If you’re getting swamped trying to take control of your books and running your business, we’re sharing some tips for hiring an online bookkeeper in our latest blog.
At Stellar Accounts, our Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and Registered Tax Agent has over 25 years-experience in audit, bookkeeping, BAS and tax return preparation.
When you have a bookkeeper with further qualifications and experience in tax legislation, there are three main benefits – cost, knowledge and efficiency.
In this blog we outline some questions to keep in mind when you determine if a potential candidate is the right bookkeeper, or accountant, for your business.
1. What experience do they have?
A lot of bookkeepers have little in the way of formal training so it’s important to make sure the one you use has the qualifications for the work you require.
For example, if your business is registered for GST, your bookkeeping, BAS and tax requirements must be managed by a BAS Agent or Tax Agent.
We suggest you also check references from other people they’ve worked in within your industry, reviews, if their business is GST registered and ask for their registration number.
It also might be a good idea to find out who will be carrying out your work – will it be a senior staff member of a junior?
2. What industries do you have experience working with?
It’s important to know if they have experience working within your industry.
Stellar Accounts has experience working with a wide range of industries, including:
- Trades
- Retail (online and shop front)
- Hospitality
- Travel
- Beauty
- Creatives (i.e. authors, musicians, athletes, social media, graphic designers etc)
3. Is their technical knowledge up to date?
BAS Agents and Tax Agents, who are specialised accountants, have an obligation to continue their professional education. It is mandatory to ensure skills and knowledge are up to date.
4. Are they organised?
A good bookkeeper will ensure your lodgements are up to date, your record keeping is complete, and will be available to answer your ad hoc queries.
At Stellar Accounts, we also use software and diaries to help fulfil obligations, and we keep in contact with clients on a regular basis.
5. Are they ethical and trustworthy?
You know you have found a reputable bookkeeper or accountant if they can answer your questions straight away, can provide you with evidence of their qualifications and references, and have sound reviews.
6. Will they help improve your business?
A standard bookkeeper likely has little in the way of formal qualifications. They cannot advise on tax or GST matters, or provide any financial advice, as they do not have the qualifications to do these things.
When Stellar Accounts performs bookkeeping for clients, we’re looking at it from a tax accountant perspective, whereas a bookkeeper or BAS Agent has no experience in tax legislation and guidelines and hence additional work is always required prior to preparation of tax returns.
In addition, we provide a discount on tax return services for full-service clients, as we have prepared their bookkeeping in accordance with tax legislation, so no additional work is required to get their accounts in order.
For those who are hoping for more detailed advice in addition to monthly bookkeeping and BAS preparation, they should choose an accountant.
Tips for Hiring an Online Bookkeeper
Stellar Accounts will work with you to help your businesses achieve its main objectives, while keeping tax to a minimum.
So, if you’re searching for a bookkeeper who is also an experienced accountant, give us a call today on 0428 887 104 or enquire online.
Stellar Accounts is Brisbane’s leading small and new business accounting firm. We have a reputation for simplifying your accounting, tax and bookkeeping needs so you don’t need to stress or worry.
With more than 20 years’ experience across a wide array of industries – our clients (typically small and medium sized businesses) – gain a distinct advantage over their competitors because we keep them in the loop of the latest information and regulatory requirements. Call us on 0428 887 104.
Check out our blog for the latest news – including tips and tricks for better managing your business or personal financials.