Outsourcing vs. In-House Bookkeeping: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Bookkeeping is a must for any business, but how you handle it-internally or externally-can make a big difference in cost, accuracy, and efficiency. If you’re weighing whether to hire an in-house bookkeeper or outsource to a professional bookkeeping service, this breakdown will help you make the right decision.
Download Our Free Brochure →1. Cost Comparison
In-House:
- Salary ($40K-$60K+)
- Benefits, taxes, office space
Outsourced:
- Pay monthly based on volume
- No overhead or long-term contracts
Insight: Outsourcing is often 50-70% cheaper than hiring internally, especially for small businesses.
2. Accuracy & Expertise
In-House:
- May have general bookkeeping knowledge
- Risk of skill gaps or outdated practices
Outsourced:
- Dedicated experts with up-to-date tax and compliance knowledge
- Multilayered review process
3. Scalability & Flexibility
In-House:
- May not scale well with business growth
- Risk of delays if employee is sick, quits, or overwhelmed
Outsourced:
- Scales with your growth
- Dedicated teams handle overflow and ensure continuity
4. Time Savings
Business owners spend 10-15 hours/month on DIY or in-house bookkeeping.
Download Our Free Brochure →Outsourcing Benefit:
- More time for growth and customer service
- Automated workflows, less manual follow-up
5. Control & Oversight
In-House:
- Full visibility, but often without real-time dashboards
Outsourced:
- Real-time reports, but requires trusting your provider
Tip: Choose a provider like Remote Books Online that gives you 24/7 access to your books and dedicated support.
Use Case
A retail business in Georgia replaced their full-time bookkeeper with Remote Books Online. The owner saved over $35K annually and received more accurate, real-time reports. They scaled locations from 3 to 6 using monthly financial reviews as a roadmap.
FAQs
Is outsourcing bookkeeping cheaper than hiring in-house?
Yes. Most small businesses save thousands per year by outsourcing.
Will I lose control of my books if I outsource?
No. With Remote Books Online, you retain full access and oversight with expert help.
What about data security?
We use encrypted, SOC-compliant systems to keep your financials secure.
Can I switch from in-house to Remote Books Online mid-year?
Absolutely. Our onboarding process makes switching smooth at any time.
Save Money and Time with Outsourced Bookkeeping
Explore how Remote Books Online helps you eliminate overhead, improve accuracy, and scale with confidence.
Schedule your free consultation or call 1-800-583-0148
Want to offload the back office? Our outsourced bookkeeping service lets you focus on growing your business.
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.