8 Qualities of Great Clients
One of the best parts of running a bookkeeping business is working with clients who really get it. They respect your time, value your work, and are truly invested in building a strong, collaborative relationship. When you find a client like that, it reminds you exactly why you chose the self-employed life in the first place.
On the other hand, not every client relationship is so seamless. We’ve all experienced those clients who expect magic without providing clear direction, resist advice, or disappear just when a deadline is looming. That’s why it’s so helpful to know what makes a truly great client—and how to identify those red flags early on.
As professional bookkeepers, we work closely with business owners on tasks that are both technical and personal. We’re dealing with their numbers, their stress, and sometimes even their insecurities about money. So having the right kind of client isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential to doing our best work.
Here are eight qualities that make clients not just good—but great—from a professional bookkeeper’s point of view:
1. Clear Expectations from the Start
A great client doesn’t leave you guessing.
They communicate what they need, when they need it, and what they’re prepared to pay for it. Just as importantly, they understand your scope of services, the time certain tasks take, and any limitations around availability or turnaround.
Whether it’s monthly reconciliations, payroll, or CRA compliance support, clarity helps everyone. The smoother the onboarding and expectation-setting process, the more likely it is that we can meet (and exceed) those expectations.
Bonus tip: A well-prepared client often has their paperwork in order and systems (like accounting software) in place—or is open to your help in getting there.
2. Involved—But Not Micromanaging
The best clients are engaged in their finances but trust your expertise.
They stay connected, ask thoughtful questions, and are available when you need clarification or documentation. But they also give you space to do your job. They understand that you’re a professional and rely on your insights to guide their financial decisions.
It’s a delicate balance—too little involvement can create delays, but too much can stifle progress. The sweet spot is a client who collaborates with you, not one who tries to do your job for you.
3. Passionate About Their Business
It’s a pleasure working with business owners who are genuinely excited about what they do.
These clients care about their operations and are committed to building something meaningful. They’re motivated not just by profit, but by pride in their product, service, or mission. As a result, they’re often proactive, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused.
When things get challenging (and they always do at some point), passionate clients don’t dwell on blame—they’re interested in finding a way forward. That mindset makes bookkeeping conversations more productive and future oriented.
4. A Sense of Humour Helps
While not strictly necessary, a sense of humour can go a long way in a client-bookkeeper relationship.
Let’s face it: numbers aren’t always exciting, and financial discussions can be stressful, especially during tax season, audits, or cash flow crunches. Being able to share a laugh or take the edge off with a bit of levity makes everything more manageable.
Humour builds rapport, diffuses tension, and reminds both of us that we’re in this together.
5. Respects Your Expertise (and Your Time)
The best clients know what they don’t know—and that’s why they hire professionals.
They don’t just look at bookkeeping as a checkbox or expense, but as a vital part of running a healthy business. They’re open to your advice, whether it’s about choosing the right software, improving recordkeeping, or preparing for tax time.
And when things fall outside your scope, like legal or tech issues—they don’t point fingers. Instead, they ask for guidance, and they respect your time and boundaries.
6. Willing to Invest in the Right Tools
A great client understands that doing things properly sometimes means investing in tools, systems, or additional help. Yes, part of our job is to be efficient and keep costs manageable. But there are times when the scope expands, new needs arise, or additional resources are required. A client who’s willing to support that—without nickel-and-diming every request—makes it easier to deliver the quality they deserve.
Whether switching to a better invoice system or hiring extra help during year-end, flexible clients enable better outcomes.
7. Committed to the Relationship
In bookkeeping, consistency and trust matter.
Good clients follow through on commitments. They respond to emails, attend scheduled meetings, and—yes—pay on time. They also honour the agreements you’ve made, whether formal or informal. They don’t try to renegotiate your fees after work is completed, and they don’t “ghost” when they owe you documentation or payment.
They also recognize that as their needs evolve, the scope and price of your services may evolve too—and they’re willing to have that conversation.
8. Fair and Flexible When Life Happens
In a perfect world, everything would go exactly as planned. But real life (and real business) is full of curveballs.
Clients who are fair and flexible when challenges come up—whether it’s a missed deadline due to illness or a tech issue that disrupts workflow—are the ones who stand out. They value communication over confrontation and are focused on problem-solving rather than assigning blame.
In return, we’re just as committed to helping them when they hit a snag. It’s mutual respect and empathy that builds lasting business relationships.
Final Thoughts
No one is perfect—not every client, and certainly not every service provider. But recognizing these traits can help us cultivate stronger, healthier client relationships.
As professional bookkeepers, we know the impact a good client has on our stress levels, workflow, and overall job satisfaction. They make it easier to stay motivated, provide real value, and even enjoy the work we do. And let’s be honest, life’s too short to chase receipts from clients who don’t respect your time.
So, if you’re a business owner and you see yourself in this list — thank you! You’re the reason we love what we do.
