Bookkeeping is an essential aspect of running any business. However, not all businesses have the expertise or resources to handle their bookkeeping needs in-house. This is where bookkeeping businesses come in. As the owner of a bookkeeping business, one of the most important decisions you will make is hiring a bookkeeper. In this article, we will discuss the steps you should take to hire a bookkeeper for starting a bookkeeping business.
Determine your bookkeeping needs
The first step in hiring a bookkeeper is to determine your bookkeeping needs. This will help you identify the skills and qualifications you need in a bookkeeper. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- What level of bookkeeping expertise do I need?
- What types of bookkeeping services will the bookkeeper be providing?
- What bookkeeping software will the bookkeeper be using?
By answering these questions, you will be able to create a job description that accurately reflects the skills and qualifications you are looking for in a bookkeeper.
Write a job description
Once you have determined your bookkeeping needs, the next step is to write a job description. The job description should clearly outline the duties and responsibilities of the bookkeeper, as well as the required skills and qualifications. Some items to include in a bookkeeper job description include:
- Recording financial transactions
- Reconciling bank statements
- Preparing financial statements
- Managing accounts payable and receivable
- Processing payroll
- Knowledge of bookkeeping software such as XERO
When writing the job description, be sure to include information about the work schedule, pay rate, and any benefits you offer.
Advertise the position
After you have written the job description, the next step is to advertise the position. There are several ways to do this, including:
- Posting the job on your company website
- Advertising on job boards such as Seek, Indeed or Monster
- Posting on social media platforms such as LinkedIn
Be sure to include information about the job description, required skills and qualifications, work schedule, and pay rate. You may also want to include information about your company culture and any benefits you offer.
Review resumes and conduct interviews
Once you have advertised the position, the next step is to review resumes and conduct interviews. Look for resumes that demonstrate the required skills and qualifications outlined in the job description. Some things to look for in a bookkeeper’s resume include:
- Relevant work experience
- Knowledge of bookkeeping software
- Experience with financial statements and reports
After reviewing resumes, you should conduct interviews with the most promising candidates. During the interview, ask questions that will help you determine if the candidate is a good fit for the position. Some questions to ask include:
- What bookkeeping software have you worked with?
- What types of bookkeeping tasks have you handled in the past?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to reconcile a difficult bank statement?
By asking these types of questions, you can get a sense of the candidate’s experience and expertise.
Check references and conduct background checks
After conducting interviews, the next step is to check references and conduct background checks. Be sure to call the candidate’s references and ask about their experience working with the candidate. You may also want to conduct a background check to ensure the candidate has a clean record.
Make a job offer
Once you have completed all of the above steps, the final step is to make a job offer to the candidate you have selected. Be sure to include information about the job description, work schedule, pay rate, and any benefits you offer. You should also include information about the terms of employment, such as the length of the probationary period and any restrictions on moonlighting.
Conclusion
Hiring a bookkeeper for your bookkeeping business is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you find a qualified and experienced bookkeeper who can help your business thrive. Remember to determine your bookkeeping needs, write a clear job description, advertise the position, review resumes and conduct interviews, check references and conduct background checks, and make a job offer to the selected candidate.
Hiring the right bookkeeper can have a significant impact on the success and profitability of your bookkeeping business. A skilled and experienced bookkeeper can help you manage your clients’ finances, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and provide valuable insights into your clients’ businesses. So take your time, follow these steps, and find the best bookkeeper for your bookkeeping business.