Outsourced Bookkeeping {{mpg_city}}: A Hiring Guide

As competition grows, Australian companies are enhancing their strategies to attract and retain top talent in accounting and bookkeeping roles, including Bookkeepers.

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How are business leaders addressing the shortage of Bookkeepers?

As competition for top Bookkeepers grow, Australian companies are pulling out all the stops to attract and retain the best talent. 

As a business owner, managing bookkeeping and financial tasks can be overwhelming, making it essential to find reliable solutions. With a noticeable talent shortage in the market, businesses are upping salaries by about 16% and offering appealing perks like flexible work options. 

To maintain their competitive advantage, many companies are now turning to outsourcing. By outsourcing bookkeeping, Australian businesses can free up valuable time and resources to focus on core business operations.  

If you’re thinking about outsourcing, it’s essential to pick a provider that values ethical practices, a positive work environment, and community involvement. Also, make sure they don’t skimp on data security. 

Ensure your chosen provider offers robust endpoint security, holds ISO certifications, and has strong Business Continuity Plans (BCP) in place. This way, you can be confident that your data and operations are secure and well-managed. 

When hiring a Bookkeeper for your {{mpg_city}} business, be sure to look for these essential skills:

  • Payroll expertise: Payroll management is complex and critical. Your new hire should be proficient in calculating wages, handling tax deductions, and making sure payments go out on time. 
  • Ledger management: Check their capability with managing ledgers. It’s essential that they keep these fundamental records accurate and up-to-date, reflecting all your business transactions correctly. 
  • Organisational skills: You need someone who keeps your financial records tidy and easily accessible – organisation is a must. 
  • Bookkeeping fundamentals: First up, they should have a thorough understanding of bookkeeping, meaning they can record transactions accurately, maintain the books and ensure data precision. 
  • Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is crucial. They must ensure all financial entries are spot on to avoid any mistakes in your financial statements. 
  • Reconciliation skills: Ensure they are sharp in reconciling bank statements with your books. This accuracy is vital for preserving the integrity of your financial data. 
  • Skills in accounting software: Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, Zoho Books, and FreshBooks is also vital. This knowledge will facilitate efficient and accurate handling of your financial data. 

A guide to interviewing Bookkeepers for {{mpg_city}}: What to ask Bookkeepers in a job interview

When you’re interviewing potential Bookkeepers for your {{mpg_city}} company, it’s crucial to dive into their expertise. Here are a few questions you might want to ask to get a better sense of their capabilities:

  • Can you list some of the financial reports you were responsible for in your previous roles? 
  • What accounting software have you worked with, and which one do you prefer? Why? 
  • Can you walk me through your process for putting together a financial report? How often do you typically prepare these reports? 
  • What strategies do you use to keep up-to-date with changes in accounting regulations that could impact your role? 
  • Tell me about a time when you had to meet tight deadlines in a bookkeeping position. How do you manage your time effectively under pressure? 
  • How do you ensure the quality and efficiency of the accounting services you provide? 

How much does hiring an outsourced bookkeeping service for {{mpg_city}} cost?

When you’re looking to bring on a Bookkeeper in {{mpg_city}}, you’ll find that costs can swing quite a bit depending on where they’re based, their experience, and their skill sets.

In 2021, the cost of hiring staff in Australia skyrocketed from $10,500 to $23,860 per person. Plus, the salary is around $55,000 to $75,000. We’re also talking about extra costs like sprucing up your facilities, placing job ads on sites like Seek, Monster.com, or LinkedIn, and covering fees for recruitment agencies like Hays as well.

And it’s not just about the costs – the hiring process itself demands a lot – from crafting those job ads and conducting interviews to running background checks.

To possibly cut down on these expenses, you might think about looking overseas, perhaps to places like the Philippines, Colombia, or India. Using a tool like Cloudstaff’s Teambuilder can help you work out the potential savings.

Outsourced bookkeeping services with Cloudstaff offer numerous benefits to businesses, including significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced scalability.

Steps to hiring remote Bookkeepers with Cloudstaff

Cloudstaff’s outsourced bookkeeping offers customised solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of your business.

Onboarding & training professional bookkeepers at Cloudstaff, your Employer of Record

When you’re thinking about outsourcing Bookkeepers for your {{mpg_city}} business, it’s crucial to get a handle on remote staffing laws in different countries. For example, Cloudstaff, operating in countries like the Philippines, Colombia, and India, takes care of all the complex details for you, managing payroll, taxes, and benefits so that you can concentrate solely on managing your remote team.  

Finding someone who meshes well with your team’s culture is also essential. We prioritise candidates who are not just fluent in English but who are also enthusiastic and compatible with {{mpg_city}}’s business culture. During the hiring process, we help you evaluate both their competencies and how well they fit with your team dynamics. 

Cloudstaff ensures that your remote Bookkeepers integrate seamlessly with your {{mpg_city}} team. We set clear expectations, provide comprehensive training, and foster a supportive remote work environment. Moreover, you’ll have regular check-ins with our Client Growth Partners based in the US, who are always ready to help. This ensures everything flows smoothly from the get-go and continues to do so as you expand with us.

What makes Cloudstaff’s remote staffing solutions different from other outsourcing models for significant cost savings?

Cloudstaff stands out in the offshoring industry with its distinctive approach to remote staffing.

Cloudstaff’s remote staffing solutions

Ethical outsourcing 

  • Dedicated to safety, professional development, and a positive work environment.
  • Offering transparent pricing and comprehensive benefits. 
  • Equipped with a strong Business Continuity Plan.

#1 Workplace

  • Our recruitment specialists connect you with a global pool of over 700,000 skilled remote professionals 
  • Backed by our world-class Cloudstaff Academy.

Operational brilliance 

  • Committed to your growth, our Client Growth Partners are always here for you. 
  • We deliver exceptional talent, build high-performing teams, and oversee performance to drive your business forward.

Enterprise-grade outsourcing 

  • We invest heavily in cutting-edge technology and platforms. 
  • We offer unparalleled security features designed for enterprise needs. 
  • Leading the way in tech-enabled solutions with top-tier remote work technology and AI talent augmentation. 
  • Our Google-alum Chief AI Officer is leading advancements in our proprietary AI for improved matching, secure generative AI, and industry-specific toolkits.

Other outsourcing models 

Direct contracting 

  • Legal concerns leading to compliance issues

Freelance hiring 

  • Failure to fulfill tax responsibilities 
  • Insufficient dedication to full-time work

Traditional outsourcing 

  • Ethical considerations 
  • Potential business risks 
  • Limited post-sales support 

Establishing a local entity

  • Initial investment needed is around $250,000 Additional factors for sourcing equipment locally 
  • Requires investment in local workforce and cultural assimilation 
  • Local administrative challenges
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To keep your top Bookkeepers happy in your {{mpg_city}} business

it’s about more than just acknowledging their skills. Focus on creating a welcoming, people-first atmosphere. Think about offering thoughtful perks, setting up recognition programs, providing opportunities for professional growth, and emphasising work-life balance. This approach will help them feel valued and truly part of your team.

an animated male holding a tablet containing text at the bottom "check out how you can save up to 70% vs tradional hiring cost with our team builder" and an orange button that says calculate potential savings

Check out how you can save up to 70% vs traditional hiring costs with our TEAM BUILDER.

a female animation holding a tablet with text at the bottom saying "download a custom remote staffing business case tailored to your hiring needs." and a green button that says get for free

Download a custom remote staffing business case tailored to your hiring needs.

Facing budget constraints or hiring hurdles?

We can help you find the right staff.

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Just answer a few quick questions, and we’ll find the perfect Bookkeeper for your {{mpg_city}} company.