When to Hire a Bookkeeper for Your Business
Hiring a bookkeeper may feel like an expense, but it can be one of your smartest investments—especially when your business starts to outgrow DIY accounting. In this post, we'll help you identify the right time to hire a bookkeeper, explore hiring options, and explain how partnering with Brecken Business Solutions can support your growth.
Why Bookkeeping Is More Than Just Number Entry
Bookkeepers handle essential financial tasks such as:
Recording purchases, sales, and payments
Reconciling bank and credit card statements
Managing accounts receivable and payable
Preparing basic financial reports
Collaborating with accountants for tax and audit compliance
Maintaining clean, accurate books not only saves you from errors and penalties—it's also vital for making informed business decisions.
6 Signs It's Time to Hire a Bookkeeper
1. You're Spending Too Much Time on Books
If bookkeeping drains time you could spend growing your business, outsourcing it gives you back crucial hours
2. You’re Seeing Frequent Errors or Discrepancies
Mistakes in your books can lead to missed tax deductions, compliance problems, and decision-making based on faulty data .
3. Your Transaction Volume or Complexity Is Growing
More sales channels, payroll, inventory, or multi-location operations make bookkeeping a full-time role
4. You Want Insightful Financial Reporting
If you're craving monthly profit/loss statements, cash flow analysis, and KPI data, a bookkeeper can deliver clear, actionable reports
5. You’re Headed Into Tax or Audit Season
Tax time is stressful. A bookkeeper ensures clean, audit-ready records and correct handling of deductions .
6. You’re Scaling or Seeking Funding
Investors and lenders expect professional books. Hiring a bookkeeper signals credibility and financial discipline
Hiring Options: What Suits You Best
Freelance or Independent Bookkeeper
Great for small volumes and basic needs. Flexible and typically cost-effectiveBookkeeping Firm or Online Service
Ideal for more volume or specialized needs. Offers continuity and expertise across platforms like QuickBooksIn-House Bookkeeper
Right when bookkeeping is a full-time function—or you prefer handling everything onsite. More overhead, but can deliver in-person control.
Bringing on a Bookkeeper: What to Consider
Define your needs: Do you need daily recording, payroll, invoicing support, or detailed reporting?
Budget accordingly: Freelancers range from $30–50/hour; firms may charge retainers. In-house roles typically come with salary and benefits
Credentials matter: Look for QuickBooks ProAdvisors, Certified Public Bookkeepers (CPB), or those with relevant experience
Vet candidates carefully: Ask for referrals, check references, and test communication styles
Q&A Section
Q: Can I just wait until tax time to hire a bookkeeper?
A: You could, but last-minute fixes cost more and add stress. Monthly cleanups are far more efficient—and prevent compliance issues.
Q: What difference does a certified bookkeeper make?
A: Certified professionals (like CPBs or ProAdvisors) bring specialized accounting knowledge and often provide strategic insights, not just data entry .
Q: How often should a bookkeeper deliver reports?
A: At minimum, monthly. However, businesses with higher complexity or growth trajectories might need weekly or daily reporting .
Q: Can I use remote bookkeeping?
A: Absolutely. Remote services save money and offer flexibility—just ensure they use your software and integrate with your workflow .
Q: What’s the cost comparison between in-house and outsourcing?
A: Freelancers charge ~$30–50/hr; firms usually need retainer agreements. An in-house bookkeeper is significantly more expensive once salary and benefits are included .
How Brecken Business Solutions Can Help
At Brecken Business Solutions, we offer flexible bookkeeping options tailored to your business stage:
Monthly bookkeeping & report packages
QuickBooks setup and clean‑up assistance
Payroll processing and tax prep support
Financial insight and strategic guidance
Our goal is to free up your time so you can focus on growing your business with confidence in your financial data. With deep expertise in service-based and scaling companies.
Ready to make bookkeeping stress a thing of the past?
👉 Contact Brecken Business Solutions today!
Summary: 5 Steps to Bookkeeping Success
Assess your time spent on financial tasks.
Identify pain points errors, complexity, lack of insight.
Choose the right hire freelancer, firm, or in-house.
Set clear expectations and deliverables.
Partner with experts like Brecken Business Solutions.
