Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Bookkeeper Near You
Hiring a bookkeeper is a big decision-you’re giving someone access to your company’s most sensitive financial data. The right questions reveal whether a bookkeeping firm is professional, secure, and aligned with your needs. Whether you’re comparing local providers or virtual options, this checklist of questions will help you hire confidently and avoid costly mistakes.
Learn more about how RemoteBooksOnline delivers reliable bookkeeping services near you-virtually and securely.
1 – What Training or Certifications Do You Have?
Ask about formal accounting education and credentials.
- Are your bookkeepers U.S.-accounting-trained and GAAP-compliant?
- Is there CPA supervision or review built into the service?
- What certifications do they hold for QuickBooks or Xero?
Credentials ensure your books follow recognized standards, not guesswork.
2 – What Accounting Software Do You Use?
Reliable bookkeepers work in secure, industry-standard software.
- QuickBooks Online, Xero, or similar cloud platforms are ideal.
- Ask if you’ll have your own login for real-time visibility.
- Confirm whether your data can be exported anytime without restrictions.
Transparency and portability are signs of professional service.
3 – How Do You Keep My Data Secure?
Security should never be an afterthought.
- Is your data encrypted in transit and at rest?
- Do they use multi-factor authentication and secure document portals?
- Are files stored on compliant servers?
A serious bookkeeping firm can explain its security process clearly and confidently.
Looking for reliable help with your finances? Consider how to choose a bookkeeping service near you – trust, reputation, and local knowledge make all the difference.
4 – What’s Included in Your Monthly Fee?
Ask for a clear breakdown.
- Does pricing include reconciliation, reporting, and CPA review?
- Are payroll or catch-up months extra?
- Is there a setup or onboarding fee?
Predictable, fixed pricing is a hallmark of reliable bookkeeping.
5 – Who Will I Communicate With Day to Day?
You need consistent communication.
- Will you have a dedicated account manager?
- How quickly do they respond to questions?
- Do they offer video or phone meetings?
A firm that values communication makes bookkeeping feel personal-even when it’s virtual.
6 – How Often Will I Receive Reports?
Up-to-date financials are the whole point of hiring a bookkeeper.
- Standard cadence: monthly Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow.
- Ask whether CPA review occurs before delivery.
- Confirm if they provide custom management reports on request.
Reliable bookkeepers deliver reports on schedule, not as an afterthought.
7 – What Happens If I Fall Behind?
Even with help, delays happen.
Ask if they offer catch-up bookkeeping or cleanup services to get back on track quickly.
Proactive support keeps your finances accurate year-round.
Make a strategic move for your finances – switch from your local bookkeeper and gain accuracy, transparency, and expert remote support.
Why RemoteBooksOnline Passes Every Test
- CPA-supervised, U.S.-accounting-trained team
- QuickBooks and Xero certified
- Fixed, transparent pricing
- Secure client portal and quick communication
- Catch-up and monthly plans that scale with you
When you ask the right questions, you’ll see why thousands of businesses trust RemoteBooksOnline.
FAQs
Why should I ask about CPA oversight?
Because CPA review ensures every report is accurate and tax-ready, not just “close enough.”
How many clients should a good bookkeeper handle?
Enough to show experience, but not so many that response time suffers.
What red flags should I watch for?
Vague pricing, poor communication, or refusal to explain security measures.
How soon can RemoteBooksOnline start?
Usually within 3-5 business days after access and file review.
Looking for reliable bookkeeping that feels local?
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