6 Questions to ask a Bookkeeper
As a small business owner, your ultimate goal is to grow your business. In order to do this, you may focus on additional training for your clients, re-evaluating your marketing strategy, or simply working on another sales or promotion strategy. However, oftentimes the answer can be found in having a conversation with your bookkeeper. A good small business bookkeeper can be a wealth of information. At Barta Business Group we believe that if you ask the right questions and have a regular open dialogue with your bookkeeper, you will be able to find the answers you are looking for. Here are 6 questions to ask a bookkeeper to help grow your business.
The 6 Questions to Ask A Bookkeeper
1. Where are we wasting money?
When you ask your bookkeeper this question there should be no hesitation. That is because your bookkeeper most likely knows the finances of your business better than you do. If they are handling your books correctly they will be able to see every single transaction for your business and more importantly whether that transaction is having a positive or negative impact on your growth.
2. How can we make the bookkeeping system more efficient?
Just like how you are always looking to improve your business, your bookkeeper should always be looking for ways to improve the efficiency of your bookkeeping system. By incorporating new technologies and systems into your bookkeeping system it will make it easier to make hard decisions or financial decisions in the long-run.
3. Can I see my most recent bank account reconciliation?
Every time your books are closed, a bank account reconciliation should be performed. This process will show you whether your balance sheet does or does not match. If they don’t it is usually due to outstanding checks, or deposits. It is imperative that this report matches up or at the very least is cleaned up quickly so that you do not overstate or pay taxes on revenue that does not exist.
4. Can you help me budget forecast?
In addition to keeping your finger on the pulse of your financial reporting each month, you should also compare your historical financials to your budget forecast to see how closely you are lining up to your goals.
5. How much year-end tax work will my accountant need to do?
If your bookkeeper is separate from your accountant, you need to be aware of what each is doing. Otherwise you may end up paying for work that is already being done by another. Keeping your financials clean and reconciled will help cut down on the total bill your accountant may charge saving you money in the long run.
6. What do you think we can do to improve sales?
It might seem odd to ask your bookkeeper this question, but they may have some interesting ideas and insight based on your financial situation. They may have the ability to point out trends in your sales that you have overlooked or could introduce a new sales avenue that you have not considered before.
About Barta Business Group
Barta Business Group serves as a professional guide on your organization’s growth path. Pairing our expertise, with emotional investment in your mission’s success, creates amazing results for your organization. To learn more about our small business bookkeeping services please contact us for an initial consultation.
About Barta Business Group
If you need assistance in taking your bookkeeping functions to the next level, please Contact Us. We look forward to providing your business the service and attention it deserves.
Barta Business Group is a small business accounting and bookkeeping firm in Denver, CO serving the needs of small and medium sized businesses through the United States.