Just because you run a small business, it doesnt mean you can afford to ignore your finances, you cant. However as a small business, its unlikely you have the resources to create your own accounting firm, and unless you have a background in accounting its unlikely you have the ability, or even the time, to keep your own books. Instead of trying and running to risk of making what could be a huge and potentially devastating mistake you need to give some serious consideration to outsourcing to a professional bookkeeper NYC. It could be one of the best business decisions you make.
While it might be tempting to contact college students and see if they would be willing to handle your accounting needs, while charging a lower fee than some of the bookkeeper NYC firms, you should resist their urge. On paper this might seem like a fine idea, but in the long run you will probably wish you hadnt done it. College students might be quite well educated, especially if you catch them in their senior year, but theyre not yet qualified, and they could make a mistake that has the potential to cost you your business. Its far better to stick to a firm who has all the proper resources and qualifications to do the job right. If youre worried about the expenses, handling even a small portion of your accounting will help you save some additional money.
Before you start officially outsourcing to a professional bookkeeper NYC, you need to sit down with the accountant the firm has decided you will be working with, and discuss your small businesses current financial situation, and what your future goals are. Knowing what you want to have happen in the future will help the accountant understand what needs to be done, financially, to help you achieve your goals, and should influence the type of advice they offer.
During your initial consultation with the professional bookkeeper NYC, you should take the time to discuss the specific areas of your business finances they will be handling, and if there are any you will be taking care of on your own. Once the two of you have found a professional working rhythm with each other, you can always change thing.
Pay careful attention to your own emotions while youre meeting with the bookkeeper NYC for the first time. This will be a person youre going to be working closely with and who will be helping you with some big decisions in the future, you need to make sure its someone youre comfortable with, and who you can trust.
When you get a financial report, you cant take it at face value. Sit down and read the report carefully. Make sure you understand everything that has been summarized. Dont be afraid to contact your accountant and to ask lots of questions. The truly successful small business owners are the ones who have a good working knowledge of their finances, and who stay in constant communication with their accountant.