How to Bookkeep Like a Pro-Or Outsource It to One
Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated-but it does need to be accurate. Whether you’re a business owner managing your own books or considering outsourcing, the key is consistency, compliance, and smart use of tools.
Download Our Free Brochure →This guide walks you through how to handle your books like a pro-and why outsourcing may be the smarter move for long-term success.
What It Means to “Bookkeep Like a Pro”
Professional bookkeepers don’t just log numbers. They ensure:
- Transactions are categorized correctly
- Monthly reconciliations are done without error
- Financial reports are clean and tax-ready
- Nothing falls behind or gets skipped
- There’s documentation for every audit trail
DIY Bookkeeping Best Practices
If you’re doing it yourself, follow these rules:
- Use professional tools like QuickBooks or Xero
- Reconcile bank accounts every month
- Track all business expenses and categorize them
- Keep clean digital records of receipts and invoices
- Review your P&L and balance sheet monthly
- Don’t mix personal and business accounts
Even with all this in place, DIY bookkeeping still takes time-and errors can be expensive.
When to Consider Outsourcing
If any of these apply, it’s time to outsource:
- You’re spending more than 5 hours a month on books
- You missed tax deadlines or filings
- Your CPA says your books are messy
- You have no system for categorizing expenses
- You want peace of mind and accurate reports
Outsourcing lets you focus on growth while professionals handle the details.
What to Expect from an Outsourced Bookkeeper
A good outsourced bookkeeping company will:
- Set up or take over your accounting software
- Assign a dedicated bookkeeper
- Handle all categorization, reconciliation, and reporting
- Offer CPA-ready books monthly
- Keep your data secure with encrypted access and backups
Remote Books Online offers all of this with no hourly billing or contracts.
Download Our Free Brochure →Why Small Businesses Are Choosing Virtual Bookkeeping
Hiring in-house is expensive. Doing it yourself is risky. Virtual bookkeeping gives you:
- Lower cost
- No HR or training hassles
- 24/7 visibility of your books
Dedicated financial support without the overhead
Want to stop worrying about your books? Work with certified professionals who do this every day. Book a free consultation with Remote Books Online and let us handle it for you.
FAQs
What’s the first step to professional bookkeeping?
Start by using a reliable accounting tool and categorizing all business transactions. Monthly reconciliation is critical.
Can I switch from DIY to outsourced bookkeeping mid-year?
Yes. Most outsourced firms can take over your books mid-year and even clean up your past months if needed.
How do I know if my books are correct?
If your reconciliations match your bank and your reports are aligned, you’re likely on track. A bookkeeper can audit this quickly.
How much does outsourced bookkeeping cost?
At Remote Books Online, plans start at just $150/month depending on your volume and needs.
Is it better to hire a bookkeeper or use an outsourced service?
For most small businesses, outsourced bookkeeping is more affordable, more consistent, and easier to manage.
Looking for help closer to home? Explore our online bookkeeping services in Portland, OR for customized solutions backed by certified professionals.
