By Optimum Accounting We've recently renewed our series on the top 10 reasons to hire a bookeeper.  This series is designed to help you make an informed decision about hiring or not hiring a professional bookkeeper. So why should I hire a bookkeeper anyway? In the world of small business, it's quite common for the entrepreneur to become the chief cook and bottle washer. They handle everything from answering the phone and working with clients to marketing, computer maintenance and emptying the trash. Many businesses I've worked with have the word "you" in every box on their organizational chart. Perhaps that sounds familiar. The biggest mistake I see most small businesses make is "DIY" accounting. Besides being a time consuming task that most small business owners hate, doing your own accounting, can be hazardous to your bottom line. Here are my top 10 reasons: 10) You need to understand you company's financial situation 9) You should be focused on what you do best 8) Your accountant will appreciate it (and it might save you money too) 7) Paying bills on time saves on late fees 6) Get paid for your services on time and increase your cash flow 5) QuickBooks only seems easy to set up correctly 4) You need to understand where the money is going in your business 3) File your taxes (and get your refund) on time 2) It's much easier to work on your business 1) Bookkeepers can be someone who's "got your back."