Why More CPA Firms Are Outsourcing Bookkeeping in 2025
CPA firms across the country are facing the same challenge – rising client demands, limited staffing, and unpredictable tax season surges. In response, more firms are turning to outsourced bookkeeping partners to handle day-to-day client work, cleanup, and even back office support.
Download Our Free Brochure →Outsourcing bookkeeping allows firms to scale faster, increase billable time, and avoid burnout – all without hiring, training, or managing internal bookkeeping staff.
Whether you are a solo CPA or a growing multi-partner firm, outsourcing is no longer just a cost-saving strategy – it is now essential for modern client service delivery.
Why CPA Firms Are Making the Switch
- Staffing Challenges
Recruiting and retaining skilled bookkeepers is harder than ever. Many firms simply cannot find enough qualified staff to meet seasonal demand. - Time Constraints During Tax Season
When bookkeeping falls behind, CPAs end up cleaning up client records just to file returns. Outsourcing removes that burden. - Increased Demand for Monthly Services
More clients now expect year-round support, not just tax prep. Outsourcing lets you offer monthly bookkeeping without expanding your team. - Better Margins and More Billable Hours
CPAs focus on advisory, tax strategy, and review. Outsourced teams handle the grunt work, freeing up partner and senior staff time. - Scalability Without Overhead
Outsourced bookkeeping services like RemoteBooksOnline provide white-label or co-branded support that scales with your firm – no payroll required.
What Tasks Are Typically Outsourced?
- Transaction categorization
- Bank and credit card reconciliation
- Cleanup of client files before tax prep
- Catch-up bookkeeping for late clients
- Monthly financial statements (P&L, balance sheet)
- CPA-ready formatting of reports
- Client portal setup and document collection
Some firms even outsource invoice processing, accounts payable, and monthly closing support.
Test Case Example
A regional CPA firm in Texas handled over 150 business clients, but only had two full-time staff bookkeepers. Every tax season, they spent weeks cleaning up QuickBooks files just to prepare returns – delaying filing and causing team burnout.
They partnered with RemoteBooksOnline for white-label bookkeeping. Now, clients submit their bank statements via a portal, RemoteBooksOnline handles all reconciliations, and the CPA team simply reviews and files. The firm added $70,000 in billable work last tax season without hiring anyone new.
Benefits for CPA Firms
- Consistent, high-quality bookkeeping across all clients
- Quick turnaround on messy or overdue files
- Access to trained QuickBooks professionals
- Lower labor costs without sacrificing accuracy
- Scalable support during peak season
- Time savings that boost billable capacity
- A better client experience with no delays
How to Choose the Right Outsourcing Partner
Look for a bookkeeping provider that:
- Understands CPA workflows and reporting needs
- Offers white-label options under your brand
- Uses secure portals and cloud-based software
- Provides dedicated account managers or teams
- Has experience with tax season volume and urgency
- Delivers CPA-ready reports – no rework needed
FAQs
Will my clients know we are outsourcing?
Not necessarily. Many providers offer white-label support where communication is done under your brand or through your own portal.
Is it secure?
Yes. Reputable providers use encrypted portals, role-based access, and secure file storage.
Can they handle messy or late clients?
Yes. Most outsourced services offer catch-up and cleanup as part of the onboarding process.
Can I use them for just a few clients to start?
Yes. You can begin with a small group and scale as needed.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing bookkeeping is no longer optional for modern CPA firms – it is a strategic decision that improves efficiency, boosts profitability, and supports client growth. With the right partner, you can streamline your workflow, deliver faster results, and handle tax season with less stress.
Want to offer monthly bookkeeping to your clients without hiring more staff?
Partner with RemoteBooksOnline – white-label support, CPA-ready reporting, and scalable service. Start your free trial today.
Need to catch up on your financial records? Our Catch‑Up Bookkeeping guide explains how we help you reconcile past transactions quickly and accurately.
Want to know what virtual bookkeepers handle? This virtual bookkeeping services guide outlines everything from transaction management to monthly reporting.
Need a CPA-reviewed look at your books? Our Virtual Bookkeeping & CPA Review service ensures accuracy and compliance—all done remotely for your convenience.
CPA and bookkeeping firms can scale faster with our white-label bookkeeping services fully branded for your clients.
Want to offload the back office? Our outsourced bookkeeping service lets you focus on growing your business.
