7 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Remote Bookkeeper

Are you a business owner overwhelmed by stacks of financial records and an ever-growing list of bookkeeping tasks? 

It might be time to consider hiring a remote bookkeeper to lighten the load. But before you jump into this decision, several important factors must be remembered. 

Let’s delve into the key considerations that can help you make an informed choice and find the right remote bookkeeper for your business.

What to Look for When Hiring a Bookkeeper

1. Defining Your Bookkeeping Needs

Before you start your search for a remote bookkeeper, take a moment to define your bookkeeping needs clearly. Are you seeking someone to handle daily transactions, payroll, or tax preparation? 

Taking the time to pinpoint the tasks that necessitate professional assistance precisely will provide you with a more comprehensive perspective and serve as a guiding light throughout your search. 

By having a well-defined scope of what you require, you can navigate the hiring process more effectively and identify the ideal candidate whose skill set aligns seamlessly with your needs. 

This thoughtful approach ensures that your prospective remote bookkeeper is equipped to fulfill your requirements adeptly, contributing to a more efficient and effective financial management system for your business.

2. Skill and Experience

When hiring a remote bookkeeper, expertise is paramount. You’ll want to hire someone with a proven track record of accurately managing financial records. Your aim should be to identify candidates with certifications pertinent to the field and a wealth of experience in handling bookkeeping responsibilities for businesses that mirror your own nature. Recognizing the significance of a skilled bookkeeper in maintaining the harmonious order of your financial affairs is essential.

3. Trustworthiness and Security

Your financial information is sensitive and confidential. Hiring a remote bookkeeper means entrusting them with access to your financial records. Verifying the candidate’s trustworthiness and ensuring they follow strict security protocols to protect your data from any potential breaches is crucial.

4. Communication Skills

When you hire a remote bookkeeper, you recognize the significance of effective communication as the cornerstone of a prosperous working relationship, mainly when collaborating with professionals from a distance. It becomes exceedingly essential for the remote bookkeeper you bring on board to have proficiency in their field and the capability to communicate clearly and without any hint of ambiguity. 

This encompasses not just their adeptness in straightforwardly presenting financial information but also their capacity to actively engage in discussions concerning pivotal matters and promptly address any queries that may arise.

5. Technology Proficiency

In today’s digital age, proficiency with relevant bookkeeping software and technology is essential, especially when hiring a virtual bookkeeper. A remote bookkeeper should feel at ease when maneuvering through different accounting tools and platforms, effectively overseeing and managing your financial records. 

This level of skill significantly simplifies the entire bookkeeping process while also playing a pivotal role in reducing the occurrence of errors. By ensuring that your remote bookkeeper is well-versed in these digital tools, you can expect more streamlined and precise financial data management.

6. Flexibility

When considering hiring a remote bookkeeper, it’s crucial to factor in their flexibility. Beyond just their skill set, it’s wise to evaluate their capacity to align with your business’s unique requirements regarding working hours and modes of communication.

Prioritizing a bookkeeper willing to communicate via call, text, or email – essentially, through methods that suit your preferences – particularly during standard working hours, can prove highly advantageous.

7. Cost Considerations

Opting for a remote bookkeeper can save you money compared to having an in-house employee, but it’s crucial to grasp how they charge for their services. Some bookkeepers bill by the hour, while others propose package offers. 

Take the time to compare these different pricing methods and select the one that fits well with your budget and the amount of work you expect to have. This way, you ensure that the financial arrangement you choose suits your budget and accommodates the expected workload effectively.

Why Choose VASL for Your Remote Bookkeeping Needs? 

Hiring remote bookkeeping services through VASL  is a decision rooted in expertise, experience and a commitment to excellence. With a foundation laid in years of portfolio management, strategic decision-making, and financial analysis, VASL’s founder, Saman, brings a unique perspective. This perspective has been honed through industry leadership, particularly in guiding businesses through complex processes like mergers and acquisitions.

VASL emerged as a progressive outsourcing firm driven by a mission to enhance financial processes and elevate organizational performance. The team at Vasl has diligently worked to bridge the gap between exceptional finance and accounting professionals and businesses that require their expertise. Through unwavering dedication, VASL has become a trusted advisor to numerous businesses, assisting them in navigating transitions and shaping a positive financial future.

When you hire remote bookkeeping services from VASL, you’re tapping into a wealth of experience, expertise, and values that drive exceptional financial processes. With a vision to realize clients’ full potential and a commitment to creating error-free services, VASL stands ready to elevate your business’s financial outlook while allowing you to focus on growth.