Does a bookkeeper need access to your bank account?

Our basic bookkeeper package does not need access to your bank account or other financial institutions. All we would need access to is your accounting system of your choice and monthly bank statements. As part of our services we reconcile your accounting system back to your financial institution, but that can all be done with simply having access to the Monthly Bank Statement. If a complex reconciliation needs to occur, you may be asked to download the transaction data so we can reconcile on a transaction by transaction basis to your accounting system. But through this process, there is no need for our company to have access to your bank account. So you can feel secure with your funds.

How do I handle confidentiality and sensitive financial information?

My role as a bookkeeper is to maintain confidentiality at all times for any of the information I gain access to by becoming your bookkeeper. At no point do I discuss clients information with any third party and I keep information confidential at the appropriate level within the organization as well. When you hire us, you can trust that we will be there to confidentially provide you with our services. Throughout my career, confidentiality has been a key part of any position I’ve held and I have maintained that confidentially at all times. Part of my roles, especially through forecasting, includes scenarios that includes layoffs, new confidential projects as well as confidential earnings prior to public filings and that is why I hold confidentiality as a key component of our responsibility to you and you can trust in us to maintain it.

Are you familiar with our accounting software?

I understand that every business has unique accounting needs, and I'm committed to ensuring your accounting system is handled with the utmost care and precision. While I am highly experienced with a variety of accounting systems, including popular platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, and others, I take the time to familiarize myself with your specific system and processes to ensure seamless integration. If you're using a custom or less common accounting software, I’m happy to learn it quickly and efficiently. My goal is to make your financial management as streamlined and accurate as possible, so you can trust that I’ll adapt to your system and deliver the results you expect.

How do you handle errors or discrepancies in the books?

As an expert bookkeeper, my approach to handling errors or discrepancies in the books is methodical and thorough:

• Identify the source of the error: The first step is to carefully review the transactions to pinpoint where the discrepancy occurred. This could be from a data entry mistake, a missed transaction, or an issue with the reconciliation process.

• Reconcile Regularly: I perform regular reconciliations of bank statements, credit card statements, and accounting software. By doing so, I can catch discrepancies early, ensuring everything aligns before it becomes a bigger issue.

• Cross-Check with Source Documents: I cross-reference the accounting records with supporting documents (invoices, receipts, statements) to verify accuracy. This step helps to confirm whether the recorded amounts match the actual transactions.

• Use Trial Balances and Reports: I generate and review trial balances and financial reports to look for inconsistencies or unexplained differences. Any unusual variances can be flagged and investigated.

• Correct the Error: Once the source of the error is identified, I will make the necessary adjustments, such as correcting data entries, reclassifying transactions, or updating reconciliations. The corrections will be documented and tracked to ensure transparency.

• Prevent Future Discrepancies: I implement internal controls and establish checks and balances to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future. This might include creating standard operating procedures, automating certain processes, or providing ongoing training to staff if they are involved in data entry.

• Communicate with Clients: Throughout the process, I ensure open communication with clients, explaining the nature of the error, the steps taken to resolve it, and any impact it might have on the financial statements.