Hiring a bookkeeper for your team can be a game-changer for your business.
Whether you need someone to manage daily financial transactions or provide full-charge bookkeeping services, finding the right fit is crucial.
In this guide, I’ll share tips for hiring a bookkeeper for your team, from where to find candidates to evaluating their expertise and ensuring they align with your company’s goals.
Where to Find a Bookkeeper for Your Team
There are several platforms and resources available to help you find the right bookkeeping professional:
- Job Posting Platforms – Websites like ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and LinkedIn allow you to post job listings and review applications.
- Freelance Marketplaces – Platforms like Upwork provide access to experienced bookkeepers offering contract-based services.
- Facebook Groups – Niche communities are great places to connect with experienced professionals.
- Industry-Specific Networks – If you’re part of a bookkeeping training program or network like Akadian, you can find professionals looking for subcontracting opportunities.
Tip: While paid job boards offer broad exposure, specialized groups and networks often yield better-quality candidates who align with your business model.
How to Evaluate a Bookkeeper’s Knowledge and Experience
Once you’ve found potential candidates, assessing their skills is crucial. Here’s how to determine if a bookkeeper has the expertise you need:
- Conduct Hands-On Tests – Invite candidates to a Zoom session where they can complete a live bookkeeping task using QuickBooks or whichever platform you use.
- Ask Industry-Specific Questions – For example, if you need an e-commerce bookkeeper, ask them to explain how they would record a sale.
- Look for Confidence and Honesty – A good candidate should be willing to admit what they don’t know while demonstrating a strong ability to learn.
- Use Skill-Based Screening Tools – Platforms like Akadian aim to provide skill assessments for bookkeeping professionals.
Warning: Be cautious of candidates who “fake it” rather than admitting knowledge gaps. Bookkeeping mistakes can lead to costly financial errors.
Key Considerations When Hiring a Bookkeeper You Like
Finding a candidate who meets your technical requirements is one thing, but ensuring they align with your work culture is just as important. Here are a few things to consider:
- Availability & Communication – Do they have the hours needed to support your business? Will they check in daily, weekly, or as needed?
- Long-Term Career Goals – Are they looking to stay with your team or eventually want to start their own firm?
- Personal and Professional Growth – Do they want opportunities to learn and expand their skills?
- Preferred Work Tasks – Ensure the candidate enjoys the bookkeeping work you need to be done.
Example: If your team mainly handles e-commerce bookkeeping, hiring someone who dislikes working with platforms like Shopify or Amazon would not be ideal.
Describing Your Opportunity to Attract the Right Candidate
Your job description should be clear, transparent, and compelling to attract the right bookkeeper. Here’s what to include:
- Competitive Compensation – Can you offer a fair wage that reflects their expertise?
- Employment Type – Will they be a contractor or employee? Ensure you comply with labor laws.
- Benefits & Perks – Consider non-traditional benefits like paid education, flexible schedules, or bonuses.
- Work Environment & Culture – How does your team communicate? Slack, Zoom, or something else?
- Client Niches – Are your clients in a specific industry (e.g., service-based businesses, nonprofits, e-commerce)?
A well-crafted job listing will attract candidates who are genuinely interested and aligned with your business.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Hire
Hiring a bookkeeper for your team requires careful planning and consideration. You can build a team that supports your business growth by clearly defining your needs, evaluating skills thoroughly, and ensuring cultural fit.
If you’re hiring or looking for bookkeeping opportunities, join the discussion in Gentle Frog’s Bookkeeping Lily Pad community. Share your experiences and learn from others in the bookkeeping industry!
