What’s Included in Online Bookkeeping Services? A Breakdown for Small Business Owners
If you’re a small business owner exploring bookkeeping services, you’ve likely come across the term “online bookkeeping.” But what exactly do these services include-and how do you know if you’re getting everything you need? In this guide, we’ll walk through the core features of online bookkeeping, what to expect from your bookkeeper, and how to spot services that go the extra mile (like RemoteBooksOnline).
Download Our Free Brochure →What’s Typically Included in Online Bookkeeping?
Most reputable online bookkeeping services will include the following:
1. Monthly Bank and Credit Card Reconciliation
This is the core of your bookkeeping. Your bookkeeper will match transactions in your accounting software with bank feeds to ensure all activity is recorded accurately. Missing or duplicate entries? Those get flagged and corrected.
2. Categorization of Income and Expenses
Each transaction is reviewed and categorized into the proper chart of accounts-like “office supplies,” “marketing,” or “consulting income.” Consistent categorization is key to accurate reporting.
3. CPA-Ready Financial Statements
You should receive monthly financial reports including:
- Profit and Loss (P&L)
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow Statements
These reports are critical for tax filing, investor discussions, or loan applications.
Download Our Free Brochure →4. Catch-Up Bookkeeping (if needed)
If you’re behind on books, most online services (like RemoteBooksOnline) will offer catch-up services to get your books current-sometimes within days.
5. Support for Your Tax Preparer or CPA
Your bookkeeper doesn’t file taxes, but they’ll make sure your books are tax-ready. This means your CPA can plug in and file without redoing work-saving you time and money.
Optional or Premium Features
Some providers offer more robust features, which may or may not be included in the base price:
- Payroll Integration
- Accounts Payable & Receivable Tracking
- Sales Tax Reporting
- Inventory Reconciliation
- Custom Reports or Dashboards
Always clarify what’s included and what’s extra.
Test Case
Client: Small e-commerce seller in Texas
Problem: Had 9 months of incomplete books and no proper financials for a loan application.
Solution: RemoteBooksOnline completed catch-up bookkeeping, reconciled accounts, and delivered CPA-ready reports in 7 business days.
Result: Client submitted documentation to the bank and secured $35K in working capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does online bookkeeping include payroll?
Not always. Some services integrate with payroll providers or charge extra. RemoteBooksOnline can sync with your payroll data for easier reconciliation.
Can I do this on my own with QuickBooks?
You could-but if you’re not trained in accounting, errors can pile up. Most small business owners save time and reduce stress by outsourcing.
Will I still need a CPA?
Yes. Your bookkeeper organizes the numbers. Your CPA files taxes and provides tax strategy.
Final Thoughts
Online bookkeeping isn’t just about reconciling bank statements. It’s about creating a financial foundation you can trust. With RemoteBooksOnline, you get accurate books, timely reports, and real human support-all without lifting a finger.
Stay organized and tax-ready year-round with our flat-rate monthly bookkeeping services.
If you’re behind on your books, our catch-up bookkeeping services can help you get current fast-no stress, no mess.
Offer your clients expert financial support without breaking the bank with our affordable bookkeeping services – reliable, professional, and budget-friendly solutions for growing businesses.
