Choosing a bookkeeping service is an important decision.
Your books affect your taxes, your cash flow, and your daily decisions. They also contain sensitive information.
Before choosing, here are 10 things to check.
1. Experience with small businesses
Make sure they work with clients like you.
Self-employed workers, shops, service businesses, and incorporated companies may not have the same needs.
2. Knowledge of Quebec tax obligations
The service should handle basic Quebec tax obligations well.
That includes GST/QST filings, payroll, and year-end documents.
3. What the service actually includes
Check what is really included.
- Bank reconciliations
- Income and expense tracking
- Sales tax filings
- Payroll
- Monthly reports
4. Compatibility with your accounting software
Ask if they work with your software.
Also check that you keep access to your data and that sending documents is simple.
5. How often the work is done
Ask if the work is done weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
For many businesses, monthly follow-up is enough.
6. The quality of the financial reports
The reports should be clear and useful.
Income statement, balance sheet, and tax summary are often enough if you understand the essentials.
7. Pricing and extra fees
Ask if the price is hourly, monthly, or fixed.
Also ask if there are extra fees.
8. Security and confidentiality of your data
Your information should stay protected.
Ask about access security, backups, and document retention, usually for at least six years.
9. Communication and availability
You should know your main contact.
Also ask about response time and communication methods.
10. Reputation and collaboration with other professionals
Check reviews and references.
Also make sure they work well with your accountant or tax professional.
In short: choose a simple and reliable service
CH Solutions offers simple and reliable bookkeeping services for small businesses.