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 outSam's Listto find abookkeeperspecialized 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 onSam’s Listshared 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 can find qualified bookkeepers in a few key places:
Sam’s List: Client reviewed, niche-specialized bookkeepers vetted for service and experience
Referrals from other business ownersin your network
LinkedIn or online directorieswith verified reviews
Your accountant’s recommendation
Just be cautious with generic marketplaces—quality varies wildly.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Before you say yes, ask:
Have you worked with businesses like mine?
What tools do you use?
How do you share reports and communicate?
Will you be the one doing the work?
What happens if I fall behind or need more support?
You’re not just hiring a data entry person—you’re hiring a financial partner.
Bookkeeper Hiring Table by Business Size
| Business Size | Typical Needs | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100K | Quarterly reconciliation, basic reports | $150–$250/mo |
| $100K–$250K | Monthly bookkeeping, categorized expenses | $300–$500/mo |
| $250K–$1M | Weekly bookkeeping, cash flow analysis | $500–$900/mo |
| $1M+ | Full-service bookkeeping and advisory | $1,000–$2,000+/mo |
Q&A
How much does it cost to hire a bookkeeper?
It depends on your revenue, complexity, and how often you need support. Some solo bookkeepers charge hourly ($40–$80/hr). Firms usually offer monthly packages starting at $300/month and going up from there.
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day (recording transactions, reconciling accounts). Accountants offer analysis, strategy, and tax filing. Learn more here:Bookkeeper vs. Accountant
Should I hire a local or remote bookkeeper?
Most modern bookkeepers work remotely. What matters more is their experience and communication style—not their zip code.
Can I find a bookkeeper that grows with me?
Yes—look for boutique accounting firms or full-service firms onSam’s Listthat offer bookkeeping, advisory, and tax prep as you scale.
What are red flags to avoid?
Poor communication
Lack of understanding of your industry
Inflexible pricing or unclear deliverables
No references or reviews
You Might Also Like
Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam's List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam's List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
