How to choose and work with a bookkeeper
How to choose and work with a bookkeeper
A bookkeeper helps you record your financial information. A good one is invaluable!
Choosing a bookkeeper
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If possible, try to find a bookkeeper through personal recommendation.
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Find someone with broad experience.
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Even if you use a manual system, choose a bookkeeper who can use computerised systems and who can then advise you if you choose to install a computerised system later.
Working with a bookkeeper
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Prepare your documentation in advance and keep all papers in good order. Make it easy to understand what you have done withthe accounts and papers by making clear notes about payment dates and methods; numbering your invoices (sales and purchases); and keeping petty cash expenditure clearly separate from credit card and cheque payments. Otherwise you will be paying your bookkeeper to waste precious time investigating, sorting, filing and tracking your records.
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Make the best use of the bookkeeper's time and your money. Don't employ someone full-time if all you need is two hours a week. A self-employed bookkeeper will understand that you may need them to be flexible, particularly at first.
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A bookkeeper shouldn't have access to the petty cash or be able to sign cheques. In fact, many do not want to be able to do this as it implicates them should there be any finance problems.
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Keep everything! The tax office may ask you to produce documents. Take advice from your accountant who can tell you when you can throw things away.
