What is outsourced bookkeeping for a small business?
Outsourced bookkeeping means a remote professional keeps your financial records instead of you or an in-house hire. The bookkeeper records and categorizes transactions, reconciles accounts, and delivers monthly financial statements. You get accurate books and clear numbers without learning accounting yourself.
The cost of doing it badly is real. When you are learning financial principles instead of running your business, errors creep in. They can lead to tax complications or missed deductions. Without clear financial visibility, strategic decisions become guesswork instead of data-driven choices. Our post on common bookkeeping blunders shows what that looks like.
Our bookkeepers are U.S.-based professionals who work as 1099 independent contractors to Peachtree VA. We handle the contract and compliance side. They sign strict confidentiality agreements and follow your client-specific requirements to protect your information. For definitions of the terms used here, see our glossary entries on outsourced bookkeeping and bookkeeping.
What does a bookkeeper do for me?
Your bookkeeper handles eight areas: transaction management, monthly financial reports, monthly reviews, account reconciliation, custom reports, CPA coordination, budget management and invoice management. Together they keep your records accurate, organized and ready when you need them.
| Service | What you get |
|---|---|
| Transaction management | We accurately record and categorize all your financial transactions. |
| Monthly financial reports | Clear financial statements and insights tailored to your needs. |
| Monthly reviews | Personal calls to go over your numbers and answer questions. |
| Account reconciliation | We make sure your accounts are accurate and up to date. |
| Custom reports | Financial reports tailored to you. |
| CPA coordination | We work with your CPA to make tax preparation smooth and easy. |
| Budget management | We help you create and manage your budget. |
| Invoice management | We handle invoices and payments to keep cash flow steady. |
Throughout the month, your bookkeeper also sends invoices as needed, processes contractor payments, issues 1099s when applicable, and reconciles accounts. Our glossary explains bank reconciliation and accounts payable in plain terms.
What does the monthly cycle look like?
Each month follows the same rhythm. We aim to close out the prior month’s books and provide financial statements by the fifth business day of the new month. Then your bookkeeper meets with you to review last month, year-to-date results and any budgets or forecasts that need updating.
During onboarding and kickoff, we set the cadence that fits your business. The standard flow looks like this.
- Through the month. Your bookkeeper categorizes transactions, sends invoices, processes contractor payments, issues 1099s when applicable, and reconciles accounts.
- Close. We aim to close the prior month’s books and deliver financial statements by the fifth business day.
- Review. At the beginning of each month, your bookkeeper meets with you to go over performance, year-to-date results and budgets.
Want to see what a close involves? Read our month-end close checklist. It lists the steps in plain English, and the glossary entry on month-end close defines the term.
How does bookkeeping work with my CPA?
Your bookkeeper keeps the books so your CPA can do tax work. CPA coordination is one of our core services. We work with your CPA to make tax preparation smooth and easy. Your bookkeeper prepares clean records, and your CPA advises on tax matters.
This split matters. A bookkeeper records and organizes financial activity. A CPA advises on taxes and filings. Ask your CPA what they need from you and what format they like. Your bookkeeper can then build that into your monthly cycle. We do not give tax advice, and our bookkeepers do not replace your CPA. Read the glossary entry on bookkeeper vs. accountant for a plain-language comparison.
How much does outsourced bookkeeping cost?
Bookkeeping packages start as little as $240 per month. The price depends on your business’s transaction volume and complexity. During your free consultation, we assess your specific needs and recommend the right package, so you get full support without paying for services you do not need.
We do not list a one-size price because no two sets of books are alike. A business with several revenue streams needs more work than one with a single account, so we size the package to match.
| What affects your package | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Transaction volume | More transactions take more time to record and reconcile |
| Complexity | Several revenue streams or accounts add work |
| Reporting needs | Custom reports and budgets add scope |
Transparent pricing, with no hidden fees, is how we work. Agreements run month to month with a 30-day out.
Which software do your bookkeepers use?
Our bookkeepers mainly work with QuickBooks Online, the platform millions of businesses use. They are also proficient in other platforms. Tell us which system you use on your consultation call. We plan the work around your setup, and your bookkeeper uses your systems.
Our glossary entry on QuickBooks Online explains the basics.
Who is Peachtree bookkeeping for?
Our bookkeeping serves small businesses, mid-sized and scaling businesses, entrepreneurs with multiple revenue streams, and families. If you want to focus on revenue-generating work and not on spreadsheets, this is for you. Your bookkeeper works like a small finance department for your business.
- Small businesses. We manage your financial records with accuracy so you can concentrate on growth.
- Mid-sized and scaling businesses. Reliable bookkeeping supports you as the business expands.
- Entrepreneurs with multiple revenue streams. We keep you organized and informed about your different income sources.
- Families. We help households keep finances organized and make information readily available for your CPA or financial advisor. Read our guide on bookkeeping for families.
Dan Usaj, founder of North East Ohio Lacrosse, says of our bookkeeping team: “They’ve taken such a huge weight off my shoulders when it comes to managing my business finances.”
Can you help if my books are months behind?
Tell us on the consultation call how far behind you are. We gather information about your business, financial systems and goals, then recommend the right package for your needs. Catch-up bookkeeping is a scope question, and we settle it with you before any work starts.
We do not publish a separate catch-up service or price. Our glossary defines catch-up bookkeeping if you want to look at the term first.
How does the free 30-minute consultation work?
The consultation is a free 30-minute call. We learn about your business, financial systems, goals and bookkeeping needs. You leave with a personalized plan that fits your goals. We use the call to match you with the best-fit bookkeeper from our bench of experienced professionals.
Our bookkeepers work across a wide range of industries and specialties. Each has different strengths, so the call lets us make a thoughtful match. Our goal is to pair you with someone who can support your business from day one.
What if my bookkeeper is not a good fit?
We rematch you at no additional cost. Dedicated Relationship Specialists look after the health of your engagement and address any problem. We are committed to getting the match right the first time. If compatibility issues arise, we move quickly.
Should I hire a bookkeeper or a virtual assistant?
Hire a bookkeeper if you lack financial infrastructure or your business has outgrown basic admin support. Hire a virtual assistant if you already have a CPA, an external bookkeeper or strong financial processes and need help with the administrative legwork.
A Peachtree VA can switch between financial admin tasks and other work, such as email, calendar, project coordination and social media support. A bookkeeper provides strategic financial insight and fuller management. See our VA services to compare, or read the bookkeeping FAQs for more answers.
Next step
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation through our contact page, or read the bookkeeping FAQs first. You leave the call with a personalized plan that fits your goals.
Frequently asked questions
How much does outsourced bookkeeping cost?
Bookkeeping packages start as little as $240 per month. They are structured on your business’s transaction volume and complexity. During your free consultation, we assess your needs and recommend the right package, so you do not pay for services you do not need.
When will I get my financial statements each month?
As part of our standard process, we aim to close out the prior month’s books and provide financial statements by the fifth business day of the new month. During onboarding, we set the monthly cadence that best fits your needs.
Do you work with my CPA?
Yes. CPA coordination is one of the core services. Your bookkeeper keeps your records accurate and organized, and works with your CPA to make tax preparation smooth and easy. Ask your CPA what format they prefer, and we build it into your monthly cadence.
What accounting software do your bookkeepers use?
Our bookkeepers mainly work with QuickBooks Online, which millions of businesses use. They are also proficient in other platforms. During your consultation, tell us which system you use today, and we plan the work around it.
What is the difference between a bookkeeper and a virtual assistant?
A bookkeeper keeps your financial records and reports. A virtual assistant handles administrative work. A VA works well if you already have a CPA or bookkeeper. A bookkeeper fits when you lack financial infrastructure or your business has outgrown basic admin support.
What if my bookkeeper and I do not work well together?
Dedicated Relationship Specialists watch the health of your engagement and fix problems. We work to get the match right the first time. If compatibility issues arise, we can quickly rematch you at no additional cost.
