Outsourced Bookkeeping vs Local CPA – Roles, Pricing, and When to Pick Each

Bookkeepers and CPAs both matter – but they do different jobs. Here’s how to split the work so you get accurate books and timely tax filings at the lowest total cost.

Who does what

Bookkeeper: day-to-day entries, reconciliations, month-end close, management reports.
CPA: tax planning, filings, assurance, high-level advisory.

Pricing models

Bookkeepers: monthly fixed fee; CPAs: hourly or project-based. Use a clean handoff to reduce CPA hours.

Workflow

Close by the 5th business day; deliver a standard package; schedule quarterly CPA syncs.

FAQs

What is the difference between outsourced bookkeeping and a local CPA?
Outsourced bookkeepers handle daily transactions, while CPAs focus on taxes, audits, and advisory work.

When should I choose outsourced bookkeeping instead of a CPA?
Select outsourced bookkeeping for consistent monthly financial management; choose a CPA for tax filings or high-level strategy.

How do pricing models differ between outsourced bookkeeping and CPAs?
Bookkeepers charge predictable monthly fees, while CPAs bill higher rates for tax and advisory services.

Scale your operations with an outsourced bookkeeping team, and if you need additional staffing support, you can also hire a bookkeeper or explore our bookkeeping services for more options.

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If you need expert data entry and reconciliation, learn why you should hire a bookkeeper not a CFO for day-to-day financial management.

We seamlessly integrate to work with your CPA in Phoenix, ensuring smooth year-round collaboration and perfect tax season handoffs.

Want the best of both worlds?
Get a monthly bookkeeping quote.