Whether you are a bookkeeper or looking to become one, bookkeepers have seven traits that make them outstanding at what they do. Before starting a bookkeeping business or becoming a bookkeeper, ensure that you have these seven character traits.
A Positive Attitude
A bookkeeper is required to overcome many challenges as they try to construct and develop their business. As a business owner, it can be lonely when there is no higher authority to turn to when things go south. You, alone, will be responsible for figuring out and resolving any problems. It would be best if you didn’t get down with a negative outlook and always address issues with optimism.
A Difference Maker
Being a difference-maker means caring about your job. Make sure that you are satisfying your clients and do everything favorable for them. It won’t help you to be a bookkeeper who does data entry. Make a difference by being someone who breaks everything down to look for the possibility of saving money within your client’s business. If you can do this, you will be considered extremely valuable. 
Hard Working
As with any job, this trait is essential. Whether it is bookkeeping or not, starting your own business requires tons of hard work and patience. While having your own business has many benefits, you should be ready to put in your hard work to kick it off effectively. You can never become a great bookkeeper if your bookkeeping skills are not up to the mark, and you are not working hard to make sure that all of your clients are happy and satisfied with you as their bookkeeper.
Organized
Any job probably requires you to be somewhat organized. However, when it comes to bookkeeping, it is essential for a variety of reasons. Being organized is key to being more efficient and ensuring things run smoothly.
Another reason why being organized is essential for bookkeeping is that, in many instances, you will be required to do “house cleaning” after signing on with new clients. This signing on with new clients requires you to organize and clean out the issues in their finances before you even start with the actual bookkeeping.
Able to Work Effectively on Multiple Projects
Not to be confused with the ability to multitask, working on multiple projects at one time means having the ability to determine the projects you are required to do first and the priority order you complete your tasks. You are continually going to have more than one client, and they all will require your undivided attention. Moreover, each of your clients’ businesses will be at different stages and require you to work on different levels as their bookkeeper.
Detail Oriented
The importance of this trait in a bookkeeper is understandable. Ultimately, you are supposed to deal with the finances of your clients. Apart from that, if you are also capable of finding or suggesting ways your clients can improve their profits, there is a huge possibility that you will retain them for a long time.
Personable
Relationships are an essential part of the bookkeeping business. This is a significant reason why clients choose you. If the people you work for cannot connect with you, they will find it difficult to develop trust with you. Being personable is one of the essential character traits of any great bookkeeper.
As a bookkeeper, you are not just supposed to crunch numbers. You are required to crunch numbers while caring what those numbers mean and communicating with your clients as human beings, not only as individuals who do the bookkeeping for their business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re already a bookkeeper or aspiring to become one, possessing the seven key character traits that set outstanding bookkeepers apart is crucial. A positive attitude is vital to tackling challenges in your bookkeeping business with optimism and determination. As a difference-maker, you must genuinely care about your clients and strive to add value to their businesses. Hard work is non-negotiable, especially when building your bookkeeping enterprise.
Being organized is essential for efficiency and smooth operations, while the ability to work effectively on multiple projects ensures you meet your clients’ diverse needs. Attention to detail is paramount in handling clients’ finances and identifying opportunities for profit improvement. Lastly, being personable is crucial for building strong client relationships based on trust and effective communication. These traits collectively define a successful and exceptional bookkeeper.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.