How Do I Know if Outsourced Bookkeeping Services Are Right for My Business?
Running a small business means wearing many hats-but managing the books doesn’t have to be one of them. If you’ve ever wondered whether outsourced bookkeeping is a smart move, you’re not alone. This guide will help you determine whether it’s the right fit for your business, how to evaluate the options, and what the benefits look like.
What Is Outsourced Bookkeeping?
Outsourced bookkeeping means hiring a third-party professional or firm to handle your financial record-keeping, reconciliations, reporting, and sometimes even tax preparation. Instead of building an internal accounting team, you delegate these responsibilities to experienced virtual bookkeepers who work remotely.
It’s cost-effective, flexible, and ideal for small businesses that want professional support without hiring in-house staff. Whether you’re using QuickBooks, Xero, or another cloud-based solution, outsourced bookkeeping allows you to stay compliant and organized.
Signs You Should Outsource
- You’re spending more time on books than running your business
- Frequent errors in financial reports
- Irregular updates to records
- Lack of internal accounting expertise
Benefits of Outsourcing:
- Lower cost than hiring in-house
- Access to expert bookkeepers
- Scalability during busy seasons
Signs You Might Need Outsourced Bookkeeping
Not every business needs a bookkeeper on staff-but most businesses need accurate, up-to-date books. Here are some signs outsourcing might be the right move:
- You’re falling behind on books: If reconciling accounts or tracking expenses feels like a monthly crisis, you need help.
- You’re spending too much time on admin: Your time is better spent on growth, not spreadsheets.
- You’re unsure about compliance: If you worry about tax filings or missed deductions, it’s time to bring in experts.
- You need financial clarity: A bookkeeper helps provide accurate reports that support better decision-making.
- Your needs are seasonal: Outsourced firms can scale with your business.
Pros and Cons of Outsourced Bookkeeping
Pros:
- Lower overhead vs. in-house staff
- Access to trained, certified bookkeepers
- Flat monthly pricing
- CPA-reviewed financials
- No need for software maintenance or updates
- Real-time access via cloud-based tools
Cons:
- Less control if you don’t choose the right provider
- Potential communication delays without clear processes
- May require more onboarding if your books are in poor shape
RemoteBooksOnline offers outsourced bookkeeping with certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors and Xero specialists. Our team handles everything from monthly categorization to reconciliations and catch-up work-all at a flat monthly rate. Explore Outsourced Bookkeeping Services
Use Case: Startup Grows by 60% After Handing Off the Books
A digital marketing startup in Austin, Texas was struggling to keep their books updated. After switching to RemoteBooksOnline, they caught up 9 months of old data, received CPA-ready reports, and freed up 8 hours a week previously spent on admin. With that time, the founder expanded client onboarding and grew revenue by 60% in six months.
How to Choose the Right Provider
Outsourcing only works when the provider is trustworthy and experienced. Look for:
- Proven experience with small business accounting
- Software expertise (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
- Transparent pricing and scope
- Secure document-sharing and data protection
- Flexible support hours
- U.S. accounting standards training
Tip: Start with a free month or pilot program to test the fit.
Outsourced Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses Across States
Outsourced Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses in Key ZIP Codes
- 10001 (New York, NY)
- 75201 (Dallas, TX)
- 90001 (Los Angeles, CA)
- 60601 (Chicago, IL)
- 33101 (Miami, FL)
FAQs
Is outsourced bookkeeping safe?
Yes, as long as your provider uses encrypted cloud storage and secure portals.
Do I lose control of my books?
No. You have full access, approval authority, and real-time visibility-just without doing the work.
What does outsourced bookkeeping cost?
At RemoteBooksOnline, packages start at $150/month and include software, reconciliations, and CPA review.
Is QuickBooks supported?
Yes, we are QuickBooks ProAdvisors and also support Xero.
What if I’m months behind?
We offer catch-up services to get you current fast-whether you’re 3 or 30 months behind.
Can I outsource part of my bookkeeping?
Yes, you can choose specific functions.
Will I still have access to my books?
Yes, via secure cloud platforms.
Is outsourcing secure?
Yes, with proper encryption and controls.
Is it better for small or large businesses?
It works for both, especially small to mid-sized companies.
Want to offload the back office? Our outsourced bookkeeping service lets you focus on growing your business.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
Tax professionals and CPAs rely on our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to streamline financials and scale their practices efficiently.
