A good bookkeeper is critical to the success of any business and efficient, effective bookkeeping underpins every sound financial management system. So, whether your business is a one-man band or a larger enterprise it is essential that you select a good bookkeeper.

What do bookkeepers do?
Every business is now required by law to keep an accurate record of all financial transactions, otherwise referred to as 'keeping books'. A bookkeeper will accurately record all money being paid into the business as well as all money being paid out by the business. Bookkeepers use a double entry accounting system which was pioneered by a monk over 500 years ago yet remains the common system in use today by bookkeepers the world over.

Advantages of employing a bookkeeper
If you are just starting out in the business world you will be flat out familiarising yourself with all facets of the business and will be focused on cashflow and the day-to-day operation of the business. It will thus be of considerable help if you can hand the responsibility for detailed financial recording over to someone that you know has the experience and expertise to keep your books up to date. If you have an established business but are thinking of expanding then a bookkeeper will also be essential in providing you with accurate, current information as to how well your business is doing and how it is coping financially with the expansion.


One of the simplest ways in which to find a bookkeeper is to have a look at websites which give lists of classified adverts for a range of services including bookkeepers. These websites will provide you with information about and contact details for a number of bookkeepers and you can use this as the starting point for your search. Another way to find a bookkeeper is to ask business contacts to recommend someone to you. However, you should to only ask those in businesses of a similar size and nature to your own to ensure that you approach bookkeepers who will be likely to have the relevant experience and expertise.

Qualifications
Bookkeeping is now listed as a regulated profession and all bookkeepers need to ensure that they comply with current legislation. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest bookkeeping body in the UK and has been appointed by HM Treasury as a supervisory body for bookkeepers under the Money Laundering Act of 2007. In order to qualify as a bookkeeper you need to have completed a bookkeeping course which, generally, lasts about a year. There are many colleges across the UK that provide bookkeeping courses but only some of these courses are accredited by the ICB. It is also possible to complete a bookkeeping course by home study on a part time basis. Bookkeepers who have completed the training course can then apply to the ICB to take an Institute examination. This exam will assess whether or not a bookkeeper is considered by the ICB to be competent and able to work to the required standard. It is thus advisable to look for a bookkeeper who has passed the ICB exam for the reassurance that your books will be in good hands.

Personal preferences
A bookkeeper will be an important member of your business team and therefore it is essential that you feel comfortable working with them and that you trust them. This decision is largely down to your own personal preferences as to the type of person with which you prefer to work. So, once you have shortlisted some bookkeepers, do go and talk to them to identify whether you will be able to establish a good, comfortable working relationship.

Working hours
Another factor to consider when choosing a bookkeeper is that their working hours will fit in with yours. Check whether they work full time or part time and if they are part-time find out what their working schedule is. It may also be possible to find a bookkeeper who is prepared to work some evenings if you think that you may need to meet them outside of normal business hours.

Technology
Check whether the bookkeeper uses a manual or a computerised bookkeeping system. You may prefer a good old-fashioned manual record of your accounts but if your business is computerised then it may be essential that the bookkeeper is able to work electronically so that information can be easily transferred between you for efficiency and speed. Also, find out which software package the bookkeeper uses so that you can assess whether your systems will be compatible.

Location
Location can also be an important factor when choosing a bookkeeper because, particularly if you favour face-to-face meetings. That said, many businesses happily use remotely located bookkeepers.

Cost
Bookkeepers may charge for their services in a number of different ways. Some will charge by the hour and some charge a one-off or flat-rate weekl;y or monthly fee. Do ask all candidates for a quote but don't base your final selection of a bookkeeper purely on price. Rather, consider price in combination with all the other factors mentioned above to make sure that you choose the most appropriate bookkeeper for your needs.
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04 August 2008
Bookkeping service..
Are you looking for a bookkeeper? www. sd-bookkeeping. co. uk.
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03 August 2008
TorBin Payroll & Bookkeeping Services..
Are you sinking under paperwork? are you spending precious business building time doing your bookkeeping chores? would you prefer to concentrate on your business and doing what you are good at? if you answered yes to any of the above questions, we can help. let . .
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