Small business owners tend to wear many hats. They're responsible for raising capital, hiring employees, selling products, and balancing the books. While some small business owners enjoy crunching the numbers, many prefer to outsource the financial side of their business to professional accounting services. If you're wondering how a bookkeeper can help your business run more smoothly, consider these five benefits.

5 Benefits of Hiring a Bookkeeper

1. Save Time

You only have so many hours in a day. Why not spend your time working on aspects of your business that you enjoy? A bookkeeper can lighten your load by tracking and reporting earnings and advising you on how to invest your revenue, all while keeping you up to date on the health of your business. By enlisting the help of a professional accounting service, you’ll be able to put more energy into making your company a success.

2. Access Expert Advice

There's a seemingly endless supply of legal advice online. Most of this information is aimed at large, general groups rather than individuals. When you hire a bookkeeper, you'll receive answers tailored to your specific situation. You'll also have the latest information about changing tax laws. 

3. Lower Long-term Risk 

You may not need a full-time accountant at this point in your startup's growth. Bookkeepers are available on a part-time or temporary basis — although full-time and contract options are also available. If you’ve been avoiding accounting services due to cost issues, consider the flexibility of hiring a bookkeeper. 

4. Back Up Financial Records

If you house financial records on site, a bookkeeper can serve as an additional layer of protection for your important documents. They can also ensure easy access to financial transactions in the event your business is audited. By creating redundancy with your financial records, you'll be prepared if disaster strikes. 

5. Protect Business in Legal Proceedings

A financial expert can come to your aid if you're questioned by the authorities about your accounting practices. They can serve as a neutral third party, which can work in your favor. While you may not be anticipating legal issues now, smaller businesses can always benefit from an extra layer of security. 

There are many considerations to take when choosing the right accounting service for your small business, and deciding to hire a professional bookkeeper is a good start. If you're searching for a qualified CPA who truly listens and puts clients first, contact Linda M. Shiraiwa CPA, PS Inc. in Gig Harbor, WA. Call 253-858-6030 today for a free consultation.