Questions to ask a franchise bookkeeper
Updated 16 October 2026
How to use this list
Ask these on the first call with any franchise bookkeeper, including us. Good answers are specific and come with a date, a name or a number. A firm that is right for you will be glad you asked.
The questions, with the answers to listen for
| Question | A good answer | A warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| When will my books be closed each month? | A fixed date, such as the 15th, that they meet every month. | “As soon as we can.” |
| Have you read my franchise agreement? | They ask for it before quoting, and explain how gross sales, royalties and the ad fund will be handled. | They have not asked for it. |
| Will I get a profit and loss for each location? | Yes, every month, side by side. | Only a combined report. |
| How do you reconcile royalties to the franchisor’s statement? | A monthly check, with differences explained in writing. | “The franchisor handles that.” |
| How do you handle memberships, packs, gift cards and deposits? | As balances owed to customers, tied to your system reports each month. | Everything is booked as sales when paid. |
| Who does the work, and who reviews it? | A named bookkeeper, and a second person who reviews each close. | One person with no review. |
| What does it cost, and what is priced separately? | A price per location, with cleanup quoted as its own project. | An hourly rate with no estimate. |
| How do you work with my CPA? | A year-end package sent to the CPA. | No contact with the CPA. |
| What happens if a deadline is missed? | They tell you before the date and give a new one. | You find out when you ask. |
| Can I see a sample monthly report? | They show one on the call. | They need to put one together. |
| Who owns the software and the data if I leave? | You do. The subscription is in your name. | The file is in their account. |
| What do you need from me each month? | Access, and one batch of questions. | Constant requests for receipts by email. |
What to check before you sign
- The scope. The engagement letter should list what the monthly fee includes and what is priced separately.
- The close date. It should be written into the agreement.
- Ending the engagement. Look for a notice period of 30 days or less, and a handover of your files at the end.
- References. Ask to speak with an owner of a similar business, ideally in your brand or category.
Red flags
- They quote a price before seeing your books or your agreement.
- They cannot explain how royalties are calculated in your system.
- Reports arrive at different times each month.
- Nobody reviews the bookkeeper’s work.
How Averan answers
Books closed by the 15th. A profit and loss for each location. Royalties and the ad fund reconciled every month. A price per location, with cleanup quoted separately. Book a 30-minute call.
Talk to Averan
Tell us how your business runs today, and we will walk you through what working together would look like.
Questions
How many bookkeepers should I talk to?
Two or three is enough to compare close dates, reports and prices.
Should my bookkeeper know my brand?
It helps. At minimum, they should have read your franchise agreement before quoting.