5 Signs Your Bookkeeper Might Be Ghosting You

Every October, the talk turns to ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. But around here, we keep hearing about a different kind of haunting — the one hiding inside your QuickBooks.

Yep, the ghost bookkeeper.

You know, the one who was all communication and promises in the beginning but now you can’t seem to get a straight answer, an updated report, or even proof your books are being touched.

If that sounds familiar, here are a few signs your bookkeeper might be ghosting you (and what you can do about it).

1. You Haven’t Seen a Report in Months

Your books should tell you a story that’s clear and easy to follow. If you haven’t seen a profit and loss statement or balance sheet in a while, that’s a red flag. A good bookkeeper keeps you updated monthly, not just at tax time. Silence usually means things aren’t being reconciled on schedule or at all.

💡 Tip: Ask for a regular monthly financial summary. If they can’t send one, something’s off.

2. You’re Always the One Reaching Out

If you’re constantly the one asking for updates or answers, that’s not partnership. That’s detective work. 🕵️‍♀️ A reliable bookkeeper communicates before you even think to ask. You shouldn’t have to chase your own numbers.

💬 What this looks like: unanswered texts, vague replies, or “I’ll get to it this week” (for the third week in a row).

3. Transactions Aren’t Matching Your Bank

When your QuickBooks balance and your bank account don’t even pretend to match, something’s not right. Reconciliations are like ghost traps because they catch little issues before they turn into full-blown hauntings.

💡 Tip: Your books should be reconciled monthly. If they’re not, the data is unreliable.

4. You Don’t Understand Your Own Numbers

A good bookkeeper doesn’t just crunch numbers. They help you see what’s happening in your business. If you’re staring at your financials and still have no idea where your money’s going, you’re not getting the clarity you’re paying for.

🧙‍♀️ Remember: Bookkeeping isn’t about reports. It’s about understanding.

5. They’ve Straight-Up Disappeared

The scariest sign of all is when your bookkeeper has gone MIA. No responses, no logins, no updates. Just… poof.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen this too often, especially when businesses hire someone cheap or inexperienced. But don’t panic. You can recover
(and we’ve helped plenty of business owners do just that).

Here’s the Good News

If your bookkeeper has ghosted you, your business doesn’t have to stay haunted. With a little cleanup, regular reporting, and transparent communication, your books can come back to life and stay that way.

You deserve numbers you can trust and a partner who actually shows up.

Need a second opinion?
We’ve helped dozens of small business owners un-ghost their books and finally get the clarity they’ve been missing. No judgment, no tricks.

📩 If something feels off, it’s okay to ask for a look. Peace of mind is worth it.