As outsourced accounting options expand, it becomes harder for U.S. business owners to sift through the many choices available and find the best team of bookkeepers and accountants to take their company to the next level.
Today’s best outsourced accounting services provide much more than just data entry and maintaining a general ledger. With options ranging from full-charge bookkeepers, controllers, CPAs and accounting software specialists, there are seemingly countless details for you to take into consideration.
But how can you be sure you’re choosing an outsourced accounting service you can trust? There are a few characteristics of trustworthy, competent and reliable accounting services that stand out, that will help you know the firm you chose is the right one.
U.S.-based Bookkeepers
Overseas outsourced bookkeepers may cost less and know how to manage data entry--but that is unlikely to serve all your needs. In addition to the time difference, there are often issues with communication as well as a lack of financial insight. If you’re looking for an outsourced accounting team that plays the role not just of bookkeeper but trusted financial advisor, it’s critical to have knowledgeable, educated support. This is hard to accomplish without controllers or CPAs trained in US bookkeeping procedures and tax regulations. Furthermore, if you get audited, you are likely going to need more than the support of an overseas data entry clerk to help you out.
Your Bookkeeper Understands the Technology
Today’s best cloud-based bookkeeping software is evolving rapidly, with new features and integration with third-party apps every day. Look for a firm with bookkeepers who are trained and certified in QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online and a host of other accounting and bookkeeping applications. Expense-tracking software, time monitoring applications and accounts payable automated workflows are just a few of the services your outsourced bookkeeping service should be able to assist with. In addition to freeing you from the responsiblity of researching and learning new applications, you can rest assured that a team willing to put effort into staying on top of current technology is also going to support your account with the same level of dedication.
Your Financial Controller Understands Your Business
Many business owners today are looking for accounting consultants who can help with so much more than just so-called “number crunching.”
Your accounting team should include a financial controller who understands the operations side of today’s mid-size businesses, as well as the financial side. When you hire the right outsourced accounting firm, you’re also getting the knowledge, insight and experience of all the business owners who came before you, with a financial controller who will act as a trusted advisor to help you grow your business.
Finding the Right Outsourced Accounting Service For Your Business
Now that you know some of the things to look for in an outsourced accounting service, where should you start your search?
Talk to other business owners of about your size, even if they are in a different industry. Search LinkedIn. Read testimonials. One of the good things about virtual accounting is you don’t have to limit your search to bookkeepers within driving distance of your office.
Instead, you can find a firm that has bookkeepers placed all over the country. To avoid delays that are inherent with time differences, we recommend a bookkeeper who is in your region and time zone, but they don’t have to be “local.” If you want a reason to "do lunch", call an old friend. If you want to find a trustworthy bookkeeper, find a service with highly-trained experts in the field.
