If you recently started a business in Atlanta or need help balancing the books, you will need a bookkeeper. The easy part of this process is identifying the need for help. The harder part is choosing bookkeeper services in Atlanta from the many businesses available. There are many things to keep in mind when choosing your new bookkeeper for your Atlanta business.
Determine the Services You Need
Before you choose one of the many bookkeeping services in Atlanta, you need to sit down and decide what you need help with. Ask yourself what tasks he or she might need to perform. Also, consider the age of your business and who was keeping track of the books before. If you have a new business, consider hiring someone to work in house to balance all accounts and handle payroll. If you have been in business for a while and just need help, you can hire a freelance bookkeeper or an agency to come in part time to help. An accountant generally handles taxes and financial reports, but some bookkeeping services will over these services too.
Consider Your Budget
Your budget will play a large part in who you choose for bookkeeping services. Costs per hour to you may vary, from $50 to $400 and above. Smaller firms might have plans that come with a monthly fee for a set amount of services. However, all of this will depend on what you want to spend. If you want the services offered by a very large firm, you will pay for it. Small businesses will work with a smaller budget, depending on the services you need.
Experience and Qualifications
Check to make sure the bookkeeper you choose has the experience and qualifications to handle the services you need. He or she should be skilled with accounting and professional spreadsheet and bookkeeping software. Highly consider a bookkeeper who has a degree in accounting or is a CPA. Ask for references and remember to contact them. Another thing you can do to ensure you have a good bookkeeper is to have them take the free Bookkeepers Hiring Test, created by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. This will test your potential bookkeeper’s knowledge of bookkeeping concepts. However, in choosing to hire a firm, you can avoid all of this.
Knowledge of Software Packages
More than likely, you already have an accounting software that you use for your business. When you hire a bookkeeper, you can still use the same software. This means that you bookkeeper should know how to use it. Most bookkeeper services do have knowledge and experience with the popular software, but you still need to ask. Testing the person you will hire is a smart choice too.
Attention to Detail
A bookkeeper works with numbers and money. This means that he or she should have excellent attention to detail to avoid costly errors in the books. You can avoid a lot of issues with requiring a test as part of the application when utilizing a contractor or small business. It may also be necessary to monitor the bookkeeper after hire to make sure the accounts add up. In most cases, with a good bookkeeper you should notice many opportunities to save money.
Availability
Your new bookkeeper should be available to take care of the services you need. An over-booked bookkeeper is likely not to have time to balance your accounts. He or she is also more likely to make an error. When hiring, you need to be clear about the hours you expect the bookkeeper to work. When interviewing, always ask about other engagements that might become problematic to the work completed for you.
When you choose from the many Atlanta bookkeeping services, you should follow the steps above and be diligent. Being choosey and hiring the right person the first time can save a lot of money in the long run. Save even more money by choosing a firm that can handle multiple services, including accounting and tax preparation.