Year-end is approaching, and many of us may feel unprepared for the financial tasks ahead. Whether you need to organize this year’s financial information or implement a better system for the new year, an experienced ecommerce bookkeeper can be your savior. What qualities should you seek when searching for this crucial member to join your team?
Integrity: You need someone you can trust with your sensitive financial information. Don’t leave it to chance. Check references and ask how they screen their employees. Find out about their systems for storing your passwords and make sure they will sign your nondisclosure agreement.
Communication Skills: Are you passionate about your products but not always confident in your skills around the financial systems and reports? When you talk with your prospective bookkeeper, ask questions about your financials to determine if their communication style will mesh with yours. They can help you learn more about your financial requirements and your financial reports.
Systems Thinking: Today’s bookkeeping is more than just debits and credits. It’s about understanding workflows and ensuring that your technology solutions deliver the desired results. If up-to-date information is important for you, and I’m sure it is, then you want to look for someone who utilizes cloud accounting and applications to give you nearly real-time data.
Data Driven: Producing accurate financials is expected, but wouldn’t it be great to have someone who looked at them with a critical eye and pointed out historical trends that could negatively impact the future? Understanding the relationship of the numbers on the reports and calling them to your attention means you have one more member of your team helping you grow your business.
Eager to Learn: The technology landscape is changing daily. Making good use of the many programs (such as QBO) and their features can enhance your ability to manage your financials and communicate with your bookkeeper. Your bookkeeper should be eager to embrace these time-saving systems that bring you timely and better information for running your business.
On a final note re: preparing for year-end. Be sure to read up on any new IRS changes regarding 1099’s and other requirements, or check with your accountant to make sure you are in compliance. IRS rules are changing all the time. Don’t be caught off guard. And if you file your 1099’s electronically, I highly recommend our favorite app for this purpose, Track1099.
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