How to Find a Good Bookkeeper for Your Business

Kimberly Green | 2025-05-01

Hiring a bookkeeper is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. The right bookkeeper doesn’t just keep your numbers tidy—they help you spot cash flow issues early, stay tax-ready, and make smarter business decisions. But how do you find the right one? Here’s everything you need to know. Need a bookkeeper? Check out Sam's List to find a bookkeeper specialized in your industry, stage, and needs. Get connected in seconds! What Does a Good Bookkeeper Actually Do? A good bookkeeper will: Keep your financial records up to date Reconcile your accounts monthly Categorize income and expenses properly Provide clean reports for your accountant or tax preparer Flag cash flow concerns early Help you stay organized so tax time isn’t chaos They’re the foundation of good financial hygiene. One business owner we spoke to on Sam’s List shared how their bookkeeper caught a recurring vendor charge that should have been canceled months prior—saving them over $4,000 in annual expenses. Another told us they didn’t realize how disorganized their books were until it was too late and they had to pay late filing penalties. Good bookkeeping is invisible when done right—and painfully obvious when it’s not. Signs You’re Ready to Hire a Bookkeeper You don’t have to be a big company to bring in help. You might be ready if: You’re spending more than 5–10 hours/month on books Your revenue has passed $100K+ You’re behind on reconciliations or tax filings You’re growing quickly and want clean financials for planning or fundraising If your time is better spent on growth—not admin—it’s time. We typically businesses hire a bookkeeper once they pass $250K in annual revenue. That’s the inflection point where it becomes costlier to DIY. What to Look For in a Bookkeeper Here’s what makes a bookkeeper a strong hire: Experience with your business model (e.g., e-commerce, services, real estate) Knowledge of the right tools (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, A2X) Responsiveness and communication Clear deliverables : reports, deadlines, expectations Referrals or client testimonials Bonus: they work closely with an accountant or tax pro and can coordinate clean handoffs. You can also ask: How often do you reconcile? Do you use accrual or cash accounting? What reports will I receive each month? Watch out for red flags like missed deadlines, vague pricing, or one-size-fits-all packages that don’t fit your business stage. Where to Find Bookkeepers You...