Finding an individual or company to provide bookkeeping services for your business can be extremely difficult. The difficulty is not in the lack of bookkeepers, but rather from the large number of companies and individuals who offer bookkeeping. How do you know which bookkeeper to choose? To find a bookkeeper may seem daunting enough, but then you must select from many choices.

Searching For The Bookkeeper

One of the easiest ways to find a bookkeeper is to perform a search online. Online registries of professional accountants and bookkeepers, such as Goodaccountants.com, provide information for reputable, experienced bookkeepers. You can also use a search engine to look for bookkeepers. Pay particular attention to the top ten or so listings, as they have earned the best internet reputations. You can also ask colleagues for recommendations for bookkeepers in your area whom they have been satisfied with. Another option for finding a bookkeeper is consulting the yellow pages of your local phone directory. You will find contact information at a minimum, and if the bookkeeper has an ad, you can find out more about individual services offered.

Once you have found some prospective bookkeepers, you need to narrow down your choices and make a decision. Many bookkeepers offer free consultations so that you can meet them and find out more about the services they offer and the fees that they charge. An individual or company that will offer you a free consultation is always a good sign, because it shows that they care about gaining new clients and are much more likely to work with you to suit your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. By speaking with the prospective bookkeeper, you will be able to easily assess if their services are in line with your goals.

Interviewing

There are many important questions you will need to ask a prospective bookkeeper. You should, of course, ask about experience and get some references for companies they have worked for that are similar to your own. Every industry differs in its accounting needs, and what works in one industry is not always the best option for another industry. You know what your specific needs are, so be sure to choose a bookkeeper who is experienced and capable in those areas. If your business is related to the internet, for example, you will need a bookkeeper who is experienced with e-commerce.

You also need to establish how many hours per week you will need bookkeeping services so that you can find a bookkeeper who can accommodate your needs. If you are only looking for a part time bookkeeper, consider consulting an online registry, such as Good Accountants, that can provide you with contact information for accountants and bookkeepers that can be hired on a part time or short term basis. A registry can also provide contact information for bookkeepers that are available for full time employment as well.