What Small Businesses Should Look for in an Online Bookkeeping Company
Choosing the right online bookkeeping company can make or break your small business’s financial health. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, the firm you work with needs to be accurate, responsive, secure, and tailored to small business needs.
Download Our Free Brochure →Here’s exactly what to look for when evaluating virtual bookkeeping companies—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
Why Go Online?
Online bookkeeping services have replaced outdated, in-person accounting for most small businesses. Benefits include:
- Access from any device
- Faster monthly closes
- Lower overhead
- Real-time updates and reporting
- No HR, training, or staffing costs
Key Criteria to Evaluate an Online Bookkeeping Company
- Accuracy and Experience
Choose a firm that specializes in small business bookkeeping and has a history of consistent, error-free reporting. - Pricing Transparency
Avoid hidden fees or hourly billing. Look for flat monthly rates and clear scopes of work. - Integration Support
Your bookkeeper should work with your tools: QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, PayPal, and payroll systems. - Dedicated Team
You should have access to a specific person or team-not just a generic inbox. - Security and Compliance
Ask about data encryption, SOC compliance, multi-factor authentication, and audit trails. - Scalability
As your business grows, you need a provider that can scale with you-from simple reconciliations to more complex accounting workflows.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up
- Who will actually be doing the work?
- How will I receive my reports each month?
- How do you handle communication, revisions, or escalations?
- Can I cancel anytime, or is there a contract?
- What happens if I get behind on my books?
Remote Books Online answers all of these up front-no surprises, no long-term commitments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a local accountant who doesn’t specialize in remote tools
- Paying by the hour with no clarity on scope
- Hiring freelancers with no oversight or quality control
- Overpaying for part-time work you don’t need every week
Ready to find the right bookkeeping partner?
Remote Books Online offers accurate, affordable bookkeeping services built for small businesses. Book a free consultation and let us handle the financial details so you can focus on growth.
FAQs
How do I choose the best bookkeeping company?
Look for experience with small businesses, clear pricing, tool integration, and dedicated support.
Should I go with a freelancer or a bookkeeping firm?
Firms offer accountability, backups, and support that freelancers often lack.
Can I outsource bookkeeping if I already use QuickBooks?
Yes. Most online firms-including RBO-work directly within your existing account.
What does a virtual bookkeeper actually do?
They categorize expenses, reconcile bank accounts, create monthly reports, and keep your books CPA-ready.
How fast can I get started with an online bookkeeping company?
Remote Books Online can get most clients onboarded within 48-72 hours.
You don’t need an in-house bookkeeper when you can get full support through our virtual bookkeeping services in Charlotte, NC.
