Online vs Local Bookkeeping – What Works Best for Small Businesses?
If you’re deciding between hiring a local bookkeeper or using an online bookkeeping service, you’re not alone. With cloud-based tools now mainstream, many business owners are ditching office visits in favor of secure, remote bookkeeping that’s accurate, affordable, and scalable.
Download Our Free Brochure →In this article, we break down the pros and cons of online vs local bookkeeping and help you figure out which is the best fit for your business.
What Is Local Bookkeeping?
Local bookkeeping typically involves:
- In-person meetings with a bookkeeper in your area
- Handing over physical receipts or spreadsheets
- Possibly higher hourly rates due to overhead
Pros:
- Face-to-face interaction
- Local business relationships
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Slower turnaround
- Higher cost, especially for full-time support
What Is Online Bookkeeping?
Online bookkeeping is handled virtually-usually by a remote team trained in tools like QuickBooks Online or Xero. Reports are delivered digitally, communication happens via email or portal, and everything is stored securely in the cloud.
Pros:
- CPA-reviewed monthly reports
- Lower cost with flat-rate pricing
- Faster turnaround and 24/7 access
- No physical handoffs or meetings
Cons:
- Less in-person interaction (though rarely needed)
- May require light onboarding/setup support
Related: Online Bookkeeping Services
Download Our Free Brochure →Why Small Businesses Are Switching to Online Bookkeeping
More and more businesses are realizing that online doesn’t mean lower quality – it means greater efficiency and better cost control.
At RemoteBooksOnline, we’ve helped thousands of small businesses eliminate bookkeeping headaches by switching to an online model. We offer:
When Local Bookkeeping Still Makes Sense
In a few cases, a local bookkeeper may still be helpful:
- If you operate in a paper-heavy industry
- If you need someone to physically scan receipts or invoices
- If you prefer personal interaction over cost savings
But for most modern businesses-especially ecommerce, services, consultants, and real estate agents-online bookkeeping is faster, cheaper, and more scalable.
Conclusion: Go Online, Stay Accurate, Save Money
If your books are disorganized, behind, or just too much to handle-go online. It’s faster, smarter, and designed to grow with your business.
Call to Action:
Tired of Expensive Local Bookkeepers?
Make the switch to RemoteBooksOnline and enjoy flat-rate, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping-delivered 100% online.
Start for Free – No Setup Fees
Looking for reliable bookkeeping in your area? We support businesses with CPA-reviewed books in San Diego, CA 92101 and Austin, TX 73301.
