What Your Bookkeeper Needs To Know

If you’re switching bookkeepers or in the process of looking for one, it’s important to know what information they need to do their job the best they can. Unlike an accountant, who doesn’t need to know every little thing about your business, your bookkeeper needs EVERYTHING. Yes, we mean everything. We made a handy list for you to use as a reference for when you prepare these documents for your bookkeeper. 

• expense receipts including internet receipts - these should be sorted by source of payment: bank, credit card, business cash, and personal funds
• documents pertaining to the purchase, major repair, and sale of capital assets
• documents pertaining to lease agreements, financial loans, insurance or any contracts you have entered into.
• investment statements, bank statements including deposit slips and returned checks, credit card statements including card payment slips, vendor statements
• a listing of all pre-authorized direct deposits and withdrawals on your bank and credit card statements
• vendor/supplier invoices both paid and unpaid
• listing of accounts payable would be helpful - even if it is just your best guess
• customer invoices and sales receipts issued including outstanding customer invoices
• an accounts receivable listing would be helpful - even your best guess helps marking any doubtful accounts
• list of all customer deposits and/or prepayments received
• inventory list
• all government correspondence and tax forms
• payroll information and reports including new employee information and payroll reports