What to Expect When You Work with a Bookkeeper
Hiring a bookkeeper is a smart move — but if you’ve never worked with one before, you might be wondering what exactly to expect.
Is it just handing over receipts? Will they talk to your tax preparer? Do they explain what’s going on with your numbers? (Spoiler alert: yes, they should.)
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what a good bookkeeping relationship looks like — and how it can support your business growth.
🤝 It starts with getting to know your business
Every business is unique and so is your chart of accounts. A good bookkeeper doesn’t just dive into the numbers blindly. They’ll:
Learn about how you earn and spend money
Review your current financial systems
Ask how you want your reports to look and what you want to track
Discuss your goals and pain points
This helps them organize your books in a way that actually supports you, not just the IRS.
🧾 You’ll hand over access (but not control)
Bookkeepers typically need access to:
Your accounting software (like QuickBooks)
Your bank and credit card transactions (usually through view-only logins or connected feeds)
Past reports or statements to get caught up
But don’t worry that you’re not in control, you are. A good bookkeeper keeps things transparent and collaborative.
📊 You’ll get regular reports — and answers
Expect to receive:
Profit & Loss statements (monthly or quarterly)
Balance Sheets
Category breakdowns
Notes about anything unusual or unclear
And more importantly: they’ll walk you through them if you’re not sure what you’re looking at. You should never feel embarrassed to ask questions. A bookkeeper’s job is to help you understand your finances.
🧠 You’ll feel more in control, not less
Good bookkeeping isn’t about handing things off and forgetting them. It’s about having support so you can:
Make better decisions
Feel confident going into tax season
Understand what’s actually happening in your business
Plan ahead instead of playing catch-up
The Bottom Line?
A good bookkeeper is more than a record-keeper — they’re a financial partner.
They keep your books clean, your reports useful, and your business on track.
Wondering what working with a bookkeeper would look like for your business? Book a free consult and let’s walk through it together.
