Hire a Bookkeeper: Key qualities to look for

Is your business missing a crucial piece of the puzzle? Discover the traits of a successful Bookkeeper and hire the best to ensure your company's success.

Often going unnoticed lies the unsung hero of the financial team – the Bookkeeper. The
success of a business can be down to this role and is essential in maintaining the financial
health and stability of the company.

Ready to hire a Bookkeeper who will keep your finances in perfect order? Contact us now to recruit your next Bookkeeper.

Note for job seekers: If you're looking for a Bookkeeper role, click here to access our resume guide.

The role of a Bookkeeper

A Bookkeeper has arguably one of the most diverse job descriptions in the accounting profession and covers a wide range of responsibilities. At its core, a Bookkeeper’s skills range from:

• Transactional Work: Accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control and bank reconciliations
• Preparing Monthly Accounts
• Communicating with external Accounting firms: for tax questions and the finalisation of annual accounts
• BAS: Preparation and lodgement of monthly or quarterly business activity
  statements (BAS)
• Payroll Management: Managing and processing payroll (in SME’s)
• Supporting Data for Decision-Making: Providing accurate  data to support decision-making.

While Accountants typically focus on understanding financial data and providing more technical month end reporting, Bookkeepers are responsible for keeping the financial machinery running smoothly. If you’re unsure about the typical Bookkeeper job description in Australia, read our Bookkeeper role profile.

Why you need to hire a Bookkeeper

Companies of varying sizes look at Bookkeepers as a valued asset in their accounting function. They can
provide:

• Financial Accuracy: Ensuring transactions are recorded accurately to reduce the risk of errors.
• Budgeting Support: Providing accurate records of financial transactions to help create realistic budgets and long-term business plans.
• Tax Compliance: Ensuring compliance with tax obligations.
• Up-to-Date Financial Data: Supplying management with current financial information for informed strategic decision-making.
• Transparency: Allowing stakeholders full visibility into the financial viability of the business.

Imagine having peace of mind knowing your financial records are accurate and up-to-date, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Key traits of a successful Bookkeeper

At Richard Lloyd, we have over 155 years of accounting recruitment expertise combined. We know exactly what traits make up a successful Bookkeeper. Here are the top skills and attributes you should look for when hiring a Bookkeeper:

1. Technical Core Bookkeeping abilities and attention to detail

Your Bookkeeper must have proven, hands-on accounting experience and exceptional attention to detail. They are on the front line of all accounting transactions for your business; any errors can have significant financial repercussions.

2. Excellent organisation and time management skills

Bookkeepers handle a multitude of responsibilities and importantly, need to meet key deadlines for reporting, payroll and tax filing requirements. Strong organisational and time management skills are essential.

3. Ethical integrity

Bookkeepers often have access to a wide range of sensitive financial information, including employee salaries. Ethical integrity is crucial to maintain confidentiality and trust throughout the business.

4. Communication skills

Bookkeepers should be good communicators to explain any issues they encounter with the accounts and answer questions from internal and external stakeholders (e.g., payroll queries from employees, and tax questions from external Accountants).

5. Analytical mindset and proficiency with multiple systems

Bookkeepers need to identify any irregularities in the accounts and be adept at using accounting and computing software packages such as Xero and MYOB as well as Excelt o record and report on data.

Be guided by our well-rounded list of interview tips and tricks for bookkeepers and nail your next interview.

How to assess these skills when you hire a Bookkeeper

Almost every resume you read as a hiring manager will list the above traits. So, how can you assess these skills effectively?

Behavioural and Situational Interview Questions

Behavioural questions draw on a candidate’s past experiences and questions typically start with: “Please can you tell me about a time when….”. Ask candidates to share examples of when their organisational skills or ethical integrity were tested.

Scenario-based questions are great for testing a candidate’s problem-solving and analytical abilities with hypothetical situations they may encounter specific to your role or organisation.

Click here to understand different styles of interview questions

Skills Assessment

You could request the candidate complete a short software proficiency test to gauge their ability to navigate technology relevant to the position if you have any doubts on this front.

Reference Checks

Conduct reference checks from previous employers to verify the candidates’ technical skills, time management, and overall capabilities.

Hiring the right Bookkeeper: Why it matters

A Bookkeeper can play a vital part in ensuring the accuracy of financial data and the overall success of the finance team. Their skills and qualities are pivotal in ensuring the financial health of the business from the ground up, so it’s important to hire the correct person the first time.

Tips for Hiring Success:

• Attention to Detail: Look for grammatical errors in their CV.
• Punctuality and Organisation: Are they on time or early to the interview?
• Analytical Thinking: Assess their responses to scenario-based questions.
• Preparedness: Have they investigated the company and prepared questions before
  the interview?

Overcoming hiring challenges

Finding the right Bookkeeper with the right skills can often be a long process. If you're eager to amplify your approach in how you hire a Bookkeeper, contact one of our accounting recruitment experts or call us on 02 8324 5640, and we'll tackle the hard work for you.

Ready to hire a Bookkeeper who will ensure your business's financial health?

A skilled Bookkeeper will not only ensure the financial health of your business but will be an investment in the overall stability and growth of your company.

Contact Richard Lloyd today to hire a Bookkeeper who will make a real difference.

• Call us at: 02 8324 5640
• Email us at: enquiries@richardlloyd.com.au; OR
• Complete our online form and we'll be in touch.

For hiring managers ready to recruit a Bookkeeper, download our job description template.

Final thoughts

A skilled Bookkeeper is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting strategic decision-making. Their attention to detail, ethical integrity, and technical skills contribute significantly to your business's success.