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Ask yourself: Do you really have a strong relationship with your bookkeeper?  Let’s be real — managing your finances can be a headache, but the last thing you need is to feel unsure about the person handling your books. Your bookkeeper can either be an asset that drives your business forward, or a roadblock that keeps you stuck in the dark about your own finances.

Here’s how a productive, healthy relationship with your bookkeeper should look—and why settling for less could be hurting your business.

Open & Clear Communication (No Excuses)

If you’re not having frequent, open conversations with your bookkeeper, it’s time for a wake-up call. When communication is off, it’s like driving your business with a blindfold on.

• No Surprises: There should be zero mystery about where your money is going. Are they keeping you in the loop on financial trends and potential red flags? Or are you just getting updates when something goes wrong? If it’s the latter, that’s a problem.
• Speak Up: If you don’t understand something, are you comfortable asking questions? A solid bookkeeper explains things clearly—without making you feel dumb for asking.
• Regular Updates: Are you only talking when it’s tax time? You should be having regular meetings, even if it’s quick check-ins. Don’t let things pile up until there’s a crisis.

Trust Goes Both Ways

Trust isn’t something that happens automatically. You should trust your bookkeeper to handle your business’s financial lifeline, but that trust should go both ways.

• Transparency is Key: You should be 100% upfront about your financial goals and challenges. If you’re hiding things or holding back, your bookkeeper can’t do their job effectively. On the flip side, if your bookkeeper isn’t transparent with you about potential problems or upcoming opportunities, that’s a red flag.
• Proactivity Over Reactivity: A good bookkeeper isn’t just reactive; they’re proactive. Are they bringing you solutions before you even know there’s a problem? If not, it’s time to rethink that partnership.

Alignment on Business Goals

A great bookkeeper does more than just track expenses and cut checks. They should understand your business goals and tailor their services to support your long-term strategy.

• More Than Just Data: Your bookkeeper should be involved in your growth plans. Are they helping you forecast for the future or just reacting to past numbers?
• Aligned Vision: If they aren’t on the same page with your business goals, it’s time to have a serious conversation—or find someone who is.

Accountability and Responsibility

A great bookkeeper takes responsibility when things go wrong and ensures your business is always in compliance with tax laws, financial regulations, and best practices. If there’s any sign of complacency, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

• Avoiding Mistakes: Are they double-checking their work and ensuring accuracy in all financial documents? Small errors in bookkeeping can turn into big problems for your business.
• Takes Ownership: A good bookkeeper owns their mistakes and works with you to correct them, quickly and professionally. If they’re dodging responsibility, that’s a huge red flag.

Are You Getting What You Deserve from Your Bookkeeper?

At the end of the day, a strong relationship with your bookkeeper is crucial to the success of your business. If communication is lacking, if trust isn’t there, or if they’re not proactive in helping you grow, then it’s time to reassess. You deserve a partnership that lifts your business up, not one that leaves you in the dark.

Remember, your bookkeeper is more than just a numbers person—they’re a key player in your success. Choose wisely! For any questions at all, contact us for more inquiries.