Top 10 Questions Business Owners Ask Bookkeepers — and the Best Answers
Running a business means wearing many hats — and keeping track of your finances is one of the most important (and often overwhelming) ones. That’s where a professional bookkeeper comes in.
Whether you’re new to outsourcing your books or just want to understand what a bookkeeper can really do for you, here are the most common questions business owners ask bookkeepers — and the best answers to help you feel confident about your choice.
1. What exactly does a bookkeeper do?
A bookkeeper manages your day-to-day financial records — tracking income and expenses, reconciling bank accounts, managing invoices and payments, and preparing accurate reports. This gives you a clear picture of your business’s financial health and ensures your accountant has everything they need for taxes and financial planning.
2. How is a bookkeeper different from an accountant?
Bookkeepers handle the daily financial details — keeping your records accurate and current. Accountants use that data to prepare taxes, analyze trends, and offer higher-level financial advice. In short: bookkeepers keep your foundation strong, and accountants build strategy on top of it.
3. How often should my books be updated?
That depends on your business activity, but most businesses benefit from weekly or monthly updates. Keeping your books current helps prevent errors, gives you real-time visibility into cash flow, and makes year-end tax filing stress-free.
4. Do I still need a bookkeeper if I use QuickBooks or accounting software?
Yes! Software is a great tool — but it’s only as accurate as the person managing it. A professional bookkeeper ensures transactions are categorized correctly, accounts are reconciled, and financial reports are reliable. We make sure the software works for you, not against you.
5. How can a bookkeeper help me during tax season?
A bookkeeper’s job is to keep you tax-ready all year long. That means accurate records, organized reports, and properly tracked deductions. By the time tax season rolls around, your accountant has everything they need to file quickly and accurately — no more last-minute scrambling.
6. Will you work with my accountant or tax preparer?
Absolutely! In fact, collaboration between your bookkeeper and accountant is key to smooth operations. We keep your records clean and provide all the reports your accountant needs, saving you time and reducing your tax prep bill.
7. How do you price bookkeeping services?
Bookkeeping prices vary depending on transaction volume, business complexity, and service needs. Most bookkeepers offer custom monthly packages so you get consistent support and predictable pricing. At NAK Bookkeeping, we review your needs first so there are no surprises — just clarity and value.
8. Can you help me understand my financial reports?
Definitely! A good bookkeeper doesn’t just hand over reports — we explain them. We’ll help you interpret your profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow so you understand what’s really happening in your business and can make confident decisions.
9. What do you need from me to get started?
To begin, we’ll need access to your financial accounts (bank, credit cards, etc.), any existing records, and your accounting software if you already use one (like QuickBooks Online). We’ll review your current setup, clean up any issues, and put a consistent monthly process in place.
10. What are the biggest bookkeeping mistakes small business owners make?
Some of the most common mistakes include:
Mixing personal and business finances
Not reconciling accounts regularly
Forgetting to record all expenses
Waiting until tax time to organize books
Trying to DIY bookkeeping without proper training
A professional bookkeeper helps you avoid these pitfalls — saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Bottom Line
Bookkeeping isn’t just about data entry — it’s about giving you clarity, compliance, and control over your finances. Partnering with a professional bookkeeper ensures your books are accurate, your business stays compliant, and you’re always ready for tax season.
Ready to take bookkeeping off your plate?
Contact NAK Bookkeeping today — we’ll keep your books in order so you can focus on running and growing your business with confidence.