If you run a business and are struggling to keep on top of all the ins and outs of your finances, then hiring a bookkeeper can help.

A bookkeeper helps you deal with all the day to day financial parts of your business and makes sure everything is in order for your accountant or IRD throughout the year. They give you a clearer picture of your finances while freeing up your time to work on other areas of your business.

A bookkeeper works closely with your business and knows intimate details about your finances. That’s why it’s essential to find someone you can trust and feel you can work with.

So how do you find a bookkeeper for your business?

One option is to get a referral from a colleague or friend. But, that isn’t always possible. So, your other option is to search for an available bookkeeper you’d like to work with.

Many people find their bookkeepers through the internet. A Google search will bring up plenty of bookkeepers ready to work, but it isn’t always easy to work out which is the best choice - if any.

An ICNZB Certified Bookkeeper™ or an ICNZB Master Bookkeeper™ are the best choice for your business, here’s why...

Downsides of searching Google for your Bookkeeper

It is natural to turn to Google when you want answers to anything these days! So, when you are looking for a bookkeeper, a Google search might be the first place you go to find one. But, picking your bookkeeper from an internet search can have some drawbacks.

Firstly searching on Google can be time-consuming. Because a bookkeeper is a trusted position within your business, you need to carefully research any potential financial partners you find online to ensure they are a good fit. This can take time, especially if you are setting up a time to talk to them in person before making a decision.

And, without any independent background checks, you have no guarantee that the information on their website is correct or that things like testimonials are real. We certainly aren’t saying that everyone on the internet is out to swindle you by any means! While most people are trustworthy, there are some unscrupulous people and some that aren’t as experienced as they claim to be.

A better idea is to choose your bookkeeper from the Institute of Certified NZ Bookkeepers (ICNZB).

Benefits of hiring an ICNZB Certified Bookkeeper™

Choosing a bookkeeper for your business can feel like a daunting task. After all, you are letting them inside the inner sanctum of your business! By selecting an ICNZB bookkeeper, you have an extra level of confidence and protection.

Here are just some of the reasons why that is:

Peace of mind

The main benefit of hiring a Certified Bookkeeper is peace of mind that you will get the job done right. Bookkeepers who are part of ICNZB must pass rigorous assessments before they are allowed to join, which means you can be sure that they have the right skills.

All of our members are Certified Bookkeepers and many have other qualifications such as partnerships with Xero or MYOB. Long-term members also have the opportunity to become Master Bookkeepers  - further demonstrating their skills.

Knowledge and experience

When you search our Find A Bookkeeper directory, you’ll be able to see clearly which qualifications they hold and any experience they have as well, whether they work in specific industries and their contact details. This makes it easy for you to narrow your search and to relevant contact your chosen person.

Ethical

Every ICNZB member is asked to sign up to and abide by our Code of Ethical Conduct, giving you further peace of mind that you are working with a trustworthy person - something that is very important when you are giving someone access to your financial information.

Skill development

Members also have access to ongoing professional development to help them further their skills and keep up to date with the latest changes in the sector.

They can do more

Several of our members are also Registered Bookkeepers with Inland Revenue (IR). This allows them to communicate with IR on behalf of clients and easily keep track of their tax obligations.

Easily found

If you head over to our website, you will find a directory of all the certified bookkeepers who are ICNZB members. Easily searchable, you can browse through the directory to find the perfect certified bookkeeper for your business. You can locate someone in your local area or someone who specialises in your industry - our directory has great options all over New Zealand.

Are you a Bookkeeper looking to boost trust in your business?

If you are a bookkeeper running your own business and would like to give your clients peace of mind that they are working with a professional, consider joining ICNZB.

We offer you professional status as well as regular resources and professional development to help you stay at the top of the industry.

Find out more about our membership today.