October 9, 2025Business Tips

How to Choose the Right Bookkeeper for Your Business

Essential factors to consider when hiring a bookkeeper in Herriman or Salt Lake City to ensure you get quality service.

Choosing a bookkeeper is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your business. The right bookkeeper doesn't just record transactions—they become a trusted partner who helps you understand your finances and make better business decisions.

Here's what to look for when hiring a bookkeeper, whether you're in Utah or anywhere nationwide.

1. Certifications and Qualifications

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

If you use QuickBooks (and most small businesses do), look for a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. This certification means the bookkeeper has:

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Passed rigorous QuickBooks exams
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Stays current with annual recertification
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Has access to advanced QuickBooks support
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Understands best practices and advanced features

Other Valuable Certifications

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Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
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Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers

2. Industry Experience

Every industry has unique bookkeeping needs:

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Contractors: Need job costing and progress billing
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Retail: Requires inventory management
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Service businesses: Focus on time tracking and project profitability
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E-commerce: Needs multi-channel sales reconciliation

💡 Pro Tip

Ask potential bookkeepers about their experience with businesses like yours. Industry-specific knowledge can save you time and money.

3. Services Offered

Make sure the bookkeeper offers the services you need:

Basic Services

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Transaction categorization
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Bank and credit card reconciliation
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Financial statement preparation

Advanced Services

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Payroll processing
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Accounts payable/receivable management
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Sales tax filing
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Financial analysis and consulting
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QuickBooks setup and training
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Tax preparation coordination

4. Technology and Tools

A modern bookkeeper should be comfortable with:

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Cloud-based accounting: QuickBooks Online, Xero, etc.
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Receipt management: Dext, Hubdoc, Receipt Bank
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Bill pay: Bill.com, Melio
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Time tracking: TSheets, Harvest
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Secure communication: Encrypted file sharing and messaging

5. Communication Style

Your bookkeeper should:

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Explain financial concepts in plain English
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Respond to questions promptly
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Proactively alert you to issues
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Be available for regular check-ins
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Provide clear, understandable reports

6. Pricing Structure

Bookkeepers typically charge in one of three ways:

Hourly Rates ($50-$150/hour)

Pros: Pay only for time used
Cons: Unpredictable monthly costs

Monthly Retainer ($300-$2,500/month)

Pros: Predictable costs, often includes unlimited support
Cons: May pay for unused time in slow months

Per-Transaction ($1-$3 per transaction)

Pros: Scales with business size
Cons: Can get expensive for high-volume businesses

⚠️ Red Flag

Be wary of bookkeepers who won't provide clear pricing or seem evasive about costs.

7. References and Reviews

Always check:

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Google reviews
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Testimonials on their website
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References from current clients
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Better Business Bureau rating

8. Local vs. Virtual

With cloud technology, your bookkeeper doesn't need to be local. At Breeze Bookkeeping, we serve both local Utah clients and businesses nationwide. Here are the benefits of each:

Local Service (Utah - Herriman/Salt Lake City)

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Face-to-face meetings available
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Deep understanding of Utah tax requirements
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Can pick up documents if needed
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Familiar with local business community

Nationwide Virtual Service

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Same expert service regardless of location
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Flexible scheduling across time zones
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Secure cloud-based collaboration
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All communication via video, phone, or email

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

What accounting software do you specialize in?
Do you have experience with businesses in my industry?
What's your typical response time for questions?
How do you handle tax season?
What reports will I receive and how often?
Do you carry errors and omissions insurance?
What happens if you're sick or on vacation?
How do you stay current with tax law changes?

Red Flags to Watch For

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Unwilling to provide references
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No professional certifications or ongoing education
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Vague about services or pricing
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Promises unrealistic tax savings
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Poor communication during initial contact
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No written service agreement

Why Choose Breeze Bookkeeping?

At Breeze Bookkeeping, I bring:

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Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification
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Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
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Responsive communication—usually within 24 hours
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Cloud-based systems for secure, convenient access
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Proven track record with Utah businesses and nationwide!