How to tell if you have a great bookkeeper?

1. They ask questions
2. They refer back to GST legislation for verification
3. They’re experienced
4. They know double entry accounting and can troubleshoot anything in your software program of choice
5. They ask questions (yes this is a deliberate double up)
6. They’re happy to liaise with your accountant on your behalf
7. They give you all the reports you want and need in a timely fashion
8. They give you regular backups of your datafile and have an OCD approach to backing up their own network/computer
9. They’re a member of a bookkeeper association
10. They’re continually looking to improve their skills and knowledge

Unfortunately, not all business owners will find a great bookkeeper on their first try because not all bookkeepers are great. There are some who are ok, good even, but not great. In any industry you’ll find people marketing themselves when they don’t have the skills to back it up. and bookkeeping is no different. Fortunately for business owners, the new Tax Agent Services Act will help them to weed out the bad from the great.

For more information about the new Tax Agent Services Act, please visit the Tax Practitioners Board.