RemoteBooksOnline vs Paro: Trusted Bookkeeping vs Marketplace Outsourcing - What Works Best for SMBs?
A Side-by-Side Comparison of Specialized Bookkeeping Services vs. Gig-Based Solutions for Small Businesses
At a glance, Paro might seem like another bookkeeping service - but in reality, it's a talent marketplace that connects businesses with outsourced finance professionals (bookkeepers, accountants, etc.). On the other hand, RemoteBooksOnline provides end-to-end CPA-reviewed bookkeeping as a fully managed service with fixed pricing and predictable delivery.
This guide compares RemoteBooksOnline vs Paro to help small business owners decide whether they want a trusted partner or a talent pool.
Service Offerings
| Feature/Service | RemoteBooksOnline | Paro |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Yes — CPA-reviewed, handled in-house | Depends on freelance partner hired via platform |
| Catch-Up Bookkeeping | Yes — up to 24+ months | Offered by select freelancers only |
| Tax Filing Support | No — tax-ready books provided | Depends on freelancer — not standardized |
| White-Label for CPAs | Yes | No |
| Industry Flexibility | All SMBs — real estate, law, ecommerce, etc. | Varies by available freelancers |
Verdict:
RBO offers standardized, high-quality service. Paro gives you access to a pool, with no guarantees.
Pricing Comparison
RemoteBooksOnline provides flat-rate monthly pricing, CPA-reviewed reports, and a free first month. Catch-up services are affordably priced and quoted up front.
Paro pricing depends entirely on the freelancer you connect with. Rates vary by skill level, experience, geography, and workload - and may not include oversight or consistency.
| Services | RBO | Paro |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Bookkeeping | Included, CPA-reviewed | Freelancers bill hourly or flat |
| Catch-Up Work | Yes | Depends on freelancer |
| Tax Filing | No | Some freelancers may offer it |
Verdict:
RBO offers predictable, professional pricing. Paro requires negotiation, vetting, and potentially more oversight.
Technology & Integration
RemoteBooksOnline works directly in your QuickBooks or Xero account. No software switches or retraining required.
Paro depends on the bookkeeper you hire - some may work in QuickBooks, some may prefer Excel or other tools.
Verdict:
RBO plugs into your workflow. Paro's experience varies based on who you hire.
User Reviews & Reputation
RemoteBooksOnline:
Trusted by thousands of SMBs- Known for affordability, consistency, and CPA-reviewed accuracy
- Highly rated for onboarding, catch-up services, and responsiveness
Paro:
- Still an emerging player in outsourced bookkeeping
- Positive for freelance access
- Mixed reviews around delivery consistency and talent quality
Notable Review Themes:
- RBO: “CPA-verified books every month,” “Best catch-up team we’ve worked with,” “Support is personal and reliable.”
- Paro: “Good talent, but took time to find the right fit,” “No backup if freelancer disappears,” “Platform feels like a middleman.”
Pros and Cons
RemoteBooksOnline - Pros:
- CPA-reviewed monthly financials
- First month free
- Fixed pricing — no hourly billing
- Consistent team and process
- Ideal for catch-up and growing SMBs
Paro - Pros:
- Flexible access to talent
- May find specialized or niche expertise
- Marketplace variety
RBO - Cons:
- Doesn’t offer one-time hires or gig-style support
- Not ideal for micro-tasks like “just this quarter”
Paro - Cons:
- No standardized process or oversight
- Freelancer quality varies
- No CPA review or scalable service model
Test Case: Online Retailer in Miami, FL
Background: An ecommerce shop owner used Paro to find a bookkeeper. The freelancer handled the books for a few months, but eventually became unresponsive and missed monthly reports - leaving the client without clean books heading into tax season.
Solution: They switched to RemoteBooksOnline. The RBO team caught up on 11 months of missed data and began monthly CPA-reviewed bookkeeping inside QuickBooks.
Results:
- Full catch-up delivered in under 3 weeks
- No more communication gaps — consistent team assigned
- Owner received accurate monthly financials and peace of mind before tax filing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paro a bookkeeping service?
No. It’s a freelance marketplace where you can hire a bookkeeper — but Paro doesn’t do the work directly.
Can I use RBO if I used Paro before?
Absolutely. We can clean up the books and provide long-term consistency.
Does Paro offer CPA-reviewed reporting?
No. RBO includes CPA review with all plans.
Which is better for long-term bookkeeping?
RBO - it's structured, scalable, and dependable. Paro is gig-based and best for short-term projects.
Can I cancel RBO at any time?
Yes. No contracts, no long-term commitments.
Which One’s Right for You?
If you want long-term, CPA-reviewed bookkeeping with flat pricing and full accountability, RemoteBooksOnline is the clear choice.
If you're experimenting or just need one-time freelance help, Paro may be an option - but comes with the risks of inconsistency and no centralized support.
Which Bookkeeping Service Do You Need?
Each page provides detailed information on how we help solve specific pain points-whether you're behind on your books or looking to fully outsource.