Finding someone you can trust and rely on to handle your books is not a decision you should make lightly. You need to be sure that they are honest and qualified to take on your accounting systems of your business.
I find the best source of recommendations is by asking friends and other business owners that can refer you someone that they know and trust their ability.
There are a lot of so called bookkeepers out that making finding a great bookkeeper a difficult task. With the recent shake up of the industry in the last few years the Tax Practitioner’s Board (TPB) requires bookkeepers to get qualified and become registered with the TPB. The minimum certificate that a bookkeeper should have is Certificate IV Financial Services (Bookkeeping) which proves that they are qualified. As they have access to your financials I think it’s prudent to ask for a National Police Clearance as well.
Like employing any other staff member you need to review their background and experience. Ask them for names of other people they have worked for and contact details for referees.
You really need to do your groundwork here as it’s your responsibility if your bookkeeper gets it wrong and you could end up paying too much GST or tax or worse still have the Australian Taxation onto you.
Once you have a suitable applicant you need to discuss with them what they have to offer your business and set out their role, deadlines and your expectations.
My recommendation would be to get your current accountant to check the books for several months until you are comfortable with them.
Remember though, you only get what you pay for! Price should not be the biggest factor in hiring a Contract bookkeeper so you will need to find one that ticks all the boxes. If you hire a cheap unqualified bookkeeper it may in the long run cost you thousands of dollars in fine and penalties.
To learn about more of my services click on my website bookkeepingfairyperth.com.au or ring me Jaleana Gray on 0400 102 358.