What to Expect When You Hire a Bookkeeper And How to Get the Most Out of the Relationship

Hiring a bookkeeper is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business, but it can also feel a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before.

Maybe you’re wondering:

• What exactly does a bookkeeper do?

• What do I need to have ready?

• Am I supposed to already have it all together?

Spoiler: You’re not.

Let’s break down what to expect, what not to expect, and how to make this partnership work smoothly for everyone involved.

✅ What a Bookkeeper Does

Think of your bookkeeper as your business’s financial organizer, helping you:

• Track income and expenses

• Reconcile bank accounts

• Categorize transactions

• Keep books clean and audit-ready

• Provide reports like P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow

A good bookkeeper helps you understand where your money is going—and how to use that info to make smart business decisions.

❌ What a Bookkeeper Doesn’t Do (Usually)

Just so we’re clear—your bookkeeper isn’t your:

• Tax preparer (though we’ll help you stay organized for tax season)

• Financial advisor (we track what is happening, not tell you where to invest)

• Magic wand (we can’t “fix it all” if we don’t get the documents we need!)

The best results come from working with your bookkeeper, not expecting them to read your mind or rescue a year of chaos with a week’s notice.

What You’ll Need to Have Ready

Don’t worry, you don’t need perfect books to get started. But here’s what does help:

• Access to your bank and credit card statements

• Access to your accounting software (if using one)

• Any outstanding invoices or bills

• Notes on any unusual transactions or personal spending mixed into business

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know where to start.” That’s literally what I’m here for.

What to Expect From Me

When you work with Balanced Books with Delaune, you can expect:

• A judgment-free zone

• Clear communication and timelines

• Monthly check-ins so you always know what’s happening behind the scenes

• Custom tools that match your style (especially if you’re neurodivergent or juggling a lot)

I’ll never make you feel silly for asking questions or admitting you’re overwhelmed. We work with grace, not guilt.

Pro Tips for Making It a Great Experience

• Respond to requests in a timely way, we can’t move forward without your input

• Be honest about what's going on in your business (I don’t judge, ever)

• Use our tools (trackers, portals, folders) to stay organized

• Keep communication open, this is a partnership, not a hand-off

Final Thoughts

Hiring a bookkeeper is an investment in your peace of mind.
We’re not just here to crunch numbers, we’re here to help you feel grounded, informed, and in control of your money.

If you’ve been running your business on vibes and prayer, it’s time for a system that actually supports you.

Ready to get started?

Book your free consultation at:
ad4bal.com/schedule

Preparing for a Bookkeeper: How to Get the Most Out of Your Money

Hiring a bookkeeper can feel like a big leap, especially if you’ve been DIY-ing your finances or flying by the seat of your pants. But the truth is, bringing in a bookkeeper isn’t just about catching up. It’s about leveling up.

Whether you’re ready to hire or just wondering what it takes, here’s how to prep like a pro and make the most of your investment.

1. Don’t Panic if it’s not Perfect

Spoiler alert: We expect a little mess. That’s kind of the job. You don’t need a perfect spreadsheet or a pile of perfectly labeled receipts. You just need to be honest about what’s going on so we can get clarity together.

2. Know Your Goals

Are you trying to get out of debt? Grow your business? Finally understand where all your money’s going? Having clarity on your why helps your bookkeeper tailor everything to your specific goals, not just general bookkeeping rules.

3. Gather the Goods

Here’s what helps us hit the ground running:

• Business bank statements (last 3–6 months)

• Any spreadsheets or financial tracking you’ve been using

• Access to QuickBooks or other accounting software (if applicable)

• A list of recurring expenses or monthly obligations

4. Ask Questions (Seriously!)

A good bookkeeper will never make you feel dumb for asking questions. This is your money. We’re just the guide. Want to know why a category matters or how something’s calculated? Ask away. We’re here for education and support, not just number crunching.

5. Be Open to a Fresh System

Sometimes the way you’ve been doing things isn’t wrong—but it’s not efficient either. Part of prepping for a bookkeeper is being open to better ways to track, organize, and plan. We want systems that support you, not stress you out.

Bonus: What You’ll Get in Return

• Confidence in your numbers

• Less time spent stressing over spreadsheets

• A clear path to your goals

• Peace of mind you can’t put a price tag on

Not sure where to begin?
The Sunrise Series is the perfect first step. This is a gentle, judgment-free way to get clarity on your numbers and start fresh.