Signs Your Bookkeeper Is Just Doing Data Entry (and Why That’s Not Enough)
Let’s be honest: there’s a big difference between someone who simply logs transactions and someone who’s looking out for your business.
At L&L, we’ve taken over accounts where months of “bookkeeping” had been happening… but no one noticed miscategorized expenses, uncoded deposits, or missing bank feeds. Everything looked fine—until it wasn’t.
If you’re wondering whether your current bookkeeper is giving you the level of support your business really needs, here are a few signs to watch for.
1. You Only Hear from Them at Tax Time
A real bookkeeper is in your books monthly, keeping everything current and flagging any concerns before they become issues. If the only time you get a call is when your CPA is asking for a year-end report, that’s a red flag.
2. Your Reports Don’t Make Sense
You should be able to look at your P&L or balance sheet and get a clear view of your business. If things feel off—or you’re seeing strange categories, duplicate income, or negative numbers—it’s worth asking why.
Your reports should help you make decisions, not leave you scratching your head.
3. They Don’t Ask Questions
Good bookkeepers are curious. If your bookkeeper never asks about uncategorized transactions, strange deposits, or new vendors… they’re likely just pushing data through.
At L&L, we ask questions because we’re trying to understand the full picture—not just the pieces.
4. There’s No System in Place
Bookkeeping shouldn’t feel like a black box. You should know when reconciliations happen, how documents are shared, and who’s handling what.
At L&L, we use tools like Financial Cents and SmartVault to keep everything documented, organized, and accessible. If your current setup feels scattered or unclear, it might be time to upgrade.
5. You’re Still Doing Half the Work
If you're constantly chasing receipts, recategorizing expenses, or fixing errors, it may be time to ask what you’re actually paying for.
Bookkeeping is supposed to take work off your plate, not add more to it.
What a Proactive Bookkeeper Looks Like
At L&L Bookkeeping, we don’t just input numbers—we think like part of your team.
Here’s what that means:
We get to know your business and your vendors
We flag inconsistencies and follow up until they’re resolved
We help prepare for audits, track deadlines, and keep things clean
We communicate throughout the month—not just at year-end
We act like your accounting department, not a behind-the-scenes robot
Not Sure If Your Current Bookkeeping is Enough?
Let’s take a look together. We’ll walk you through what a proactive bookkeeping relationship looks like—and how it can change the way you run your business. Book a free exploratory call to talk through how we can help!
