Finding a great bookkeeper will make a huge difference for your business. You must find the right person for the job as bookkeeping mistakes can cost you a lot of time and money. Having an experienced bookkeeper will make your life simple and let you focus on what you need to do to keep your business running smoothly.
Determine Your Bookkeeping Needs
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of bookkeeping support that your business needs. Businesses range in size, industry, and complexity, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
For larger businesses, it may make sense to bring on an employee to handle bookkeeping on a full or part-time basis. Considering that nearly 98% of all businesses in Canada (defined as having less than 100 employees) are small businesses, you will more than likely want to hire an outside firm or independent bookkeeper.
Next, think about the skill level that you require for a bookkeeper. Small and relatively simple businesses may not require a bookkeeper with a lot of experience. If your business model is complex, you operate in a specialized industry, or your books have been neglected and need to be cleaned up, you may want to consider hiring a bookkeeper with an extensive background and professional credentials.
Note – Bookkeepers in Canada are not required to have any specific credentials. However, the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation is widely recognized across the country.
How to Find a Bookkeeper in Vancouver
Referrals – Getting recommendations from family, friends, or colleagues is a great way to find the perfect bookkeeper. People are not likely to recommend businesses to people they know unless they have used their services are happy with the work they received.
Place a Job Ad – If you are planning to bring on an employee to take care of your bookkeeping needs, you will want to place an ad on a reputable career website. This will help you target candidates that live in and around the Vancouver area.
Hire a Business Services Firm – Hiring a business services firm like Valley Business Centre can be a great way to get several different services provided under one roof.
Work with a Specialized Recruiter – Looking for a full or part-time candidate can be a lot of work. A much easier way to do this is to find an employment recruiter who specializes in finding talented bookkeepers and accountants.
Go Local – While there are numerous options to outsource or hire independent contractors to support your business, it is critical that you find a bookkeeper who lives or works locally and is familiar with the tax laws, regulations, and business requirements in the Vancouver area.
The Vetting and Review Process
Before making your selection, you will want to talk to or interview several service providers to ensure that you are making an informed decision. Be sure to ask about their experience as it relates to the type of business you operate.
Tip – Create a questionnaire or checklist that you can easily fill-out while discussing the details of your job over the phone. That way you have something to compare and reference after the interview. Programs they use (QuickBooks, etc.), expectations, deadlines, fees (flat rate, hourly, etc.), and exclusions are all important things to consider.
Get Bookkeeping Support from Valley Business Centre
For over 30 years, Valley Business Centre has been providing comprehensive accounting, bookkeeping, and tax services to our clients in Whistler, Squamish, the Sea to Sky Corridor, and metro Vancouver BC areas. Contact us today to see how we can help with your bookkeeping needs.
