This article is written for the small business owner who has a part or full time bookkeeper and has given some thought to terminating that employee. As a small business owner, tough decisions are made all the time and this one is very important. There comes a time for any small business owner, to make a change, either to replace or eliminate an employee's position. Terminating an employee, especially in this economic environment is emotionally draining, especially for long standing employees. We all know, that its important to always care about our employees, so this type of decision is very important, and often is hard to make. Sometimes your perception of the problem is blocked by your feelings for the employee, which frequently results in no action. This is article is written to help you understand that now, be the correct time to make a decision.
As a small business owner, its tough to make this type of decision, because there may be no one to talk too, and also if you really haven't had the sufficient time to devote to this problem. Here are 10 reasons or indicators to help you make that decision or to reinforce your decision to change your bookkeeper. If you can identify with a couple of these reasons or perhaps just one, and you believe that the problem cannot be fixed, then it may be time to terminate your bookkeeper or reduce their working hours.
1. Financial information always has mistakes and is often received late.
2. You or someone in your family are financially and computer savvy and have the time to do the bookkeeping.
3. Your wife, your parents, your in-law(s) or other family members lost their job and you need to replace their income.
4. Your bookkeeping doesn't seem as complex and you are too dependent on the bookkeeper.
5. You have been fair, discussed this problem with the employee and it can't be fixed
6. Your bookkeeper doesn't communicate well with you.
7. Your bookkeeper seems too busy for new tasks and you believe that the new tasks are important and should be handled by your bookkeeper.
8. Your bookkeeper lacks a sense of urgency and priorities.
9. Given the decrease in your annual revenues, you believe you have too many people employed.
10. Self Realization - A little birdie or an inner voice tells you that it's time to terminate your bookkeeper or reduce their bookkeeping hours.
If you have experienced some of the above indicators, it may make sense to consider to internalize the bookkeeping within the family, assuming the replacement person is able to learn how to be computer and financial literate. Like any other accounting related decision, consult with your CPA or accountant to obtain their input.
As a small business owner, its tough to make this type of decision, because there may be no one to talk too, and also if you really haven't had the sufficient time to devote to this problem. Here are 10 reasons or indicators to help you make that decision or to reinforce your decision to change your bookkeeper. If you can identify with a couple of these reasons or perhaps just one, and you believe that the problem cannot be fixed, then it may be time to terminate your bookkeeper or reduce their working hours.
1. Financial information always has mistakes and is often received late.
2. You or someone in your family are financially and computer savvy and have the time to do the bookkeeping.
3. Your wife, your parents, your in-law(s) or other family members lost their job and you need to replace their income.
4. Your bookkeeping doesn't seem as complex and you are too dependent on the bookkeeper.
5. You have been fair, discussed this problem with the employee and it can't be fixed
6. Your bookkeeper doesn't communicate well with you.
7. Your bookkeeper seems too busy for new tasks and you believe that the new tasks are important and should be handled by your bookkeeper.
8. Your bookkeeper lacks a sense of urgency and priorities.
9. Given the decrease in your annual revenues, you believe you have too many people employed.
10. Self Realization - A little birdie or an inner voice tells you that it's time to terminate your bookkeeper or reduce their bookkeeping hours.
If you have experienced some of the above indicators, it may make sense to consider to internalize the bookkeeping within the family, assuming the replacement person is able to learn how to be computer and financial literate. Like any other accounting related decision, consult with your CPA or accountant to obtain their input.
About the Author:
Learn how QuickBooks Online offers the essential online accounting tools to manage your business and the freedom to access your financials from work, home, or when traveling. Sandor Lenner, C.P.A.-M.B.A has been providing accounting services for over 35 years. He is also a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and offers QuickBooks online support for a Miami Accounting CPA firm.
