Let me guess—you’ve been juggling a lot lately. 

You’re running your business, managing your clients or inventory, and keeping up with day-to-day operations. So it comes as no surprise that when you ran your last financial audit (you did run last quarter’s financial audit, right?) you realize something is off. 

The numbers don’t add up, taxes are looming, and receipts are scattered across your desk like confetti from last quarter. You think this can’t be happening! But it is, and it happens to unsuspecting business owners all the time.  

It’s chaos, and deep down, you know it can’t go on like this. 

You need someone reliable, someone who can turn your financial mess into a well-oiled machine. But how do you find the right bookkeeper in Seattle and beyond?

Time to fire yourself as the bookkeeper of your business and grab something so you can take notes—here’s what you need to know. 

What Does A Bookkeeper Do?

You probably went into business because you like what you do. And unless you went into business because you like crunching numbers (like moi) then trust me—you need a bookkeeper. 

Your bookkeeper is the backbone of all your financial operations, as they’re responsible for recording the transactions that keep your business in the black.

Bookkeepers track income and expenses, manage payroll processing, and ensure every dollar is accounted for, from daily transactions to year-end reports and financial statements.

They often take on tasks such as tax prep, financial accounting, and managing balance sheets. They also play a critical role in compiling monthly statements for year-end reporting and helping you meet regulatory requirements.

What bookkeepers do is no joke—without them, you could wind up getting yourself into serious trouble (financially, legally, emotionally…)

How To Spot An Exceptional Bookkeeper

When it comes to your business, you can’t just hire some schmuck you find on the Craig’s List. (Well, you could, but it won’t be long until you realize you’ve made a huge mistake!) 

Referrals are nice, but your neighbor’s sister-in-law’s cousin might not have the experience in your industry that you need.

Instead of learning the hard way (or do what you please and learn the hard way, but don’t say I didn’t warn you), take it from me. Here are some key indicators to look for when hunting for the perfect bookkeeper for your business. 

They have all the right bookkeeping certifications. 

No, not your nephew who just took a semester of business school classes. Instead, look for someone who already knows the ropes. 

They understand relevant bookkeeping tech. 

The perfect bookkeeper should be tech-savvy. That means they’re skilled in the accounting software you need them to know. 

They have proof of success. 

I know you read at least 20 reviews before you decided which air fryer to put in your kitchen. Why wouldn’t you do the same level of research for your business?!

  • Look for positive testimonials and case studies that tell the story of how they’ve turned financial messes into organized, smooth operations.

  • Read Google Reviews, look to see if they’re BBB accredited, and ask for references just to be extra thorough. 

More Tips for Hiring The Perfect Fit 

Here are some more smoking hot tips to ensure you hire a bookkeeper who fits like a charm. 

Tip #1 – Hire someone who actually understands your business. 

The perfect bookkeeper for a luxury car dealership might not be the perfect bookkeeper for a murder mystery dinner party company (yes, those are real, and they are awesome). 

Look for a bookkeeper who has actual experience in your industry so they understand the nuance of what you do. They’ll know more about regulations, red flags, and even tips and tricks for keeping your books in the black than generalists.  

Ultimately, this is someone who will help you make decisions as you scale your business—so they have to understand it inside and out. 

Tip #2 – Decide between local or virtual. 

Hate Zoom meetings? Hey, I get it—some people have dogs and kids running around, so in-person meetings make the most sense. Hate in-person meetings? I get that too—nothing beats having a meeting in your pajama bottoms.  

(Side note: I have dogs and kids running around my Zoom meetings every day, and to be honest, I think it’s kind of awesome and we should normalize it—that’s life happening!)

Either way, you’ll need to make a strategic decision between the convenience of a virtual bookkeeper or one who you can meet up with for in-person meetings. Make sure your bookkeeper is on board with your preference. 

Tip #3 – Find a culture fit. 

Find someone you don’t dread sitting through meetings with. Someone who won’t roll their eyes at your dad jokes. Someone who vibes with you in a way that makes you say, “hey, that quarterly financial review didn’t suck nearly as much as I thought it would!” 

Use your intuition in the discovery call to decide if this is someone you can like and trust for a good long while—remember, this person should be your bookkeeper for years to come! 

Interviewing Bookkeeping Candidates—Questions You Should Ask 

Once you’ve found a few promising bookkeeper candidates, it’s time to sit down and ask the right questions. Here are some key questions to ask during your interview:

  • “Can you describe your experience with businesses of my size and in my industry?” Industry-specific experience can make or break a professional bookkeeper’s ability to handle your business’s unique needs.

  • “How do you handle bookkeeping challenges that arise unexpectedly?” Problem-solving is key for a traditional bookkeeper, so understanding their approach to unexpected challenges will give you insight into their resourcefulness and adaptability.

  • “What’s your process for staying updated on the latest accounting laws and regulations?” Staying compliant with ever-changing financial management regulations is critical, so you need to ensure they’re proactive in keeping up with the latest laws.

  • “What is included in your fee, and are there any additional charges I should be aware of?” It’s vital to have clear expectations on pricing and avoid hidden fees that could strain your budget.

  • “Have you ever faced disciplinary actions or ethical breaches in your professional history?” Trust is the foundation of a bookkeeping relationship, and it’s important to know their ethical track record so you can make an informed decision.

How to Find a Bookkeeper—Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you pay someone to do your bookkeeping?

Bookkeepers typically do a monthly charge. The range can be as low as $150 for solopreneurs to $2500 for large companies. Most bookkeepers land between $250-$450 a month. 

Is a bookkeeper cheaper than an accountant?

Yes, bookkeepers are usually cheaper than accountants because they handle daily financial tasks and monthly books, while accountants focus on higher-level analysis.

Is it worth getting a bookkeeper?

Yes, a bookkeeper saves you time and ensures your financial records are accurate and up to date.

How to choose a bookkeeper?

Look for experience in your industry, relevant certifications, and someone who aligns with your business values.

How much should I spend on a bookkeeper?

Expect to spend between 1-5% of your monthly revenue on bookkeeping services, depending on your needs.

Should I use QuickBooks or hire a bookkeeper?

Using Quickbooks is half the battle—remember Quickbooks is the tool, but a bookkeeper is the master project manager. Hiring a bookkeeper ensures your finances are handled professionally and accurately—especially when it comes to business taxes, saving you time and reducing costly mistakes that software alone can’t prevent.

Download Our Free Guide To Finding the Right Bookkeeper

We get it—your time is precious, and you can’t afford to make mistakes when hiring a bookkeeper. That’s why we’ve created a quick, no-fuss PDF checklist: “What to Consider When Looking for a Bookkeeper.” 

This is your blueprint for avoiding costly common mistakes and finding the perfect senior bookkeeper for your business. Download now and discover:

  • Bookkeeper Must-Haves: Identify the key skills and certifications that ensure top-tier service.

  • Essential Questions: Learn how to ask the right questions that uncover a candidate’s true expertise.

  • Compatibility Clues: Make sure your bookkeeper not only handles your books but also fits seamlessly into your business culture.

Take control of your financial position with professional bookkeeping services that are a perfect match.

Find Your Perfect Bookkeeping Match the Easy Way 

Instead of sifting through endless profiles and reviews, start your search with a platform designed to connect you with the perfect match—this one! 

Bookkeeping Match Up is a free service built to take the guesswork out of finding a bookkeeper. With Bookkeeping Match Up, you get pre-vetted, qualified bookkeepers tailored to your business.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!