Are you a U.S. small business owner spending more time struggling with spreadsheets than growing your company? You’re not alone. The constant demands of bookkeeping, tax compliance, and payroll can drain your most valuable resources: time and money. The solution might be simpler than you think: outsourcing accounting.
Outsourcing your accounting functions is the strategic decision to partner with an external firm to handle all or part of your financial management. For U.S. small businesses, this move can slash operational costs by over 40%, free up countless hours for core business activities, and provide access to expert financial guidance that was previously out of reach. At Countsure, we see this transformation every day, helping startups, e-commerce stores, and CPA firms achieve financial clarity and sustainable growth.
What is Outsourced Accounting?
Outsourced accounting is a service where a third-party provider acts as your dedicated finance department. This remote accounting team handles your day-to-day financial tasks, from bookkeeping and payroll to high-level strategic planning, like a virtual CFO. It’s a flexible model that allows you to choose the exact services you need, when you need them.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t hire a full-time lawyer just to review one contract. You engage one when needed. Similarly, an outsourced accounting service gives you on-demand access to a full suite of financial experts—bookkeepers, tax specialists, and financial controllers—without the costly price tag of hiring them all in-house.
Can Outsourcing Accounting Really Save You Money?
Yes, the cost savings with outsourced accounting are one of the most important benefits for small businesses. When you hire an in-house accountant, you’re not just paying a salary. You’re also covering benefits, payroll taxes, insurance, office space, hardware, and software licenses. These hidden costs can add up to 1.5x the employee’s base salary.
Outsourcing converts these fixed overheads into a predictable, variable expense. You pay a flat monthly fee for the services you use, allowing you to budget more effectively and scale costs up or down as your business evolves.
Let’s talk about the real costs.
| Feature | In-House Accountant (Full-Time) | Outsourced Accounting Firm |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,000 – $75,000+ per year | A fraction of this cost, often starting from a few hundred dollars per month |
| Employee Benefits | ~25-30% of salary (Health Insurance, Retirement) | $0 |
| Payroll Taxes | ~7.65% (FICA) + State Taxes | $0 |
| Overhead Costs | Office Space, Utilities, Equipment | $0 |
| Software & Training | QuickBooks, Xero, Payroll Software licenses and ongoing training costs | Included in the service fee |
| Expertise Level | Typically, one generalist | Access to a team of specialists (tax, audit, CFO, etc.) |
| Scalability | Rigid. Hiring and firing is costly and time-consuming | Highly flexible. Scale services up or down on demand |
| Total Estimated Annual Cost | $70,000 – $100,000+ | $6,000 – $25,000+ (Varies by scope) |
The numbers speak for themselves. By choosing an offshore accounting services partner, you gain access to a full team for less than the cost of one junior in-house accountant.
How Does Outsourcing Free Up Your Valuable Time?
For a small business owner, time is the most precious resource. Every hour spent on bank reconciliation, managing accounts payable, or preparing payroll returns is an hour not spent on marketing, product development, or customer relationships. Outsourcing these tasks immediately returns that time to you.
Instead of getting turned down in the back office, you can focus on the front lines of your business—the activities that generate revenue and drive growth. A reliable outsourced partner automates and streamlines these processes, ensuring your books are always accurate and up to date without your direct involvement.
Do You Get Access to More Expertise?
Absolutely. No single in-house accountant can be an expert in everything. A growing business needs expertise in U.S. tax codes, sales & use tax compliance across states, international tax filing, and high-level financial strategy. Building an in-house team with this breadth of knowledge is too expensive for most SMEs.
Finance and accounting outsourcing gives you immediate access to a different team of seasoned professionals. At Countsure, our clients benefit from specialists who can handle:
- Complex Tax Preparation: Including preparation of IRS Forms like 1065, 1120, 1120S.
- Strategic Tax Planning: To legally minimize your tax burden.
- Virtual CFO Services: For high-level financial forecasting, budgeting, and strategic advice to guide your growth.
- Industry-Specific Knowledge: Whether you’re an e-commerce business, a SaaS company, or a digital agency, we understand your unique financial challenges.
What Services Can You Actually Outsource?
One of the biggest advantages of working with an outsourced accounting firm is the flexibility to build a custom service package. You can start small and add services as you grow.
Here’s a look at the functions you can delegate to your virtual accounting team:
Core Bookkeeping & Accounting:
- Monthly Bookkeeping & General Accounting Maintenance
- Accounts Receivable & Accounts Payable Management
- Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation
- Preparation of Trial Balances, Income Statements & Balance Sheets
Tax & Compliance:
- Business & Individual Income Tax Preparation
- Sales & Use Tax Compliance and Returns
- Payroll Reporting & Preparation of Payroll Returns
- Estate & Gift Tax Returns
Strategic & Advisory Services:
- Virtual CFO Services for startups and SMEs
- Financial Statement Preparation (Compilations, Reviews)
- Business Startup Services & Entity Selection
- Cash Flow Management and Forecasting
By outsourcing this entire stack, you create a perfect, integrated financial engine for your business.
How Do You Choose the Right Outsourced Accounting Partner?
Selecting the right firm is important for a successful partnership. You’re entrusting them with sensitive financial data. Look for a partner who is not just a service provider, but a strategic advisor.
Here’s what to look for:
- Verify Their Expertise: Do they have experience in your industry (e-commerce, SaaS, CPA firms)? Ask for case studies or references. A partner who understands your business model will add more value.
- Ask About Data Security: This is non-negotiable. Inquire about their security protocols, data encryption methods, and compliance with data protection regulations. Reputable firms use enterprise-grade security to protect your information.
- Understand Their Technology Stack: Ensure they are proficient with modern, cloud-based accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and Zoho Books. This ensures real-time access to your financial data and seamless collaboration.
- Check Their Communication Process: How will you communicate with your remote accounting team? Look for firms that offer regular reporting, scheduled calls, and a dedicated point of contact. Clear and consistent communication is key.
The Future is a Streamlined Back Office
As a U.S. small business, your competitive advantage is in your ability to be agile, innovative, and customer focused. By choosing to outsource your accounting, you’re not just cutting costs; you’re making a strategic investment in your company’s future. You’re eliminating administrative burdens and building a scalable financial foundation that can support your growth for years to come.
The team at Countsure is dedicated to becoming a fully integrated extension of your team. We provide the financial expertise and support you need so you can get back to doing what you do best: running your business.
Ready to transform your financial operations? Schedule a free consultation with an Countsure expert today and see how we can help you save time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For a small business, outsourced accounting is significantly more affordable than hiring an in-house employee. Costs vary based on your needs but often start from a few hundred dollars a month, which is a fraction of a full-time salary plus benefits.
Yes, it is very safe when you choose a reputable firm. Professional outsourced accounting providers use enterprise-grade security, data encryption, and strict confidentiality agreements to ensure your sensitive information is always protected.
Bookkeeping is the process of recording daily financial transactions. Accounting is a higher-level process that involves analyzing and interpreting financial data to provide insights, prepare financial statements, and offer strategic advice.
The onboarding process is quick and efficient. After an initial consultation to understand your business needs, you can typically be set up and running with your new outsourced accounting team within a week.
Outsourcing saves you significant money on salary and overhead, frees up your time to focus on growing your business, and gives you immediate access to a team of specialized experts—something that’s too costly for most small businesses to build internally.
Parth Shah, Managing Director
(CPA-US, FCA, RV-S&FA, DISA)
Parth Shah who is head of Accounts and Book keeping has experience of more than 10 years. A Certified Public Accountant – US, fellow Chartered Accountant, Registered Valuer and Diploma in Information System Audit.
