Five Tips for Working with Your Contract Bookkeeper
- Melton Liggett
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 15
Hiring a contract bookkeeper can be one of the smartest moves you make for your business. But like any great partnership, communication and collaboration are key to success. Whether you're just starting with a bookkeeper or looking to improve your current workflow, here are five tips to help make the most of the relationship:
1. Save and Upload Receipts Promptly - Receipts are essential for documenting business expenses—especially in the event of an audit. Instead of letting them pile up or get lost in your inbox, use tools like QuickBooks' mobile app to snap and upload receipts in real time. The more consistently you do this, the fewer headaches come tax season.
2. Notify Your Bookkeeper About Mixed Expenses - Mistakes happen. If you accidentally pay for groceries with your business card or cover a business lunch with your personal account, just let your bookkeeper know. Prompt communication ensures transactions are categorized correctly, and your reports stay accurate.
3. Label Bank Transfers and Loan Payments Clearly - Not all transfers are created equal. Was that $500 moved to savings, or a loan payment? Letting your bookkeeper know the purpose of each transfer avoids confusion and helps keep your books clean and compliant.
4. Use a Dedicated Business Account - Mixing personal and business finances is one of the biggest bookkeeping pitfalls. To keep things simple and transparent, maintain a separate business bank account and credit card. It saves time, money, and stress.
5. Respond Promptly to Requests - Your bookkeeper may reach out with questions about specific transactions or missing documents. A quick reply can help prevent delays in reconciling accounts and keep your books up to date. Think of it as a team effort!
Working with a contract bookkeeper is an investment in your business's clarity and growth. A little organization and communication go a long way toward getting the most out of that investment.
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