DIY vs Professional Catch-Up Bookkeeping
When you’re behind on bookkeeping, it’s tempting to roll up your sleeves and fix it yourself. After all, how hard can reconciling a few months be? The truth: what looks simple often hides complex errors that cost time and tax deductions later. Deciding between DIY and professional catch-up bookkeeping depends on how far behind you are, what systems you use, and how much your time is worth. Here’s how to weigh both options and choose the right path for your business.
See how RemoteBooksOnline helps you catch up your books quickly.
The DIY Approach – When It Can Work
DIY bookkeeping can be viable if:
- You’re fewer than 3 months behind.
- Your transactions are limited and straightforward.
- You already use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.
- You have time to learn reconciliation and reporting basics.
Pros:
- Saves short-term cash.
- Keeps sensitive data in-house.
Cons:
- Takes hours away from operations.
- High risk of missing or duplicated entries.
- No CPA verification for tax accuracy.
The Professional Approach – When It Saves Money and Sanity
Hiring a bookkeeping service makes sense when:
- You’re 3 + months behind or switching accountants.
- You need multiple accounts or payroll reconciled.
- You plan to file taxes or apply for funding soon.
Pros:
- Experts handle historical imports, corrections, and reconciliations.
- CPA-reviewed results are audit- and tax-ready.
- Faster turnaround (usually 5-10 business days).
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost (but usually cheaper than CPA cleanup).
In most cases, the cost of errors from DIY exceeds the fee for professional help.
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Cost Comparison – DIY vs Professional
| Task | DIY Time Cost (Owner Hours) | Professional Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Reconcile 6 months of bank accounts | 25-40 hrs learning + entry | $300-$600 flat per month cleaned |
| Fix uncategorized transactions | 10+ hrs | Included in cleanup |
| CPA review for tax filing | $400 – $800 extra | Included in service package |
When you factor hourly value of your own time, professional bookkeeping is almost always cheaper.
Accuracy and Liability
DIY errors-especially duplicate deposits or missed expenses-can misstate profit by 20% or more. Inaccurate records invite tax notices or lender rejections. Professional accountants use checklists, peer review, and CPA oversight to ensure every entry ties back to documentation.
Why Most Businesses Eventually Outsource
Owners start DIY to save money but shift to professionals once they realize:
- Their books take too long to manage.
- Reports still don’t match bank data.
- Year-end CPAs charge extra for cleanup.
Outsourcing converts stress into predictable monthly accuracy.
How RemoteBooksOnline Bridges Both Options
We meet you where you are.
- Free assessment of backlog and issues.
- Dedicated team handles imports and reconciliations.
- Flat monthly pricing with CPA review included.
- Option to stay on affordable monthly plans after cleanup.
Our process delivers clean, compliant books faster than DIY-and at lower total cost than a CPA cleanup.
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FAQs
Is DIY bookkeeping worth it?
It can work for 1-2 months of simple transactions but rarely beyond that.
What do bookkeeping services charge for catch-up work?
Typically $300-$600 per month of backlog depending on complexity.
Can I start DIY and then hire a pro later?
Yes-just ensure you don’t overwrite files or duplicate entries when handing off.
Does RemoteBooksOnline offer free consultations?
Yes, we review your file and send a no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Explore Affordable Bookkeeping Plans that keep you current without high CPA costs.
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