Questions to Ask Your Bookkeeper

A simple monthly conversation guide for staying connected to your numbers without becoming your own bookkeeper. Not every question applies to every business — use the ones that fit yours.

1. 1.

   Are all of the bank and credit-card accounts reconciled?

   Ask through what date they are reconciled and whether anything remains unexplained.

2. 2.

   Are there any transactions you still need information from me about?

   This keeps temporary or uncategorized items from quietly accumulating.

3. 3.

   Is there anything unusual on the Balance Sheet?

   Ask about old balances, negative balances, loans, liabilities, clearing accounts, or anything that does not make immediate sense.

4. 4.

   What changed from last month?

   Revenue, payroll, large expenses, receivables, debt, cash, and other meaningful changes are worth noticing.

5. 5.

   Is Accounts Receivable current and explainable?

   If customers owe you money, ask how much is outstanding and whether older balances need attention.

6. 6.

   Is Accounts Payable current and explainable?

   If your business tracks vendor bills, ask what is due, overdue, or unusual.

7. 7.

   Are there any old balances we need to investigate?

   Old does not automatically mean wrong. Old and unexplained deserves a question.

8. 8.

   Are my financial reports ready for me to review?

   Ask for the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet at minimum, and other reports relevant to your business.

9. 9.

   Is there anything in the books that you think my CPA should answer?

   Good bookkeeping should identify the questions that require accounting or tax judgment rather than guessing.

10. 10.

    Is there anything you need from me before next month?

    Bookkeeping works better when questions are resolved while transactions are still fresh.

A good bookkeeping relationship should not leave the owner completely disconnected from the numbers. The goal is not to do the bookkeeping yourself. The goal is to understand enough to participate.