Most bad bookkeepers do not wear a sign that says, “Hey, I’m quietly wrecking your finances.” But the damage adds up anyway.
We have seen too many small business owners burned by late reports, sloppy numbers, and radio silence when things go sideways.
So here is how to spot the red flags before it’s too late:
1. The Reports Make Zero Sense
If your P&L reads like a foreign language, that is not your fault. It means the numbers were not organized with you in mind.
Financial reports should help you run your business, not confuse you more. When numbers do not match your reality, or you are too scared to ask what they mean, it’s a sign something is wrong behind the scenes.
2. The Books Are Never Done
“Still working on last month’s transactions.”
“Waiting on a few items.”
“We’ll catch up next week.”
That is not professional bookkeeping – that’s delay in disguise.
Books should be closed monthly. No exceptions. Clean. Reconciled. Done. On time.
3. Every Tax Season Is a Surprise
If your jaw hits the floor every April, your bookkeeper is not planning ahead. It is not just about tracking… it’s about flagging potential tax hits long before they blindside you.
Proactive prep beats panic mode every time.
4. You Are Still Doing Some of It Yourself
Still entering expenses manually? Uploading statements? Chasing down missing info?
That is not how this works. Bookkeeping should remove stress, not add tasks to your list. If you are doing half the work, you’re not getting half the bill… but you should.
5. They Only Email When Something Is Wrong
A good bookkeeper does not disappear.
You should get regular check-ins, helpful nudges, and insights that actually matter. If you only hear from them when something is broken, that’s a red flag waving in all caps.
What Does a Great Bookkeeping Team Look Like?
- Books done right and done monthly
- Clear, simple explanations (no jargon allowed)
- Tax readiness all year long
- Proactive communication
- Systems that save you time, not make more work
If that is not your current setup, it’s time for a change.
At Solution 8020, we treat your business like it is our own. We will review your books, tell you what is working (and what’s not), and give you a clear path forward.
Talk to us today. No pressure. No pitch. Just a complimentary review to get your books on track.
