How to Find Bookkeeping Experts for Your Specific Industry

While the basic bookkeeping and accounting processes are the same in all industries, industry-specific details matter and can add value to an already proficient accountant. Seeking the expertise of a bookkeeping professional is crucial as they understand the unique guidelines of your industry. While all bookkeepers understand debits and credits, not all accountants will be familiar with the specialized standards that shape daily decisions in your field. An accountant who is familiar with your type of business will have experience applying various financial rules to the processes and challenges unique to your industry. Hiring a financial professional is a long-term commitment and one of the most important decisions your company makes, so it is best to start with a clear plan in place for finding, screening, and choosing a bookkeeping professional with industry-specific experience. This article will help you find a qualified candidate and point out what you should be looking for as you vet potential bookkeepers for your business. 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Potential Experts 

The first step in finding a bookkeeper with in-depth industry experience is to be smart and methodical in your search process. Starting with your own professional network, online resources, and research can yield good results when you are looking for bookkeeping experts and reliable bookkeeping services that align with your niche. This article will provide you with a list of proven methods for putting together a short list of strong potential candidates. The next step is the screening and selection process, where it is time to take a closer look at those candidates. 

Start with Your Network, Online and Offline 

A good place to begin is your own professional network. Your current industry connections such as business partners, mentors, and even employees are all good resources for trusted recommendations. Reach out to some of the contacts you are most familiar with and get their honest opinions about any bookkeeper or bookkeeping professional they may know. 

Professional and trade associations within your industry are a great way to find qualified professionals who are current on all industry regulations, laws, and procedures. The more targeted your industry associations are, the better the chance of having access to highly qualified bookkeeping experts. Your local chamber of commerce is also an excellent resource for businesses, even if they are not specifically in your niche. 

Use Online Resources 

In today’s world, finding highly qualified and even certified bookkeeping professionals online is easier than ever. A simple web search can provide you with a list of several reputable online directories that list bookkeeping services. The QuickBooks ProAdvisor directory is one of many tools that allow you to filter by industry to help you narrow your search for a bookkeeper. LinkedIn is also a resource that can help you locate bookkeeping services and identify a bookkeeping professional who clearly highlights industry-specific experience within their profile. 

Check Their Websites 

Once you have a few names and firms in mind, visit their websites to get a general sense of who they are and what they offer. Check out any testimonials from previous or current clients and see if there are any case studies. Most professional accounting firms have a blog, and if you find topics that they have written about that are specific to your industry, it is a good sign that they may have the industry knowledge that you need. This step can also help you compare bookkeeping services and confirm whether the team positions itself as true bookkeeping experts for your business type. 

Key Criteria for Evaluating Bookkeeping Professionals 

Finding a few bookkeepers that you might want to work with is only the first step. Once you have that preliminary list of names, it is time to do a deeper dive to get a better sense of who you should be spending time with. To do this, you will want to check their credentials, be sure to interview them, and always check their references. 

Verifying Certifications and Software Proficiency 

A qualified bookkeeper will have the right credentials to showcase their experience and level of training. Look for certifications such as a Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) designation or credentials from the providers of popular accounting software solutions. Check to be sure they are proficient with popular accounting software programs such as QuickBooks Online or Xero. They should also be comfortable with any other niche, industry-specific programs that you are currently using, which is often a key differentiator among bookkeeping experts. 

Schedule a Bookkeeper Interview 

Interviewing a bookkeeping candidate is the best way to get specific answers about their level of expertise. Do not be afraid to ask specific questions about your business and the unique services you will be looking for from this new professional. Questions such as “Tell me about your experience with [industry-specific issue, such as inventory management for retail businesses]” or “What resources do you use to stay current on industry financial regulations specific to [your industry]?” Clear, direct, and detailed answers will be a great indicator that you have found the level of insight you want from a bookkeeping professional. 

Check Their References 



Always ask for a list of references from current or past clients when possible. Preferably, these should be businesses similar to yours that can give you an honest account of how this professional operates. Ask about communication, timeliness, and reliability as well as industry-specific regulations. Checking references will provide you with that final peace of mind that you are making the right choice with this new hire and the professional bookkeeping services you select. 

Selecting an experienced bookkeeper or accounting firm with industry-specific experience can be a game changer for your business. It can help your company become more accurate with financials, increase compliance, and offer the guidance you need to make more informed business decisions. This task begins with a diligent search and trusted recommendations to find a qualified, experienced professional. Researching and carefully vetting your top candidates will help you select the best person or company to partner with for long-term bookkeeping services. 

To see if Boring Bookkeeping can provide your business with the specialized experience you need, contact us online or call to schedule a free consultation. We’d love to hear about your business and the accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll support offered through Boring Bookkeeping, delivered by bookkeeping experts who understand your industry.