What Makes a Good Bookkeeper? The 9 Non-Negotiables I Look For (and You Should Too) – 2025 Squamish Bookkeeping Edition

Fraser Barrett
2 days ago
3 min read

What makes a good bookkeeper - Squamish bookkeeping edition

After 7 years as a Squamish bookkeeper cleaning up other people’s disasters the biggest thing we hear from potential clients is that they are looking for peace of mind. Here are the exact 9 traits that separate the lifesavers from the late-night-stress-creators.

1. They Speak “Small Business” Fluently (Not Just Accounting Jargon)

A good bookkeeper translates numbers into decisions you can actually use. Bad one: “Your deferred revenue liability increased.” Good one: “You can buy that new truck in June without dipping into your tax savings — here’s why.”

Tip: In essence they have the technical knowledge but can translate it to plain English with actionable insights.

2. Obsessed With Deadlines (Yours AND Theirs)

The best bookkeepers file your GST/HST, payroll source deductions, and T4s early — not “on time.” The systemise everything to ensure nothing is late and you have clarity on the roadmap. That’s not luck; that’s systems.

Tip: With the CRA if a filing is 1 day late it occurs an immediate 5% late penalty. Late filings cost real money.

3. Fixed Monthly Pricing (No “Surprise” Invoices)

Great Squamish bookkeepers quote fixed fees based on your transaction volume. My clients know exactly what they pay every month. This ensures you can plan your business effectively.

4. They Actually Live Here (or at Least Understand Sea-to-Sky Cash Flow)

Seasonal businesses are different. Your money comes in May–October, then vanishes November–April. A good local bookkeeper builds your cash buffer in summer so you’re not scrapping by in February.

5. Tech-Savvy BUT Still Human

Uses Xero/QBO + Dext + Forecast tools like fathom. The best combo in Squamish: cloud software + someone who is local and can meet you for a coffee if needed.

6. Catches Mistakes Before CRA Does

A good bookkeeper doesn’t just record transactions — they question them. Knowing your business is critical to making good recommendations and gives you financial clarity.

7. Gives You Clean Books Your Accountant Will Actually Love

Your accountant shouldn’t have to spend 20 hours (and bill you for it) just to figure out what happened. Get a bookkeeper who can produce clean books and can speak the language of a good accountant. This ensures year end filing is smooth with no surprises.

8. Check Qualifications

There are technically no qualification requirements to become a bookkeeper in Canada. Always ask your potential bookkeeper if they are a member of the CPB (certified professional bookkeeper of Canada or a member of national payroll institute or full CPA.

Tip: Here at Aspect we have a CPA on staff, a member of the national payroll institute and a member of the (CPB) certified professional bookkeepers.

9. You Sleep Better (The Ultimate Test)

This is the biggest test. If you can focus directly on your business and know you have systemised financial systems running behind the scenes you are in a good place. Peace of mind is critical in this relationship.

The Fastest Way to Tell If YOUR Bookkeeper Measures Up

Ask yourself these 5 yes/no questions right now: