A firm can only give you a fair quote if you can answer a few basics. Gather these before your first call:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this list, firms can quote accurately, and you can compare quotes side by side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always ask for specific names: identify your bookkeeper and the person responsible for independently reviewing their work. \u201cOur team handles the books\u201d is not an acceptable answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Canada, the title \u201cbookkeeper\u201d alone does not establish a person’s professional qualifications. Ask about their training, experience, and relevant credentials. A bookkeeper may hold a professional designation such as the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation from CPB Canada. You should also ask who performs the firm’s internal quality review and what qualifications that reviewer has. Ask how many clients the firm serves in your industry and whether it has experience working with businesses similar to yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the firm when your monthly accounts will be finalized and when you can expect to receive your reports. Having a fixed date helps you know when your financial information will be ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also ask how the firm manages T4 filing during February.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canadian employers generally need to file T4 information returns and provide employees with their T4 slips by the last day of February. If the deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, the CRA’s deadline rules determine the applicable filing date. For 2027, the deadline is March 1, as February 28 falls on a Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n