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The Daily Insight Hub

Is it better to outsource accounting?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on January 05, 2026

Outsourcing allows companies to attract skilled accountants to carry out a wide array of accounting tasks. Outsourced accountants often come at a lower rate compared to in-house staff. You can get the same quality of work or even better due to the wide range of talent available globally.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of outsourced accounting services?

The Pros and Cons of Outsourced Accounting Services

  • Pro #1: More Cost Effective. Hiring an outsourced accounting service is often cheaper and more cost effective than hiring in-house staff to handle the finance function.
  • Con #1: Hidden Costs.
  • Pro #2: A Proactive Approach.
  • Con #2: Less Control.
  • Pro #3: Reduced Fraud.

    Can accountancy services be outsourced?

    Outsourced accounting, therefore, means hiring a service that provides a full accounting department experience. This usually comprises everything from the day-to-day transaction coding, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and taxation to managing financial reporting.

    What do outsourced accountants do?

    Outsourced accounting is a service which provides a full, accounting department experience for small businesses. An accounting department handles the day-to-day transaction coding, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, management financial reporting and many other services.

    Why do companies outsource bookkeeping?

    One of the most obvious (and important) benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping is that it helps you save money. When you take on a bookkeeper, you’re paying them an hourly wage or annual salary. Naturally, keeping payroll costs low should be a priority. But, hiring an employee involves more costs than simply payroll.

    What companies outsource accounting?

    Compare the top outsourced accounting service features

    BrandStarting costAccounting software integration
    Bookkeeper.com$449.00/mo.QuickBooks
    Merritt Bookkeeping$190.00/mo.QuickBooks
    inDinero$300.00/mo.QuickBooks or NetSuite
    Bench$249.00/mo.*Proprietary in-house software

    Do companies outsource bookkeeping?

    More than 1/3 of small businesses are outsourcing their accounting. Interestingly, most small companies who outsource are not feeling comfortable doing accounting on their own. Even though it is commonly believed that accounting and bookkeeping must be done inside of the business.

    When should you outsource bookkeeping?

    If you spend as much—or more—time handling your financial records, payroll, and other related accounting services as you do working with clients, it may be time to look into outsourcing your accounting services.

    How do you outsource bookkeeping?

    Generally, there are two ways to outsource your bookkeeping to a local pro: a freelancer, or a firm. A freelance bookkeeper works with you one-on-one to get your books done. Freelance bookkeepers may be able to work online, in-person at your business, or both.

    Why should we outsource bookkeeping?

    Outsourced bookkeeping is a solution that can scale with the business. Outsourcing the bookkeeping function shouldn’t come down just to cost–the business is too important for that. However, outsourcing can save businesses money–both on overhead and on hidden costs such as fraud, fines and errors.

    While it might not seem like a lot, outsourcing your accounting can actually lower your total costs by eliminating expenses related to employee benefits, training, accounting software, hardware, and office supplies. You will also save money from the potentially negative consequences of a financial mistake.

    Why is accounting considered outsourcing?

    What is Outsource Bookkeeping?

    What is Outsourced Accounting or Bookkeeping? Outsourced accounting is a service which provides a full, accounting department experience for small businesses. Outsourced accounting providers have a full compliment of accounting professionals allowing them to offer a small team of accountants at a lower cost to hiring.

    What are 2 negatives of outsourcing?

    Disadvantages of Outsourcing

    • You Lose Some Control.
    • There are Hidden Costs.
    • There are Security Risks.
    • You Reduce Quality Control.
    • You Share Financial Burdens.
    • You Risk Public Backlash.
    • You Shift Time Frames.
    • You Can Lose Your Focus.

    What are the negative effects of outsourcing?

    Outsourcing has caused high unemployment, loss of income and loss of competitive advantage, leaving people without financial support and employment. If these companies are outsourcing to different countries because of the low tax rates, then they are sadly mistaken.

    Is bookkeeping an accountant?

    Bookkeepers and accountants’ work often overlap, as bookkeeping is a part of the accounting process. A bookkeeper records and classifies a company’s daily financial transactions such as sales, payroll, payment of bills, etc. An accountant builds on the information that is provided to them by the bookkeeper.

    Why is it good to outsource accounting work?

    There are quite a few reasons why outsourcing certain business functions can be cost-effective. Not only will your outsourcing partner operate via an economy of scale (allowing you to purchase goods and services at a discount), but they will also have the infrastructure in place in order to help your business operate more efficiently.

    Are there any other fields that can be outsourced?

    However, accounting isn’t the only field where businesses are happy with their outsourcing partners. Legal, software development, marketing, and payment processing are all frequently outsourced as well. Even many of today’s Fortune 500 companies will make the decision to outsource.

    What are the pros and cons of outsourcing?

    The pros and cons of each choice will vary based on the type of company you own. But there are at least five reasons why you may not want to outsource certain tasks. 1. Quality Control No matter whom you hire for a given position, you are still responsible for the quality of their work.

    How many hours of accounting should I outsource?

    When deciding if outsourcing is appropriate for your business, you will need to do so using a comprehensive framework that accounts for opportunity costs. Suppose that your business’ accounting responsibilities require 100 hours of work per month.