To ensure the success of the relationship with a part-time bookkeeper when hiring one to manage a company’s finances, it is essential to consider the following recommendations:
1. Look for someone who knows your business to have a deeper understanding of your financial situation, particularly when dealing with multiple vendors.
2. Hire someone with a systematic approach to handling bookkeeping tasks so that you have regular management reports of your finances, enabling you to make informed decisions.
3. Create a system of checks to be sure that any non-standard tasks are completed, and the role of the bookkeeper is well-defined.
4. Ensure that you have a baseline understanding of your financial situation to prevent confusion and strain the bookkeeper relationship.
5. Check that the bookkeeper has the availability needed to respond to queries in a reasonable timeframe.
6. Provide the necessary tools and information to aid in completing tasks easily and promptly.
7. Build a good rapport with the bookkeeper from the start and maintain open communication.
8. Treat the bookkeeper like a partner and be mindful of any changes in your finances and business to keep them informed.
9. Set brief monthly meetings to review basic financial reports to run your business by the numbers.
10. Communicate your expectations to ensure alignment and a high level of trust with your part-time bookkeeper.