As a small business owner, it’s tempting to try and do everything yourself. You really can’t wear every hat in your business and give each role the professional attention it needs. One of the best things to outsource is your bookkeeping and business admin. This is a technical and time consuming area of your business that often requires a lot of specialist knowledge. This is time and energy that you should be giving to the things you love doing. Outsourcing to a Certified Bookkeeper is a great way to relieve some stress and keep your business books up to date and accurate.
Trust Your Business Books to a Certified Bookkeeper
A Bookkeeper deals with the organisation, recording and reporting of the financial transactions in your small business. But most importantly, a Bookkeeper clears the way for your accountant and business advisor to work with your business strategically.
Having up to date and reliable data, processed by a certified bookkeeper, is the best way to keep on top of your businesses financial performance. Cashflow issues are the largest risk to small businesses. A certified bookkeeper helps you to keep an eye on your cash flow. Your business will be set up for success with up to date and accurate accounts receivable, payables and payroll.
How are they Different to Accountants?
A Certified Bookkeeper is a vital service provider fro your small business. But how do they differ from an accountant? Accountants and bookkeepers are often compared as being quite similar. However, they are actually very different but complementary:
- Your Bookkeeper does the day-to-day work bringing the accounts up to a high standard of detail and accuracy. They can also advise you on issues that might affect you in the near future. For instance, issues such as cash flow problems or late invoice payments.
- Your Accountant will assess the financial information that has been processed. They will review and advise often on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis. Your accountant will make any adjustments required. They use the information in the accounts to file tax returns and other official reports. In addition, they also provide high level business advisory and planning services.
For your business to run smoothly, ideally you need both people. You need a certified bookkeeper to look after the day-to-day work. And you’d hire an accountant to handle official reporting and high level business advice.
What is the ICNZB?
Since 2010, the ICNZB has been the leading body advancing professional bookkeeping in New Zealand. The ICNZB is New Zealand’s only member-driven professional body dedicated to the local bookkeeping industry. It provides its members with access and guidance to educational and compliance resources. This gives you the certainty that you’re dealing with someone who will provide you with a quality, expert service. Certified Members of ICNZB are dedicated to the professional code of ethics and their ongoing professional development.
How to Spot an ICNZB Certified Bookkeeper
To find an ICNZB Certified Bookkeeper, jump online to the ICNZB website and use their Find A Bookkeeper tool. In addition, you’ll want to keep an eye out for ICNZB Certified badges. Certified Bookkeepers will often have these on their websites or promotional materials.
If you’re ever in doubt if you’re dealing with a professional bookkeeper, ask them about their professional membership. They should be able to identify themselves as a member of ICNZB.
If you are still unsure about a bookkeeper’s skills, you can use the ICNZB testing service to put them through their paces and ensure they know their stuff to help you do what you need them to do best in your business. This testing service is ideal for when you are either outsourcing or hiring internal admin professionals for your business. As a result, you can have confidence you are dealing with a professional.
Work With the Best Certified Bookkeepers
We’ve all heard a lot of horror stories about cheap fly-by-night ‘bookkeepers’. These rogue bookkeepers often do damage to the small businesses they should be helping. The team at MBP end up cleaning up their messes.
All MBP Bookkeepers and Business Support Administrators are ICNZB Certified, or working towards certification. This is just part of ensuring we are the certified bookkeepers you can entrust with your business.
If you’d like to get your bookkeeping and business admin sorted and sleep easy knowing you’re dealing with some of the best professionals in the country, get in touch with the team at MBP today. Book a chat with an MBP Business Advisor to explore your needs, give the team a call on 0800 86 85 86 or flick an email through to [email protected].
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