How to Tell If Your Bookkeeper is Actually Helping You
Hiring a bookkeeper should bring clarity, confidence, and control — not confusion.
But how do you really know if your bookkeeper is doing what they should?
Whether you’ve worked with one for years or you’re considering hiring someone soon, here’s how to tell if you’re truly getting the support your business deserves.
🧾 1. Your reports make sense — and show up on time
You should be receiving clear, consistent reports (like your P&L and Balance Sheet) each month or quarter. Just as important: you should actually understand them.
✅ Green flag:
Your bookkeeper walks you through reports, answers questions, and helps you use the data to make better decisions.
🚩 Red flag:
You have no idea what you’re looking at — or worse, you’re not receiving anything at all.
💬 2. Communication is regular, not just reactive
Bookkeeping shouldn’t feel like a black hole. A good bookkeeper checks in, explains issues, and is responsive when you reach out.
✅ Green flag:
They flag odd transactions, suggest improvements, and follow up when something’s missing.
🚩 Red flag:
You only hear from them at tax time (or when something’s already gone wrong).
⚙️ 3. Their work saves you time and stress
A helpful bookkeeper makes your life easier. That means:
Fewer hours spent categorizing transactions
No more scrambling to find receipts
No more dread when your CPA asks for financials
✅ Green flag:
You feel more organized, not more overwhelmed.
🚩 Red flag:
You're still doing most of the work — or constantly second-guessing the books.
🧠 4. They understand your industry and business
Your chart of accounts should reflect your actual business model. Your reports should highlight the metrics you care about — not just standard accounting jargon.
✅ Green flag:
They tailor their work to your goals, industry, and workflows.
🚩 Red flag:
Everything feels generic or cookie-cutter — or worse, flat-out wrong.
👏 The Bottom Line?
A great bookkeeper should be proactive, responsive, and strategic.
If you don’t feel supported or clear on your numbers, it might be time for a change.
Curious how it should feel to work with a bookkeeper? Let’s talk. It doesn’t have to be this hard.
