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When Is the Best Time to Hire a Bookkeeper?
Running a small business means juggling countless responsibilities—sales, customer service, marketing, and everything in between. One area that often gets overlooked until it’s too late is bookkeeping. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s the right time to bring in a professional bookkeeper, here are some key indicators to help you decide.
Signs It’s Time to Hire a Bookkeeper
1. Your Books Are Always Behind
If you’re constantly playing catch-up with your bookkeeping, it’s a sign you need help. Late or incomplete records can lead to missed tax deadlines, cash flow issues, and even trouble securing financing.
2. You’re Spending Too Much Time on Bookkeeping
As a business owner, your time is valuable. If you’re spending hours reconciling bank accounts or categorizing transactions instead of growing your business, outsourcing your bookkeeping can give you that time back.
3. You’re Struggling to Understand Your Finances
Do your profit and loss statements confuse you? Are you unsure how much you’re spending on overhead versus earning in revenue? A bookkeeper doesn’t just keep your books in order—they help you understand the story behind the numbers.
4. Your Business Is Growing
Growth is exciting, but it often comes with increased financial complexity. Whether you’re adding staff, managing larger inventory, or securing new funding, a professional bookkeeper ensures your financial processes scale with your business.
5. Tax Time Is Stressful
If tax season feels like a nightmare, a bookkeeper can help. By keeping your books organized year-round, they make tax preparation much smoother—and can even help you identify potential deductions.
The Ideal Times to Bring in a Bookkeeper
At the Start of Your Business
Setting up your books correctly from day one saves time and money down the road. A bookkeeper can help you choose the right accounting software, set up accounts, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Before Major Business Changes
Planning to expand, secure financing, or pivot your business model? A bookkeeper ensures your finances are in order, so you can make informed decisions.
When Your Business Reaches a Certain Size
Many small businesses can handle bookkeeping on their own—up to a point. But once you’re managing multiple accounts, employees, or locations, it’s time to bring in a pro.
The Cost of Waiting Too Long
Putting off hiring a bookkeeper can lead to costly mistakes, including:
- Incorrect financial records that hurt your ability to get loans or attract investors.
- Tax penalties for missing deadlines or misreporting income.
- Missed growth opportunities due to a lack of financial clarity.
How a Bookkeeper Can Help
At Cooper Bookkeeping, I specialize in helping small businesses like yours stay organized and on track. Whether you need monthly bookkeeping, QuickBooks Online setup, or catch-up bookkeeping, I’m here to help.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a bookkeeper is an investment in your business’s success. The best time to hire one is before your finances feel overwhelming—when you’re ready to focus on what you do best, leaving the numbers to a pro.
Ready to get started? Let’s chat! Contact me at April Pavlus: april@cooperbookkeeping.com or call 315-404-5311. Together, we’ll make sure your finances are in great shape.
