A business owner has the right to obtain information from the bookkeeper to find out if the business is still doing well. Your business may be in the right direction, but it can be a different thing once you scratch beneath the surface. If a business owner fails to check the records from the bookkeeper, it may be too late before you find out that you are falling behind your tax payment schedule and do not have a steady cash flow. This is indeed very unfortunate for a business owner, but the main problem is due to the failure to monitor the activities of a bookkeeper. As a result, you become clueless as to why your business does not give you the outcome you are expecting.
1. Is it possible to reconstruct reports so they are easy to read and aligned to my needs?
When you are reading financial reports that you cannot easily interpret, it is as though your head is in the clouds. Business owners may take time to obtain basic bookkeeping techniques and when they do, bookkeepers are expected to renovate reports so that they are much easier to read. If you find it difficult to read reports, your bookkeeper should be open to revising them.
2. Are my bookkeeping packages tailored to the needs of my business?
Bookkeepers should be aware of the needs of your business. Just because they are providing bookkeeping services does not necessarily mean that one size fits all. It is also their obligation set up packages that perfectly fit the industry your business is involved in.
3. Can you think of a way to reduce business expenses?
Due to inefficiencies of bookkeeping services, a business owner may spend more than usual. If a bookkeeper does not see the underlying issues of a business, the financial aspect of your business will sure suffer. Your bookkeeper should provide you a range of plans to reduce cost.
4. Are you speaking to my accountant on a regular basis?
A bookkeeper is not the only person responsible for the business finances but the accountant as well. This is why a good bookkeeper should liaise to the accountant to confirm updates. When a bookkeeper communicates with the accountant at least twice a year, they will be able to capture changes that took place in your business. The accountant will also give guidance and advice if there are changes made to the system.
5. What processes and systems have you created for my business to run smoothly?
These days, business owners are keeping up with the changes in bookkeeping. With that said, a bookkeeper should be able to recommend a system that will promote efficiency in every business transaction made. The use of bookkeeping software can make a huge difference not only in terms of getting the job done but also in ensuring that accurate information is entered.
These questions are going to be helpful in setting your expectations as a business owner. You will be able to know if a bookkeeper can provide your needs and help you achieve your goals.
