21 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Bookkeeper
Hiring a bookkeeper without the right questions can cost you time, money, and trust. A qualified bookkeeper must handle reconciliations, reports, and security with precision. This list of 21 questions helps you separate professionals from pretenders. Use it during interviews or discovery calls to confirm credentials, workflow, and service quality before you commit.
Credentials and Experience
- How many years have you worked in bookkeeping?
- Are you certified in QuickBooks Online or Xero?
- Do you work with CPA oversight or review?
- Which industries do you specialize in?
- Can you share references from current clients?
Process and Systems
- Which accounting software do you use?
- How do you manage bank feeds and reconciliations?
- What is your monthly close process?
- Do you follow a standard checklist for each client?
- How do you handle exceptions or adjustments?
Communication and Support
- How quickly do you respond to client questions?
- Will I have a dedicated contact?
- Do you provide reports automatically or on request?
- How do you communicate during month-end close?
- Do you summarize monthly results for owners?
Security and Compliance
- How quickly do you respond to client questions?
- Will I have a dedicated contact?
- Do you provide reports automatically or on request?
- How do you communicate during month-end close?
- Do you summarize monthly results for owners?
Pricing and SLA Alignment
- What exactly is included in my monthly fee?
Confirm deliverables, turnaround time, and scope before signing. A transparent SLA eliminates future disputes.
How to Score the Answers
Create a simple table with three columns: Yes / No / Needs Follow-up.
Strong providers will easily explain their process and produce examples or references. If any answer feels vague, treat it as a red flag.
FAQs
What should I ask a bookkeeper before hiring?
Start with experience, systems, and data security. These define reliability.
Should I choose a local or virtual bookkeeper?
Virtual firms with clear workflows often outperform local providers because of automation and coverage.
How soon can a bookkeeper start after onboarding?
Usually within one to two weeks once access and chart of accounts are set.
Can I switch bookkeepers later?
Yes. Export your data and reconcile up to the handoff date for a smooth transition.
Bookkeeping Deliverables: What You Should Receive Every Month
How to Choose a Bookkeeper: Credentials, Systems, and SLA You Can Trust
