There are approximately 316,000 payroll and bookkeeping services in the United States, highlighting the importance of the industry within our economy. Bookkeeping involves keeping track of financial records, managing invoices, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
While some business owners prefer to handle bookkeeping in-house, many opt to outsource this task to professional bookkeeping services. There are many benefits to doing this. For example, hiring the right bookkeeping service can:
- Save you time
- Reduce stress
- Save you money
- Ensure the financial health of your business
- Enable future growth
In this blog post, we will discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a bookkeeping service for your small business. Let’s get started.
Assess Your Business Needs
There are approximately 33 million small businesses in the U.S. today. Combined, these businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. Every single one of these businesses is different and has specific needs.
Before you start searching for a bookkeeping service, it’s crucial to understand these specific needs. We recommend that you evaluate the following:
- The size of your business
- The volume of financial transactions
- The complexity of your financial reporting
Identifying your needs will help you find a bookkeeping service that can meet your specific requirements.
Look for Industry Experience
When choosing a bookkeeping service, it’s essential to consider their industry experience. We recommend that you look for providers that have worked with businesses in your industry.
Industry-specific knowledge ensures that the bookkeeping service understands the unique challenges and requirements of your business. They will be better equipped to provide tailored solutions and advice that aligns with your industry’s best practices.
Here at Cloud Bookkeeping, we work with businesses across a broad range of industries. We have years of experience working with businesses of all shapes and sizes. We serve more than 300 clients every month and have expertise in using QuickBooks software.
Check for Certifications
Think of certifications and credentials as being badges of expertise and professionalism. They indicate that the bookkeeping service has undergone proper training. It also indicates they meet certain standards in the field.
Ultimately, choosing a bookkeeping service with certifications and credentials brings peace of mind. It means qualified professionals handle your financial records. Certifications show show they have the necessary skills and knowledge, and can accurately manage your small business’s finances.
We are always happy to discuss our certifications and credentials with you.
Review Client Testimonials
When considering a bookkeeping service, client testimonials and references provide valuable feedback. We recommend that you take the time to read client testimonials and reviews. There are a number of places online where you can find such reviews, including:
- Business websites
- Social media platforms
- Industry forums
It may also be beneficial to ask other industry partners for recommendations. It’s possible that they themselves use a bookkeeping service they can recommend.
Additionally, request references from a bookkeeping service and reach out to their existing clients. They will provide you with insights into the service’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall satisfaction levels. With these insights, you can make an informed decision.
Understand Pricing
As a small business, it’s very likely that you are working from a strict budget. You may be limited in your available budget and be conscious of what a bookkeeping service will cost. It’s essential to understand the pricing and billing structure of the service you’re considering.
Make sure you clarify the pricing terms and ensure there are no hidden costs. Then, compare the pricing of multiple services to find the one that offers the best value for your business.
Note that the cheapest service isn’t necessarily the one you should choose. This is true even if you are on a tight budget. Pricing should be considered alongside the other points in this blog post.
Think About Communication
Clear and open communication is vital when working with a bookkeeping service. Look for a service provider that is responsive and easily accessible. Highlight your preferred communication channels and establish your expectations regarding response times.
A reliable bookkeeping service should be responsive to your inquiries at all times. They should be able to provide timely updates on the status of your financial data.
This is something that you can better understand by reading reviews and speaking to references. It’s also something you can determine during your initial consultation. By ensuring effective communication you can establish a smooth and productive working relationship with your bookkeeping service.
Consider Scalability
As your small business grows, your bookkeeping needs may change. As such, it’s crucial to choose a bookkeeping service that can accommodate your future needs.
During your initial consultation, inquire about their scalability. For example, are they going to be able to handle an increased volume of transactions? Can they provide additional services as your business expands?
Here at Cloud Bookkeeping, our range of services include:
- Managed bookkeeping
- Controller services
- Full-service payroll
- Sales tax return and reporting
- Tax return preparation work papers
- 1099 vendor management
We’re here to help you as you grow and expand your business’s reach and operations.
How to Choose the Right Bookkeeping Service
Choosing the right bookkeeping service is crucial for your small business’s financial management.
We recommend that you first assess your own business’s needs. Then, consider a service’s experience, pricing, communication, and scalability. Take the time to research and partner with a service that supports your business growth and success.
Here in San Antonio, your premier choice is Cloud Bookkeeping. We are here to take care of all your bookkeeping needs in a timely and efficient manner. Contact our friendly team to learn more.
