Start with how they communicate during the selection process. If getting a response to your initial inquiry takes three days, that tells you what working with them will look like. A good bookkeeper answers questions promptly because they understand you can’t run your business while waiting on information stuck in someone’s inbox.

Ask how many clients they currently work with. Some firms juggle hundreds of clients and bill by the hour. That model creates pressure to get you off the phone fast and move to the next ticket. Smaller client loads typically mean more attention for each business. You want to be a priority, not a number.

Industry experience matters more than generic credentials. A bookkeeper who understands construction knows about job costing, retention, and progress billing without needing a tutorial. One who works with retail understands inventory and sales tax. Find someone who has worked with businesses like yours and won’t be learning on your dime.

Software matters too. If you use QuickBooks, work with someone fluent in QuickBooks. Asking your bookkeeper to figure out new software as they go means mistakes in your books. Ask what platforms they specialize in and whether they can handle the integrations your business uses.

Get clarity on pricing and scope before you commit. Some bookkeepers charge hourly. Others charge flat monthly rates. Understand what’s included and what triggers extra fees. A quote that seems cheap often doesn’t include bank reconciliations, catch-up work, or answering your questions.

Watch for red flags during initial conversations. If they rush through your questions without trying to understand your business, that’s the relationship you’re signing up for. If they can’t explain their process clearly, their work will probably reflect that same lack of organization. A Phoenix area business accountant should be able to explain exactly how they’ll handle your books and what you’ll receive each month.

Ask for references from current clients in similar industries. Talk to those clients about responsiveness, accuracy, and whether they feel informed about their numbers. The best indicator of future service is how they’re treating the clients they already have.

The right bookkeeper becomes a partner in running your business. You should be able to call with a question and get an answer that actually helps, not a rushed response designed to clear the queue. Bookkeeping services are only valuable if you trust the numbers and can get guidance when you need it.

Take your time with this decision. A bad bookkeeper creates problems that take months to unwind. A good one gives you clarity about your business that you’ve probably been missing.