How Do I Know If My Bookkeeping Is Being Done Correctly?

If you're like many business owners, you've got a lot on your plate—and double-checking every line of your books isn’t exactly top of mind. Whether you're doing your bookkeeping yourself or relying on someone else, it’s easy to start wondering: Are my numbers even right?

Bad bookkeeping can go unnoticed for months—or even years—until it causes cash flow issues, tax problems, or worse. So how can you tell if your books are being done correctly?

Let’s break it down, and show how a QuickBooks Online Audit can bring peace of mind, clarity, and real control over your business finances.

Key Takeaways:

• Inaccurate bookkeeping is more common than you think—even if you’re paying for help.
  
  

• Warning signs include confusing reports, unreconciled accounts, and missing receipts.
  
  

• A QuickBooks Online Audit can uncover issues early and show you where your books stand.
  
  

• It’s a risk-free way to validate your financials—and see what better bookkeeping looks like.
  
  

• If you’re unsure, trust your gut—it’s probably time for a second opinion.
  

Why Accurate Bookkeeping Matters (More Than You Think)

Bookkeeping isn’t just about tracking what’s going in and out—it’s the financial foundation of your business. If your numbers are off, you’re not just risking errors. You’re making decisions based on faulty data.

Here’s what good bookkeeping should give you:

• Confidence in your profit and loss reports
  
  

• Accurate tax prep and compliance
  
  

• Clear cash flow tracking
  
  

• Insight into growth opportunities or financial risks
  
  

If you’re not getting that, something’s off.

Signs Your Bookkeeping Might Be Wrong

Not sure whether your books are accurate? Here are common signs that things aren’t being handled correctly:

🔍 1. Reports don’t make sense

You should be able to glance at your reports and understand them. If they’re always confusing, inconsistent, or missing data, that’s a red flag.

🔍 2. Bank and credit card accounts aren’t reconciled

If your books haven’t been matched to real-world bank and credit card statements, your numbers can’t be trusted.

🔍 3. You’re missing receipts or documentation

Every transaction should have a paper trail. If you're always playing catch-up—or your bookkeeper is asking you for things they should already have—it’s a problem.

🔍 4. Your tax preparer is always fixing things

If your CPA constantly has to “clean up” your books at tax time, it’s likely they aren’t being done right in the first place.

🔍 5. You’re relying on spreadsheets instead of QuickBooks

QuickBooks Online offers built-in checks and balances. If everything’s still living in Excel, there’s more room for human error.

What a QuickBooks Online Audit Actually Does

A QuickBooks Online Audit is like a financial health check for your business. At Gottsberger Group, we go into your books—line by line—and check for:

• Missing or duplicate transactions
  
  

• Misclassified income or expenses
  
  

• Reconciliation issues
  
  

• Setup problems in your Chart of Accounts
  
  

• Workflow inefficiencies
  
  

• Risk areas that could lead to tax trouble or financial blind spots
  
  

And best of all? You get clear, actionable feedback—no jargon, no guesswork.

The Real Goal? Peace of Mind (and a Better Path Forward)

Many business owners come to us just wanting to know if their books are “okay.” But once we do the audit, they often realize they’ve been putting up with way more stress and confusion than necessary.

Sometimes, they just need a few tweaks. Other times, they’re ready to let a professional take over entirely. Either way, a QuickBooks Audit is the smart first step.

Don’t Wait Until Something Breaks

If you're unsure about your bookkeeping, you don’t have to wait for a tax notice or cash crunch to do something about it. A QuickBooks Online Audit is fast, affordable, and gives you the clarity you need—before small problems become big ones.

Ready to Know for Sure?

Let’s take a look under the hood. Schedule a QuickBooks Online Audit with Gottsberger Group today and find out exactly where you stand—and how to move forward with confidence.

👉 Contact us to book your audit

People Also Asked 

Q: How do I know if my bookkeeper is doing a good job?

A good bookkeeper keeps your accounts up to date, reconciles monthly, provides clear reports, and communicates openly. If you're confused or constantly finding errors, it might be time for an audit.

Q: What should I look for in accurate bookkeeping?

Look for well-organized records, reconciled accounts, correctly categorized expenses, and reports that align with your actual cash flow. Consistency and clarity are key.

Q: Is it worth getting a QuickBooks audit?

Yes, a QuickBooks Online Audit helps catch errors early, ensures compliance, and gives you confidence in your numbers—especially if you're unsure about your current setup or bookkeeper.

Q: What happens if my books are wrong?

Incorrect books can lead to cash flow issues, IRS penalties, inaccurate tax filings, and poor business decisions. Catching errors early can save time, money, and stress.

Q: Can I fix bad bookkeeping without starting over?

Absolutely. A professional can clean up your existing books, fix classification errors, and bring everything up to date—no need to start from scratch.