Bookkeeper Near Me vs. Virtual Bookkeeping: Which Is Better?
If you’ve ever Googled “bookkeeper near me,” you’re not alone. Many small business owners start their search locally, hoping to find someone nearby who can manage their finances. But in today’s world, virtual bookkeeping services are rapidly becoming the preferred choice – not just for convenience, but for efficiency, affordability, and scalability.
So what’s the real difference? And which one is right for your business?
Let’s break it down.
Local Bookkeeper: What You Get
A traditional bookkeeper near you usually works in your city or region. You may meet in person, drop off physical receipts, or even invite them to your office once a month.
Pros:
- Face-to-face communication
- Can pick up physical documents
- Familiarity with your local area and industry
Cons:
- Limited availability (business hours only)
- Hourly rates can vary and add up quickly
- May not use cloud-based tools or automation
- Harder to scale as your needs grow
Most local bookkeepers are small operations themselves – meaning if they’re busy, your books might have to wait.
Virtual Bookkeeper: What You Get
A virtual bookkeeper is a remote team or professional that handles your bookkeeping entirely online. With tools like QuickBooks, bank feeds, and secure file sharing, they don’t need to be in your city to deliver great results.
Pros:
- Flat monthly pricing (no surprise bills)
- 24/7 document upload and access
- Scalability (grow without changing bookkeepers)
- Access to a team, not just one person
- CPA-ready reports delivered on time
Cons:
- No in-person meetings (though phone/email/chat are faster)
- Requires basic comfort with digital tools
At Remote Books Online, our clients typically get their first month free, followed by affordable monthly bookkeeping starting at just $150.
Cost Comparison: Local vs. Virtual
| Feature | Local Bookkeeper | Virtual Bookkeeping |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Hourly or custom | Flat monthly (e.g., $150) |
| Scalability | Limited by availability | Scales with your business |
| Report Turnaround | Variable | On schedule, every month |
| Support Hours | Business hours only | Extended or 24/7 digital |
| Team Access | Usually one person | Full team support |
Real Use Case: From Local to Virtual
A small eCommerce retailer based in Texas started with a local bookkeeper. While it worked in the beginning, they found themselves constantly waiting for responses, and the hourly billing added up during tax season.
They switched to Remote Books Online and now:
- Upload receipts via mobile app
- Receive monthly profit and loss statements automatically
- Pay a predictable flat fee
- Spend zero time chasing their bookkeeper
If you’re facing the same challenges, our catch-up bookkeeping services can bring you current quickly
When to Consider Switching
If any of these apply to you, it might be time to explore a virtual bookkeeper:
- You’re behind on your books and can’t get caught up
- You’re overpaying in hourly bookkeeping fees
- You need consistent monthly financials for planning or tax prep
- You’re tired of coordinating schedules with a local provider
You don’t need to give up personalized service to go virtual. In fact, you gain structure, consistency, and responsiveness.
FAQs
Will I still be able to talk to someone if I use a virtual bookkeeper?
Absolutely. Our team is always just a phone call or email away – and unlike a solo bookkeeper, there’s always someone available to help.
Is virtual bookkeeping secure?
Yes. We use encrypted platforms, secure file sharing, and only trained professionals have access to your books.
Can you handle multiple bank accounts or payment processors?
Definitely. We specialize in small businesses and can handle everything from bank feeds to Shopify, PayPal, Stripe, and more.
Do I need to buy QuickBooks?
No. We include the software in your monthly service. No extra fees.
Conclusion
While hiring a local bookkeeper may have worked in the past, virtual bookkeeping services like Remote Books Online offer more flexibility, consistency, and cost control. You don’t have to compromise on quality to go remote – in fact, you gain access to a team of professionals dedicated to keeping your books in order.
Request a free quote today and discover the Remote Books Online difference
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