How to find and experienced restaurant bookkeeping service in Tulsa:

  1. Define your requirements: Determine the specific bookkeeping services you need for your restaurant. Consider factors such as financial statement preparation, payroll management, accounts payable and receivable, tax preparation, inventory tracking, and any other specific needs unique to your restaurant business.
  2. Seek recommendations: Reach out to fellow restaurant owners, colleagues in the industry, or professional networks to get recommendations for reliable and experienced restaurant bookkeeping services in Tulsa. Their personal experiences and referrals can provide valuable insights and help you find reputable providers.
  3. Conduct online research: Use search engines, online directories, and review platforms to find restaurant bookkeeping services in your area. Look for providers with a strong reputation, positive customer reviews, and experience working with restaurants specifically.
  4. Evaluate their expertise: Visit the websites of the bookkeeping services you are considering and review their expertise and services. Look for indications that they have experience in the restaurant industry and understand the unique challenges and requirements it entails.
  5. Check credentials and certifications: Verify the credentials and certifications of the bookkeeping service providers. Look for certifications or years of experience such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Bookkeeper (CB) to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and knowledge.  Those with the right staff to manage your bookkeeping needs for your restaurant should have a minimum of 10 years accounting experience in general.
  6. Assess their technology and software: Consider the technology and software used by the Tulsa bookkeeping service. Ensure they are proficient in industry-standard accounting software, such as QuickBooks, as well as any specialized restaurant management software you may be using for POS or Payroll Services.
  7. Check qualifications and experience: Once you have a list of potential Tulsa bookkeeping services, research their qualifications, certifications, and experience. Look for providers with knowledge of restaurant accounting practices in Tulsa, familiarity with industry-specific software or systems, and a track record of working with similar establishments.
  8. Assess their services: Review the range of services offered by each bookkeeping service and ensure they align with your specific requirements. Consider whether they offer comprehensive bookkeeping solutions, their ability to handle your restaurant’s size and complexity, and any specialized services that may be valuable to your business.
  9. Request proposals: Reach out to the selected Tulsa bookkeeping services and request detailed proposals. Include information about your restaurant’s size, the scope of work required, and any specific needs you have. Ask for information on their pricing, service levels, and contract terms.  You will need to be sure and send two to three months of bank statements, saving statements, petty cash activity or log, credit card statements, vendor bill’s for input, all reports used to record breakdown of revenue and expenses, cash paid outs, sales reports, payroll reports, most recent tax return, most recent Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet Reports, and any other documentation you believe is necessary in helping the accounting firm give you an accurate quote for services.
  10. Conduct interviews: Schedule interviews with the shortlisted bookkeeping services to learn more about their approach, expertise, and how they can support your restaurant’s financial needs. Prepare a set of interview questions that will help you assess their experience, responsiveness, and ability to understand your business.
  11. Check references: Before making a final decision, ask for references from the bookkeeping services and contact their current or past clients. Inquire about their satisfaction with the service provider, reliability, accuracy, and overall experience of working together.
  12. Arrange a consultation: Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule a consultation or meeting with the bookkeeping service in Tulsa to discuss your specific needs in more detail. Use this opportunity to assess their understanding of your business and evaluate their communication and responsiveness.
  13. Consider scalability and flexibility: Ensure that the bookkeeping service can accommodate your business’s future growth and any changing needs in Tulsa. They should be able to scale their services as your restaurant expands or adjust their approach based on your evolving requirements.
  14. Discuss pricing and terms: Request detailed pricing information from the bookkeeping services that meet your requirements. Understand their fee structure, whether it’s based on an hourly rate, a flat monthly fee, or a combination of both. Also, clarify any additional costs for specific services or any potential pricing changes in the future.
  15. Review the service agreement: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the service agreement, including the scope of work, service fees, contract duration, and termination policies. Seek legal advice if needed to ensure you fully understand the agreement before committing.
  16. Review contracts: Once you have selected a bookkeeping service, carefully review the contract or engagement agreement. Ensure that it includes a clear scope of work, pricing, confidentiality provisions, and any other terms relevant to your business.
  17. Start with a trial period: Consider starting with a trial period or a smaller initial engagement to evaluate the bookkeeping service’s performance and compatibility with your restaurant’s operations. This will allow you to make adjustments or switch providers if necessary.

Having a solid accounting service/company in place for your restaurant makes your company have a strong foundation ready for growth.  Without your accounting being accurate and kept up consistently, it can cause issues with cash flow, embezzlement, overspending, underspending, and just purely flying by the seat of your pants.  Accounting for restaurants may not be the most glamourous job in the world, but it is a very important one.  Finding an experienced restaurant bookkeeper is what will bring your company to the next level and help it be strong.  

By following these steps, you can find an experienced restaurant bookkeeping service in Tulsa that meets your specific needs and helps you maintain accurate financial records for your restaurant.

Shockley Bookkeeping and Tax Services has been providing accounting/bookkeeping services to restaurants for over 15 years and our staff has over 50 years’ combined experience in the restaurant industry alone. We understand the challenges that restaurant owners face day in and day out with the ups and downs of busy seasons and slow seasons, the different staff and payroll requirements, and the tax implications for both food and liquor sales, the importance of keeping track of inventory.  We value ourselves in not only the knowledge and experience in restaurant accounting, but also in our communication to keep you well informed on how your restaurant is doing financially month after month, year after year.