Perhaps you’ve been paying your CPA firm to manage your books, or maybe you’ve been working late to do them yourself. If you haven’t considered the services of a remote bookkeeper, here are eight reasons to consider investing in one:

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Let’s start with the most immediate concern for most businesses: the budget. Hiring a full-time accounting clerk means paying a consistent salary, benefits, and potentially other associated costs like training, office space, and supplies. While CPAs offer a wealth of knowledge, their expertise often comes with a hefty price tag, especially for tasks that don’t require their specialized skill set.

Remote bookkeepers, on the other hand, often operate on a contract basis. This means you only pay for the hours worked or the services rendered. No overhead costs for office space, no full-time salary – just straightforward, predictable fees for the services you need.

2. Flexibility

The digital age has brought a plethora of tools that make remote work seamless. With cloud-based accounting software and communication platforms, it’s never been easier to collaborate with a remote bookkeeper. This flexibility means you can engage with them as frequently or infrequently as needed, adjusting as your business evolves.

3. Access to a Wide Talent Pool

Geographical limitations can sometimes hinder a business from finding the perfect candidate. By considering a remote bookkeeper, you’re essentially expanding your talent pool beyond your local area. This allows you to find someone who truly aligns with your business needs and values, regardless of where they’re based.

4. Ensuring Focus on Core Activities

As a small business owner, your focus should be on growing your business and serving your customers. By outsourcing bookkeeping tasks, you free up time and energy that can be invested back into your core activities. While an in-house accounting clerk can provide this benefit too, a remote bookkeeper offers this advantage often at a reduced cost.

5. Scalability

Your business won’t always be “small.” As you grow, your financial transactions will increase in both volume and complexity. A remote bookkeeping service can often scale with you, offering more services or hours as needed. This adaptability ensures you have consistent financial support at every stage of your business journey.

6. Expertise and Continuous Learning

Many remote bookkeepers are self-employed or part of specialized firms, meaning they’re motivated to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, tools, and regulations. They often invest in continuous learning to remain competitive, ensuring that your business benefits from current best practices.

7. Neutrality and Objectivity

An external bookkeeper can offer a fresh, neutral perspective on your finances. Being removed from the daily happenings of your business can sometimes be an advantage, as they bring an objective mindset to your financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

8. Software Setup and Training for DIY Business Owners

Many business owners aspire to understand or even manage their own books. A significant advantage of a remote bookkeeper is their expertise with accounting software, from QuickBooks to Xero. Not only can they set up the software tailored to your needs, but they can also provide essential training. This dual role means you gain both independence in DIY bookkeeping and the knowledge to do so confidently, all while having an expert just a call away for guidance.

Wrapping Up
To be clear, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. Some businesses might genuinely benefit from having an in-house accounting clerk or the specialized skills of a CPA. However, for many small businesses, especially those looking for a blend of cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and expertise, a remote bookkeeper might just be the golden ticket.

Remember, it’s all about finding what aligns best with your business needs and budget. Whichever route you choose, the key is to ensure transparent communication and trust, ensuring your finances are in capable hands.

Mark Plassmeyer is the owner of Green Trails Bookkeeping, LLC, a remote bookkeeping service specializing in clean-ups and e-commerce. For more information, visit greentrailsbookkeeping.com.