Best Online Bookkeeping Services for Small Business
Keep your company's financial records organized and updated with these 10 online bookkeeping services for small businesses.
Doing your company's bookkeeping can be exhausting and time-consuming. And mistakes in your financial records could lead to legal issues.
That's why online bookkeeping services can be a great solution.
They're a low-cost yet effective way to keep your business's financial data in order. With these services, you can rest easy knowing your records are handled.
Here are the 10 best online bookkeeping services for small businesses.
Read on to see which is best for your business.
Here are the best online bookkeeping services:
- Bookkeeper360: Best Overall
- 1-800Accountant: Full-Service
- Pilot: Great for Startups
- Bookkeeper.com: All-in-One
- Merritt Bookkeeping: Best Budget Pick
- Bench: Great Affordable Option
- Xendoo: Best for Small Businesses
- QuickBooks Live: Good for Accounting + Bookkeeping
- inDinero: Best for Customizable Plans
- Reconciled: Easy Onboarding
What Is an Online Bookkeeping Service?
An online bookkeeping service is a company that manages and organizes a business' financial data remotely instead of on-site. Like traditional bookkeepers, they ensure all your financial records are always up to date and accurate.
Some of the tasks they handle include:
- Recording and managing financial transactions
- Processing payroll
- Monitoring cash flow
- Reviewing and keeping financial statements and accounts updated
Businesses give these services remote access to their servers, financial documents, and accounting software. This lets them retrieve the necessary information without needing to appear in person.
Access is typically protected by advanced security measures to prevent their financial records from falling into the wrong hands.
Accounting is more analytic and complex. It focuses on analyzing and presenting a company's financial data logically. This is so business owners can make sense of it and gain deeper insights into their company's performance.
Bookkeeping, in contrast, is more administrative and straightforward. It focuses on recording and managing a company's financial records. Bookkeepers can handle these tasks without in-depth financial knowledge.
Do I Need Online Bookkeeping Services?
Bookkeeping is an inevitable part of running a business. And online bookkeeping services are a great way to handle this tedious task.
There are several reasons you might consider hiring a remote bookkeeping team:
- They're more cost-effective than hiring an in-house team. Having a remote team eliminates overhead costs like payroll taxes, office supplies and equipment, employment insurance, etc.
- They're more flexible. Online services give you more access to a broader talent pool and more choices. You won't be limited to candidates available in your area.
- They're more accurate and up-to-date. Most services also use various tools to manage their clients' data. These can offer better accuracy in your financial data. They can also guarantee your records are constantly updated and synchronized.
Outsourcing your bookkeeping allows you to focus on other aspects of your business without worrying about properly managing your finances. They can even generate detailed reports to give you a clearer view of your business's financial status.
And, since they're only focusing on bookkeeping, there are fewer chances of critical mistakes that can negatively impact your business.
10 Best Online Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses
There are a lot of online bookkeeping services out there. So it can be tough to decide which company to go for.
These 10 services can be a good starting point if you're a small business:
1. Bookkeeper360 - Best Overall
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Bookkeeper360 is an all-in-one online company specializing in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, and tax compliance services.
They have several pre-built plans that can accommodate the financial needs of small- to medium-sized businesses. But you also have the option to build a custom package for your team if you regularly handle a high volume of financial transactions.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 3.5/5
- Ease of Use - 5/5
- Customer Support - 5/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, as a paid add-on service
Who is it for?
Bookkeeper360 is best for growing businesses that want comprehensive online bookkeeping services. And a wide selection of add-ons like payroll services, CFO advisory, and tax filing services.
Pricing
Bookkeeper360 has 3 different plans, categorized depending on how often you need their services:[1]
- Pay-As-You-Go - Starts from $125/hr
- Monthly - Starts from $399/mo
- Weekly - Starts from $549/mo
Besides the frequency, the prices also change depending on your company's accounting method (cash- or accrual-based) and your maximum monthly expenses.
Cash basis accounting only recognizes your company's revenue when you receive it (e.g., when you deposit payments into your bank account). Businesses use this method when they just handle simple transactions.
Accrual accounting acknowledges your company's revenue as soon as it's earned (e.g., when you create an invoice for a completed project). This is better if your business has more complex transactions.
You'll have to contact their sales team for a custom quote if your business deals with more than $100k in monthly expenses.
Main Features
All of their plans come with these features:
- Dedicated accountant
- Bank reconciliation
- Business performance dashboard
- Financial management and reporting
- General ledger
- Expense tracking
Add-On Services
Bookkeeper360 also offers the following services as paid add-ons:
- Tax filing
- CFO advisory
- Payroll and HR
- Back office
Why We Like It
Bookkeeper360 provides comprehensive services so that you can focus on other essential aspects of your business. They accommodate both cash- and accrual-based accounting methods. So you can just sit back and relax while they handle your bookkeeping needs.
They also offer greater flexibility, thanks to their various add-on services. You no longer have to look for another company to accommodate your business's specific needs.
You won't be forced to sign a long-term contract to test their services. You can cancel your subscription anytime without worrying about penalties. They even have a pay-as-you-go option, so you can enjoy their services without committing to a monthly subscription.
Bookkeeper360 is also a Xero platinum partner. So if you're already using that software for your accounting, you can easily synchronize your books without switching. They also integrate with QuickBooks Online, giving you another option in terms of accounting software.
They also integrate seamlessly with other services like Bill.com, Gusto, and Expensify. This gives you additional options if you don't want to switch to a new service.
Drawbacks
The main downside of Bookkeeper360's services is their somewhat high prices. These can make them less accessible to small businesses, especially if you have a tight budget.
2. 1-800Accountant - Great Full-Service Pick
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If you're looking for a full-service accounting firm to handle your books, 1-800Accountant can be the perfect choice. They have multiple pricing plans and a wide range of services to accommodate the financial needs of small- to medium-sized businesses.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 3/5
- Ease of Use - 4/5
- Customer Support - 3/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, available with their Corporation and Enterprise plans
Who is it for?
1-800Accountant is the best option for new businesses that want full-service bookkeeping and accounting services from certified accountants.
Pricing
1-800Accountant currently has 4 plan types:[2]
- Startup - State filing fees only
- Business - $129/mo, billed annually
- Corporation - $239/mo, billed annually
- Enterprise - $399/mo, billed annually
Please note that their bookkeeping services and financial reports are only available in their highest-priced plan, Enterprise.
You can schedule a free initial consultation if you need help deciding. They can help you determine which services best fit your business' needs.
Main Features
Their services have the following features:
- Dedicated accountant/bookkeeper
- Tax planning and preparation
- Year-round tax advisory
- Entity formation
- Payroll
- Bookkeeping and financial reports (Enterprise plan only)
Add-On Services
This company also offers catch-up bookkeeping services as a paid add-on if you need them to sort and organize your company's previous financial records.
Why We Like It
One of 1-800Accountant's main selling points is their CPA-supported services. This assures you of their service's quality since you'll be working with a certified accountant.
Aside from that, they offer a broad range of business services, including payroll, business formation, and tax support. Many of these are already included in their preset plans. So you just have to choose which option is best for you.
This company mainly uses their own accounting software, ClientBooks, to do your bookkeeping. But you can integrate their services with other programs if that's what you prefer.
Drawbacks
Unfortunately, 1-800Accountant's bookkeeping services are only available if you get their Enterprise plan. This can mean paying more than you have to enjoy this service.
Many have also complained about how difficult it was to reach their customer support, especially regarding tax concerns.
3. Pilot - Great for Startups
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Pilot is another online bookkeeping service geared toward helping small businesses manage their finances. They specialize in handling niche businesses with more complex financial needs. And they provide excellent bookkeeping support to rapidly growing startups.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 4/5
- Ease of Use - 5/5
- Customer Support - 5/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, as a paid add-on service
Who is it for?
Pilot is best for startups with high growth potential. And businesses that can benefit from detailed financial reports.
Pricing
Pilot currently offers 2 plan types:[3]
- Core - Starts from $499/mo, billed annually
- Plus - Custom pricing only (contact their sales team for a quote)
Like Bookkeeper360's services, your exact monthly subscription fee will depend on your average monthly expenses.
You can schedule a 20-minute product demo to check out their services before subscribing. This can be helpful since their plans are billed annually instead of monthly. They hold these demos every Thursday at 10 AM PT.
Pilot also offers a $200/mo discount for pre-revenue companies. This discounted rate applies to your entire first subscription year.
Main Features
Their plans come with the following features:
- Dedicated bookkeeper
- Burn-rate calculations
- Automatic transaction imports
- Payroll and balance sheet reconciliation
- Monthly financial reports
Add-On Services
If you need additional services, Pilot also offers the following add-ons:
- Tax filing
- CFO advisory
- R&D tax credit
- Controller
- AP/AR (Accounts Payable/ Accounts Receivable)
Some options, like their AP/AR and controller services, have quote-based pricing only. So you need to contact their sales team to learn more.
Why We Like It
Pilot has a quick and effortless setup process that allows business owners to enjoy their bookkeeping services as soon as possible. Once you're introduced to your personal bookkeeper, they'll guide you through everything, from start to finish.
They'll also make sure they understand the ins and outs of your business's financial needs to give you the best possible support. Your personal bookkeeper will also always be available to answer questions you have or address your concerns.
Pilot uses QuickBooks Online as its primary accounting software. But they still integrate with many popular third-party apps like Gusto and Expensify.
Another great thing about Pilot's services is the availability of burn-rate calculations. These will allow you to see how your business spends and earns money. You can use those insights to be more strategic regarding your business' finances. This is also perfect if you need to monitor your expenses closely.
Drawbacks
The main downside of Pilot's services is their somewhat expensive subscription fees. These make them less accessible to small businesses with tight budgets. Especially since the higher your monthly expenses are, the more expensive their prices get.
4. Bookkeeper.com - Good All-in-One Pick
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Bookkeeper.com offers an all-in-one bookkeeping solution to small business owners everywhere. Besides bookkeeping, they provide accounting, payroll, and tax consulting services. These allow you to enjoy a comprehensive business solution with just one company.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 3/5
- Ease of Use - 4/5
- Customer Support - 4/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, as a paid add-on
Who is it for?
Bookkeeper.com is a great option for businesses that need regular hands-on support from their virtual bookkeepers. It's also a good choice for business owners that want to learn more about managing their company's finances.
Pricing
They currently have 3 different plans for small businesses:[4]
- Small Business - $399/mo
- Small Business Plus - $599/mo
- Small Business Advanced - $799/mo
Each plan has a cap on monthly transaction volumes and annual gross revenues. You can customize a plan if your business has a 300+ average monthly transaction volume and/or a $1M+ gross yearly revenue.
Main Features
Their main features include the following:
- Dedicated bookkeeper and account manager
- Monthly bank and credit card reconciliation
- Cash- and accrual-based accounting support
- Financial reports
- CFO advisory services (from Small Business Plus only)
- Client and learning portals
Add-On Services
You can also get other services as add-ons. Some of them are:
- Payroll
- Tax support
- Human resources support
- Business advisory
Why We Like It
Bookkeeper.com offers feature-rich services at fixed monthly prices. You can avoid surprise charges that can upset your business' monthly budget.
All plans starting from Small Business Plus also offer unlimited customer support. You can contact your assigned bookkeeper and account manager at any time. This is perfect if you want to monitor your business' finances closely.
Their client and learning centers also give you access to their extensive library of resources. With these, you can learn more about the different aspects of bookkeeping and financial management.
Drawbacks
Bookkeeper.com's services are generally more expensive than others. This can make it difficult for small business owners with tight budgets to access their services.
Some features are also only available starting from their Small Business Plus plan. You have to pay more if you want more advanced functions.
5. Merritt Bookkeeping - Best Budget Pick
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If your business only needs simple bookkeeping services, Merritt Bookkeeping can be a great choice. They focus on delivering high-quality bookkeeping services at an affordable, fixed monthly rate.
This allows businesses to enjoy well-organized financial records without worrying about high subscription fees.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 4/5
- Ease of Use - 4/5
- Customer Support - 4/5
- Tax Filing Available - No
Who is it for?
Merritt is best for businesses on tight budgets. Or those who only need basic yet reliable bookkeeping services.
Pricing
Merritt Bookkeeping only has one fixed rate for their services at $190/mo. They also give a 90-day money-back guarantee. So you can check out their services risk-free.[5]
Main Features
Their main features include the following:
- Basic bookkeeping
- Bank reconciliation
- QuickBooks Online integration
- Monthly financial reports and insights
Add-On Services
Unlike the others, Merritt's add-on services are limited to the following:
- Catch-up bookkeeping
- 1099 filing
Both services cost extra. Their catch-up service fees will depend on how behind you are on your bookkeeping. Meanwhile, their 1099 filing services are charged per form.
Why We Like It
Merritt Bookkeeping offers business owners a simple, affordable, yet highly effective bookkeeping service.
They'll sort, categorize, and update your company's financial records at a flat monthly rate. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee so that you can try out their services with zero risks.
This company also has an easy-to-use service since they automatically retrieve your bank statements. You no longer have to manually upload everything so that they can do your bookkeeping. Their onboarding process is also relatively quick, especially for QuickBooks Online users.
Drawbacks
Their main drawback is that they don't offer more advanced features like tax filing or payroll services, even as paid add-ons. This can limit what they can do for you since you can't customize your plan to suit your exact needs.
Aside from that, they also don't offer real-time updates or have a dedicated bookkeeper. So you'll have to wait until they've finished with your accounts before you can see the status of your finances.
6. Bench - Great Affordable Option
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Bench offers clients comprehensive bookkeeping services with flexible terms at affordable prices. They'll pair you with a team of in-house bookkeepers who will track and organize your business's financial transactions. And they do all of these within 15 business days after receiving the necessary documents.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 5/5
- Ease of Use - 4/5
- Customer Support - 5/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, with their Premium plan
Who is it for?
Bench is ideal for business owners who want feature-rich virtual bookkeeping services at affordable prices.
Pricing
Bench currently has 2 subscription plans:[6]
- Essential - $299/mo or $249/mo billed annually
- Premium - $499/mo or $399/mo billed annually
Their Essential plan is also available as a "pay-as-you-go" option. But this will cost $349/mo. Aside from that, they also have a 30-day free trial if you want to try out their offers before committing.
Main Features
Here are some of their main features:
- Dedicated bookkeeping team
- Unlimited customer support (in-app messages or phone calls)
- Monthly financial reports
- Year-end financial statements
- Third-party integrations (e.g., Gusto and FreshBooks)
- Tax filing and support (Premium plan only)
Add-On Services
They also offer the following services for an extra cost:
- Historical or catch-up bookkeeping
- Specialized bookkeeping
Why We Like It
Bench has some of the lowest monthly subscription fees for online bookkeeping services. They also offer flexible terms, allowing you to choose between monthly and annual billing.
If you choose the latter, you can enjoy as much as 29% savings with your bookkeeping. They even have a pay-as-you-go option for their base plan (Essential). So you'll only be charged for the months you use their services. This is perfect if you don't need them to do your books regularly.
What's more, you can contact and request regular updates from your assigned bookkeeping team. You'll always be up to date regarding your business' finances.
Bench also partners with many well-known service providers. For example, their integration with Gusto's services allows you to synchronize your payroll with your accounting records. You can also enjoy up to 30% discounted rates if you work with their accredited partners.
Lastly, Bench's services are fully tax deductible. You can include their services as part of your tax-deductible business expenses. This can give you additional savings.
Drawbacks
Still, Bench isn't without its downsides. For one, they mainly handle businesses that use cash-based accounting. If you use the accrual-based method, you'll have to pay extra.
They also have their own accounting software. You might have trouble switching programs if you're already using something else.
7. Xendoo - Best for Small Businesses
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Xendoo is a virtual bookkeeping service that mainly caters to small businesses. But their services can also accommodate mid-sized businesses.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 4/5
- Ease of Use - 5/5
- Customer Support - 4.5/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, as an add-on service
Who is it for?
Xendoo is best for small businesses that need reliable and comprehensive online bookkeeping services.
Pricing
Xendoo offers 3 packages[7] to business owners:
- Essential - $395/mo (or $355/mo with the annual plan)
- Growth - $695/mo (or $625/mo with the annual plan)
- Scale - $995/mo (or $895/mo with the annual plan)
They also offer custom plans for businesses that have more than $125k monthly expenses. But you have to call their sales team to get a quote for this.
Main Features
Their virtual bookkeeping services have the following features:
- Dedicated virtual bookkeeping team
- Weekly bank reconciliations
- Detailed weekly and monthly reports
- Cash- and accrual accounting
- Third-party integrations
- Online account with mobile app access
Add-On Services
Besides bookkeeping, some of their other services include:
- Tax services (tax preparation and filing)
- Catch-up bookkeeping
- Fractional CFO (chief financial officer) services
Why We Like It
Xendoo's services are geared towards small businesses with relatively low monthly expenses. But they can also accommodate larger companies that need reliable bookkeeping services.
Their quick onboarding process means their specialist can get you started in just 60 minutes or less. They'll connect your bank accounts, credit cards, accounting software, and more with your Xendoo online account. So that your virtual bookkeepers can sort everything out ASAP.
After setting everything up, yur virtual bookkeeping team will do weekly bank reconciliations for better accuracy. And they'll provide detailed reports that gives you a clearer picture of your company's financial health and overall performance.
And if you have any questions, you can contact your bookkeeping team at any time during their regular business hours (8AM to 6PM EST). But they're also accessible after hours as long as you arrange it beforehand.
Drawbacks
Xendoo's major downside is that they only offer accrual accounting starting from their Growth plan. Which means you have to pay more to enjoy it.
Another consideration is that they only offer modified accrual accounting. This means you'll have to do the billing and invoicing yourself. Xendoo's team will just handle the accounting.
8. QuickBooks Live - Good for Accounting + Bookkeeping
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Businesses using QuickBooks Online for their accounting needs may want to check out their real-time online bookkeeping service, QuickBooks Live.
Here, Intuit partners you with your own personal bookkeeper (a "QuickBooks ProAdvisor"), who will work with you, one-on-one, to manage your financial records.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 4/5
- Ease of Use - 4/5
- Customer Support - 4/5
- Tax Filing Available - No
Who is it for?
QuickBooks Live is ideal for business owners that already use QuickBooks Online as their main accounting software. It's also great for QuickBooks Online users that want one-on-one support from the company's bookkeeping experts.
Pricing
This company charges you depending on your average monthly expenses. They currently have 3 categories:[8]
- $0 to $10,000 monthly - $200/mo
- $10,001 to $50,000 monthly - $300/mo
- $50,001 and above - $400/mo
Note that your QuickBooks Online subscription is charged separately. You can learn more about QuickBooks Online in this article.
Besides the monthly price, you also have to pay an initial cleanup fee.
Main Features
QuickBooks Live has the following features:
- Personal bookkeeper
- Personalized QuickBooks Online setup (for new users)
- Monthly financial reports
- Live, one-on-one support
- Accuracy guarantee
Add-On Services
You can also get the following Intuit services as add-ons:
- Payroll
- Time tracking
Why We Like It
Intuit is well-known for offering affordable prices for their products. And their online bookkeeping services are no different.
For less than $500/mo, you can enjoy comprehensive accounting and bookkeeping services. There's an initial cleanup fee, but it'll still cost you less than hiring an in-house bookkeeper.
It also integrates natively with QuickBooks Online, one of the most popular accounting software solutions for small businesses. You won't have to worry about learning a new program just to enjoy their services.
The one-on-one live support from your bookkeeper also ensures you're always up to date regarding your financial records. They can also provide better guidance than if you just met occasionally.
Drawbacks
Even though they offer "full-service" bookkeeping, you still have to manually input your company's financial data into the software. So it's not entirely hands-off, unlike other services.
Your QuickBooks Online subscription is also not included when you subscribe. You'll still have to pay for the software separately. This can add to the total cost you have to pay monthly.
9. inDinero - Best for Customizable Plans
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inDinero is a full-service bookkeeping and accounting service provider that caters mainly to small businesses. But their customizable and scalable plans can also accommodate the needs of larger companies.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 3.5/5
- Ease of Use - 4/5
- Customer Support - 4/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, as a paid add-on
Who is it for?
inDinero is a great choice for business owners that want customized plans that will meet their company's exact needs. It's also good for fast-growing businesses that scale with their growth.
Pricing
inDinero currently has 3 types of plans[9]:
- Essential - starts from $750/mo
- Growth - starts from $1250/mo
- Custom - must contact them for a quote
inDinero's plans are fully customizable. But this also means you have to contact their sales team if you want to find out their exact prices.
Main Features
Their plans' main features include:
- Dedicated bookkeeping team
- Use of their accounting and bookkeeping software
- On-demand financial statements
- AP/AR processing and reporting
- Invoicing services
Add-On Services
You can also get the following as add-on services:
- CFO services
- Tax preparation and filing
Why We Like It
inDinero's main selling points are their customizable plans and flexible payment terms. You can pick and choose the features you want in your subscription.
So you don't have to worry about paying for features you don't really need or use. And you can negotiate with their sales team if you're going to pay for their services monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Once you settle on a package, you'll be assigned a dedicated team of bookkeeping and accounting experts. Who ensure that every detail is correct and accurate. This will prevent costly mistakes for your business, especially when it comes to your taxes.
You can also request financial reports from your virtual bookkeepers at any time and as often as you want. Which is great if you want to keep a close eye on your company's finances.
Drawbacks
inDinero's customizable plans also mean that you don't really know how much you'll be paying until you talk to their team. So your monthly fees could be higher or lower than expected, depending on the features you get.
And considering how high their starting prices already are, choosing them can be very expensive for your business. Especially if you're a small business.
10. Reconciled - Good for Easy Onboarding
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Reconciled is one of the fastest-growing accounting firms in the country. They offer various financial services to small businesses, including bookkeeping, business consulting, and tax support.
Ratings (out of 5 stars)
- Value - 4/5
- Ease of Use - 5/5
- Customer Support - 4/5
- Tax Filing Available - Yes, as a paid add-on
Who is it for?
Reconciled is a top choice for fast-growing businesses that want to stick to one service provider for all their bookkeeping needs. It's also great for those that want an online bookkeeping service that can be set up ASAP.
Pricing
They currently offer 4 different plans:[10]
- Express - Starts from $299/mo
- Basic - Starts from $600/mo
- Core - Starts from $1,250/mo
- Advanced - Starts from $1,600/mo
Reconciled also has enterprise-grade solutions for larger companies. If you're not sure which plan to choose, you can schedule a 30-minute initial consultation so that they can help you out.
Main Features
Their main features are:
- Monthly reconciliations
- Full-service accounting
- AP/AR management
- Financial reports
Add-On Services
You can get these as paid add-ons:
- Full-service payroll
- Fractional CFO and advisory
- Tax filing and advisory
- Enterprise-level accounting solutions
Why We Like It
Reconciled has an easy onboarding process, which starts with a 30-minute initial consultation. You can get a more detailed explanation of their services during your session. This can help you better decide if they're the right fit for your business.
Aside from that, their higher-priced plans (Basic and higher) already come with AP/AR support. So, unlike other online bookkeeping companies, you won't have to pay extra to enjoy these features.
They also offer excellent scalability, thanks to their enterprise-level solutions. This allows you to continue enjoying their bookkeeping services, even as your company's needs grow. Their broad selection of add-on services can give you better flexibility and accommodate more specific needs.
Drawbacks
The main drawback of this company is their expensive monthly fees. They only have one plan that costs below $500/mo (Express), with more limited features than the others. If you want more advanced features, you'll have to pay upwards of $600/mo to enjoy them.
How to Choose the Best Online Bookkeeping Service
Finding the right online bookkeeping service for your business can be more challenging than it seems, especially since not all companies offer the same services.
If you have a hard time choosing which company to go for, here are some tips that can help you decide:
Identify your bookkeeping needs
Since not all companies offer the same services, it would be better to first identify what your business needs.
Do you just need simple bookkeeping services? Or do you need more advanced features like tax filing or payroll? Answering these can help you narrow your choices and know what to expect from your bookkeeper.
Verify what software they use
Most online bookkeeping services have their own preferences regarding their accounting software. If you're already using one for your business, it's best to consider a service that uses the same software.
This can save you the time and effort of switching to a new program. If your chosen service uses different software, ensure they can help you transfer everything during the onboarding process.
Consider your budget
Online bookkeeping services are generally more affordable than an in-house team. But that doesn't mean they come cheap.
If you have a limited budget, make sure you go for a service that can give you exactly what you need at a reasonable cost. They should offer a good balance between features and price so you can enjoy the best value for your money.
The exact cost will depend on several factors. But on average, online bookkeeping services cost $150 to $400/mo. Some companies will charge as high as $600 to $800/mo. But they usually have more advanced features included.
Ask them questions
Most of these companies allow you to schedule an initial consultation before committing to a monthly subscription.
You can take advantage of these and ask them as many relevant questions as needed during your consultation. Doing so can help clarify if they can meet your business's specific needs.
Check your bookkeeper's availability
Some services will assign you a dedicated bookkeeper. If that's the case, it's best to consider how readily available they are.
Choosing a service that offers unlimited support via multiple channels can be a good idea. So you can quickly contact them whenever you have questions or concerns regarding your books.
How We Came Up with the List
We understand how vital a company's financial records are. Anyone who handles this should be trustworthy enough and highly capable.
That's why the online bookkeeping services we chose have these qualities:
- Reliable services
- Skilled bookkeepers
- Secure platforms
- Easy-to-use accounting software
- Seamless onboarding process
- Excellent customer support
Some choices also offer greater flexibility with their broad range of add-on services. These can give you a more comprehensive business system.
FAQs
Are online bookkeeping services secure?
Virtual bookkeeping services are secure as long as you work with a reputable company. Because they implement tight security measures to keep your data safe.
How do I find a good bookkeeper?
Most of these services offer initial consultations. You can use these to determine how well they can accommodate your business' bookkeeping needs. Online reviews can also be a good starting point when looking for a reliable bookkeeper.
What kind of services do bookkeeping services provide?
In general, online bookkeeping services offer the following:
- Maintaining and organizing financial records
- Reconciling financial statements with bank or credit card statements
- Cleaning up books of accounts
- Providing detailed financial reports
- Managing a company's cash flow and budgeting
Some companies also offer tax filing, payroll, and CFO advisory services as paid add-ons.
When should I hire a virtual bookkeeper?
It's best to hire a virtual bookkeeper in the following instances:
- Your books are out of date
- You don't have the time to handle it yourself
- You missed out on several tax write-offs
Hiring a virtual bookkeeper is also a good idea if you want your books to be as accurate as possible. Especially during tax season.
What the Experts Say
CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions. Here's what they said:
Bottom Line
Online bookkeeping services can be an effective and affordable way to maintain your financial records. But choosing the right company is essential, especially since they will handle sensitive data.
So, whichever company you choose, they should be trustworthy and capable enough to keep your business's financial data well-organized and accurate.
References
- ^ Bookkeeper360. Pricing, Retrieved 2/8/23
- ^ 1-800Accountant. Packages and Pricing, Retrieved 2/8/23
- ^ Pilot. Pricing, Retrieved 2/8/23
- ^ Bookkeeper.com. Small Business Pricing, Retrieved 2/8/23
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- ^ Bench. Pricing, Retrieved 2/8/23
- ^ Xendoo. Xendoo Pricing, Retrieved 06/11/2023
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