How To Find Out Whether or Not Your Bookkeeping Service is Reliable
A bookkeeping service will enhance your business's accounting efficiency and help decrease unnecessary spending. If you just recently hired a bookkeeping service or want to transition from having someone in-house, it is essential that you know what to look for in a company. A bookkeeper can make or break your company's finances.
Bookkeepers play incredibly important roles in your company's success. Therefore, selecting the right one should be in your best interest. You don't want to hand your finances over to someone who isn’t experienced or trained. Here are some signs to look for when hiring a reputable bookkeeping service:
Do Your Research and Read Reviews
Finding out what the community and past clients have to say about the company can help you out in weighing your options. Always research any company you are looking to hire. You can do a quick search and check out their website, social media, and other platforms they may be on. Reading online reviews can give you honest reviews and a different perspective on the company and their services.
You may want to request references from the companies you're looking at. A company's reputation relies on their customer base, so that is where you start.
Professionalism in Customer Service
A reliable bookkeeping service will be attentive to their potential clients. If you are still trying to contact companies and aren't getting replies or receiving good customer service, this is not a good sign. Attention to detail and getting back to customers in a prompt manner is a good indicator of professionalism. If you can't even get an email back or an answer on the phone, they will most likely not be as responsive in the future as well.
Working with a company that won't be able to respond to concerns or inquiries in a timely manner will be a hassle. You want a proper degree of professionalism and good customer service with your company. Look elsewhere.
Good Communication and Honesty
It is important to find a company that is honest. If they communicate well and are able to tell you exactly what you need to know, and not just what you want to hear, they are probably worth a shot. Some companies do not see honesty as the best policy and just want to make money. Excellent communication and honesty are crucial in any lasting business relationship. If there are any issues from your previous accountant, your current bookkeeping service should be upfront and honest about it.
When it comes to underlying financial problems, no matter how uncomfortable, your bookkeeping company should be able to tell you about it as well as take the initiative to fix the problem. That being said, they should go over everything with you before attempting to make significant changes, as it is crucial you both work as a team. When researching and hiring, you need to pay attention to the details. If the company shows any signs of dishonesty or tries to mislead you, it may be best that you move on to a different company.
Totally Booked offers bookkeeping by QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisors based out of NYC. Get in touch today to see how we can help!