If you’re a business owner looking to hire a bookkeeper, you’ve probably realized that finding the right person isn’t as simple as picking a name from a directory. You need someone who’s not just qualified, but someone you can actually work with and trust with your business finances.
Maybe you’ve already read my post about whether you should hire a bookkeeper or do it yourself and decided that hiring is the right move for you. Or maybe you’re just here because you already know you want to hire a bookkeeper and you’re ready to find the right person.
So how do you find a good bookkeeper who’s the right fit for you?
I’m going to walk you through a framework that might already be familiar to you as a business owner: Know, Like, Trust. Just like your customers need to know, like, and trust you before they buy, you can use this same approach to find a bookkeeper who’s a great fit for your business.
🎥 Prefer Video? You can watch the full 7-minute explanation here:
Know: Getting Clear on What You Need
The first step in finding a good bookkeeper is getting clear on what you’re actually looking for. This means knowing what you need and where to find qualified people.
Figure Out What Services You Actually Need
Saying “I need a bookkeeper” doesn’t always tell the full story. Get specific about what you’re looking for:
- Do you need ongoing monthly bookkeeping?
- Are you looking for someone to catch you up or clean up a mess?
- Do you need help coordinating with your tax preparer?
As I mentioned in my post about the difference between bookkeeping and accounting, knowing exactly what services you need will help you find someone who specializes in that type of work.
Know Your Software
What bookkeeping software are you using or planning to use? QuickBooks Online? Xero? Something else? Or maybe you’re still using spreadsheets and need help transitioning to proper software.
Make sure the bookkeeper you’re considering has experience with your specific software. This isn’t just about technical knowledge. It’s about making sure they can actually help you without a steep learning curve.
Set Your Budget
Be realistic about what you can invest in bookkeeping support. Knowing your budget range upfront will help you have more productive conversations with potential bookkeepers and avoid wasting time on options that don’t fit. If you’re curious about how bookkeepers typically structure their services, you can learn more about my packages here.
Find Your Options Through Trusted Sources
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to find people to consider. Start with these trusted sources:
Ask your network first. Do you already know a bookkeeper? Is there someone in your business community or networking group? Ask other business owners if they have a bookkeeper they like and would recommend.
Check software directories. Most bookkeeping software platforms maintain directories of certified professionals. QuickBooks has a ProAdvisor directory, Xero has an advisor directory, and many local chambers of commerce have business service directories.
Search online strategically. If you’re still coming up empty, search online for the specific services you need rather than just “bookkeeper.” Look at their websites and see if what they’re saying resonates with what you’re looking for.
Like: Trust Your Gut About the Fit
Once you’ve identified some options and started talking to people, pay attention to how you feel. This is where the “like” factor comes in, and it matters more than you might think.
Pay Attention to How You Feel
When you’re talking to a potential bookkeeper, notice:
- Do they explain things in a way that makes sense to you?
- Do they make you feel comfortable asking questions?
- Do you feel like they’re actually listening to you?
If someone talks down to you or makes you feel stupid for asking questions, that’s a red flag. You don’t want to work with someone long term who makes you feel small.
Trust Your Gut About the Vibe
Beyond the practical stuff, trust your instincts:
- Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you?
- Or does it feel transactional and pushy?
- Can you imagine working with this person on a monthly basis?
Remember, a bookkeeping relationship is actually quite intimate. You’re sharing personal details about your business finances with this person. How you feel about them as a person really does matter.
Trust: Make Sure They Can Actually Do the Work
The final piece is making sure this person is qualified and reliable. This can be tricky to figure out before you actually work together, but there are some things you can look for.
Check Their Qualifications
Bookkeeping doesn’t have one universally recognized certification that everyone must have, so you need to get a little creative in evaluating qualifications:
Look for relevant education. Do they have an accounting degree or other relevant education?
Check their experience. You can often find people on LinkedIn and see what kind of experience they have in the field. Do they specialize in businesses like yours?
Look for certifications. While not required, certifications show someone is serious about their craft. Look for things like the Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional or Certified Public Bookkeeper certification.
Verify software knowledge. Most bookkeeping software platforms have their own certification programs. If they’re certified in your software, that’s a good sign.
Look for Evidence of Reliability
Here’s where you can get a preview of how someone will actually be to work with:
Notice their response time. How quickly did they respond to your initial inquiry? This is often a preview of how responsive they’ll be once you start working together.
Watch for follow through. If they say they’re going to do something after your discovery call (like send resources or a proposal), do they actually do it? If it takes them days or weeks, that’s a red flag about their reliability.
Read their reviews carefully. What do other clients say? Do people mention being able to count on them? Feeling like they can breathe easier? Knowing they can trust this person? Those are good signs.
Ask your referral source. If someone in your network referred you to this bookkeeper, ask them directly: Is this person reliable? Can you always count on them? Do you feel like you know what’s going on with your books?
Your Checklist for Finding a Good Bookkeeper
When you’re looking for a bookkeeper, use this Know, Like, Trust framework as your checklist:
Know: Do I know what I’m looking for and where to find qualified people?
Like: Do I feel comfortable working with this person?
Trust: Do I believe they can actually do the work well and will follow through?
If you can answer yes to all three, you’ve probably found a good fit. If any of those feel like a no or even a maybe, keep looking. You haven’t found the right person yet.
The right bookkeeper is out there, and you and your business deserve someone who checks all three boxes.
Have Another Question?
This is part of my Ask This Bookkeeper Anything series, where I answer real questions from business owners about bookkeeping and money stuff.
Got a question you’d like me to answer? Submit it anonymously here: https://forms.gle/JAxedbfEfaaSsBoQ6
Curious what a bookkeeping partnership with me might look like?
