes a good bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper is a bit like a GP – there’s one on every corner but great ones are hard to find. And when you do find one, you should never let them go. But how do you know if your bookkeeper is good, or even better, a great bookkeeper?

Knowing what to look for is another challenge entirely.

Let’s start with the things every bookkeeper should have before we look at what makes a great bookkeeper.

Training and accreditation

Every bookkeeper should have some sort of formal bookkeeper or accounting training and be a registered Business Activity Statements (BAS) agent.

A registered BAS agent means that the Tax Practitioners Board are satisfied that the bookkeeper has the required skills, qualifications and a minimum amount of experience to correctly account for GST and prepare your BAS according to legislation. Use this link to check if your bookkeeper is registered.

1. Great bookkeepers understand your process

We take the time to really understand your business and how you operate so we can make sure that the processes are as simple and efficient as possible, and nothing is missed or duplicated. We see areas that can be streamlined in your business.

2. Great bookkeepers ask questions

Many business owners find questions annoying. However, in order to ensure transactions are correctly allocated, it is better that we ask questions rather than guess.

3. Great bookkeepers know what they don’t know

We know what is legally within our scope. For example, BAS agents are not permitted to give any income tax or fringe benefits tax (FBT) advice.

4. Great bookkeepers do their homework

A sign of a really great bookkeeper is one who is up to date on what is happening in the bookkeeping, accounting and technology spaces. The bookkeeping and accounting industries have evolved considerably over the past few years due to changing technologies.

We can explain to you how to use technology to save time and money by automating processes with cloud accounting and operational packages.

5. Great bookkeepers are people you can trust

The relationship between a client and a bookkeeper is sacred.  Make sure you like your bookkeeper, that you trust them and feel comfortable being completely honest with them. We can help you get the most out of your accounts if you are being completely transparent with us.