When to Hire a Bookkeeper (and Why It’s Worth It)

In the early stages of running a small business, it's common to handle your own finances. But as your business grows, so does the complexity of managing the money side of things. That’s when many small business owners start wondering—do I need a bookkeeper?

Hiring a bookkeeper isn’t about giving up control. It’s about freeing up your time, reducing the risk of costly errors, and getting expert support so you can make better financial decisions.

"You didn’t start your business to spend your evenings sorting receipts and chasing invoices."

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

A bookkeeper handles the day-to-day financial recording of your business. Their responsibilities often include:

• Tracking income and expenses
• Reconciling bank transactions
• Raising and following up on invoices
• Processing payroll
• Submitting VAT returns
• Preparing reports for your accountant

Some also provide cash flow summaries, budgeting support, or advice on better financial practices—though they don’t usually offer tax strategy or financial forecasting (that’s where accountants come in).

Signs It Might Be Time to Hire One

Your admin is taking too much time

If you’re spending more time updating spreadsheets than serving clients or growing your business, that’s a sign your time could be better spent elsewhere.

You’re making mistakes

Late invoices, lost receipts, and misclassified expenses can add up—not just in money, but in stress. A bookkeeper keeps your records tidy and HMRC-compliant.

You don’t have a clear financial picture

If you’re unsure how much money you actually have available, or you’re surprised by your tax bill each year, you could benefit from regular, accurate bookkeeping.

You’re scaling

As you take on more clients, hire help, or introduce new services, your finances will naturally get more complex. A bookkeeper can help you stay organised and support you as you grow.

You want peace of mind

Having someone keep an eye on your finances means you’re less likely to miss payments, overspend, or run into compliance issues.

What to Look for in a Bookkeeper

Choose someone who understands your type of business and is comfortable working with the software you use. Ask whether they’re certified, if they’re registered with a professional body (like ICB or AAT in the UK), and how often they’ll update your books.

You might want someone who works on a monthly retainer, or you may prefer ad hoc support every quarter. Some business owners even start with a part-time bookkeeper before moving to more regular support.

Making the Investment

Hiring a bookkeeper does come with a cost—but the benefits often outweigh it. With accurate books, you’ll be in a stronger position to:

• Plan for taxes
• Apply for loans or funding
• Make confident spending decisions
• Spot trends or issues before they become problems

It also allows your accountant to work more efficiently at year-end, potentially saving you money on their fees too.

Focusing on What You Do Best

Getting help with your finances doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it means you’re building a smarter, more sustainable business. Delegating bookkeeping allows you to focus on what you do best, with the reassurance that the numbers are being handled professionally and consistently.

If finances are starting to feel like a weight on your shoulders, it might be time to bring in someone who can lighten the load—and keep your business on solid financial ground.

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