Employers also prefer to hire bookkeepers who have taken some postsecondary courses. So, some professionals may pursue certificate programs in bookkeeping as a degree alternative. If you’re a freelancer, try applying your hourly rate to the time you spend on bookkeeping.
If the answer is yes, then size shouldn’t be your deciding factor. Even if your bookkeeper is insured against errors and omissions, you—or your business—are on the hook in case of errors. The effect of incorrect books could range from misinformed business decisions on your part, to misreported taxes (and the resulting IRS penalties) on the part of your business. In both cases, if you use dedicated bookkeeping software, you should ensure that your bookkeeper uses the same brand.
Conduct Interviews and Check References
And now that you know the answer to the question “How much does a bookkeeper cost? ” you may wonder what exactly a bookkeeper does and the different types of bookkeeping services you can pay for. According to Glassdoor, it costs about $42,000 a year to hire a bookkeeper for your small business. But, this cost can vary based on additional factors such as your bookkeeping needs and where you run your business. If you’re worried about not having someone you can count on everyday, and don’t mind paying a bit more, a bookkeeping firm is a smart choice.
It’s best if you can find someone who uses the same accounting software as your accountant. Whoever you hire needs to be trusted with the everyday details of your business finances. Accountants also go through formal training to obtain a degree or certification, whereas bookkeepers do not. This makes hiring an accountant more expensive than hiring a bookkeeper. You can also ask friends or colleagues who have utilized bookkeepers for their businesses.
Bookkeeping Software vs. Human Expertise
Significantly underpay your quarterly estimated taxes, and you’ll get saddled with fines from the IRS. Overpay them, and you’re effectively giving the IRS an interest-free loan. Your tax season won’t look like this if you hand off messy or incomplete books to your accountant.
- Hourly rates vary widely based on location and experience, but our experts recommend that you expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 an hour for a CPA.
- A lot of virtual bookkeepers use accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks Online.
- Bookkeeping professionals can do a regular expense review and follow up on overdue payments.
- The exam for a CB is longer and more thorough than one for a CPB.
- Up-to-date financials allow business owners to make informed budgeting decisions, identify potential tax deductions, and have stress-free tax seasons.
- Meanwhile, here are answers to some questions you might have about how to hire a bookkeeper for your company.\r\n\r\nLet Robert Half help you hire your next bookkeeper.
As a client of a professional CPA, you can get advice on cash flow management, business planning and the completion of annual tax returns. Hourly rates vary widely based on location and experience, but our experts recommend that you expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 an hour for a CPA. Some services, such as tax preparation usually get invoiced as a flat fee. Deciding to hire a full-charge bookkeeper is best when you need a readily available bookkeeper at your disposal and have enough activity to keep them busy. As part of the job description, they can examine your company’s accounts, finances, and practices.
Paying estimated taxes is a pain in the a**
A freelancer may or may not have experience working directly with CPAs. Ask about this during the consultation process, to determine their capacity for helping an accountant file your taxes on time. A freelance bookkeeper hire a bookkeeper is the most affordable option if your finances are simple, and you’re okay with your bookkeeper not being available for you every single business day. So whatever you do, don’t rush the recruiting and hiring process.
Throughout her career, she has diligently stayed up-to-date with the latest advancements in HR and payroll software, constantly exploring new features, trends, and emerging technologies. You should consider hiring an accountant when you require expertise in complex financial matters, tax compliance, or strategic financial guidance. With a reliable bookkeeper, you can focus on your business instead of constantly worrying about cash flow and expenses. Ultimately, a proficient bookkeeper gives you invaluable insight into your company’s finances, allowing you to make better decisions. We offer a full guide on how to write a job description, but there are a few points we want to call out here specifically for bookkeeping.