From a bookkeeper/accountant perspective, are you an ideal client? When small business owners approach a bookkeeper or accountant, it may surprise them to learn that the vetting goes both ways. Just as you’re looking for a financial professional who understands your needs, your advisor is assessing whether you’ll be a good fit.
Here’s what professionals examine when reviewing your books—and what they consider before saying yes.
First Impressions Matter: What They Review Immediately
Accountants and bookkeepers often begin with a quick financial health check. Here’s what they look at:
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Cash Position: Are there sufficient funds to pay bills, including the bookkeeper’s invoice? Chronic cash shortages raise concerns.
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Accounts Receivable: Are clients paying on time, or is there a pattern of overdue invoices?
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Accounts Payable: Are bills piling up or getting paid late? It’s a clue to the owner’s attention to obligations.
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Bookkeeping Systems: Are records organized in accounting software, or are they a shoebox full of receipts?
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Commingled Funds: Mixing personal and business finances is a major red flag that often signals a lack of financial boundaries.
Green Flags: Traits of Ideal Clients
Most professionals love working with business owners who:
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Respond to requests in a timely manner
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Keep receipts and documentation organized
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Follow a consistent billing and payment process
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Show a willingness to collaborate and improve
Red Flags That Make Professionals Decline
Accountants may walk away from potential clients who:
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Are chronically unresponsive or disorganized
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Have a history of ignoring deadlines or compliance issues
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Exhibit cash flow issues without seeking resolution
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Expect miracles but resist implementing change
- Blame others for the state of their books, taking no responsibility of their own
Are You an Ideal Client?
Your financial partner wants to help your business thrive—but they also need to trust that you’re committed to the process and 100% responsible. Are you an ideal customer that a bookkeeper and accountant would love to work with? If your books are a mess, don’t panic. Just show that you’re ready to cooperate, committed to invest in cleaning things up, and to take your financials seriously. That’s often enough to get a professional on board.
We assess potential new client files on a weekly basis and in addition to the criteria shown above, we also consider the impact of a client on our team. Does the potential client not only meet the required business criteria, but will our team enjoy working with the client? There are two top valuable assets to a business — happy clients and happy team members. To ensure balance between the two is paramount.
If you’re looking for a bookkeeping/accounting firm committed to top quality and integrity, reach out to us. We’re here to help.
