Outsourced Bookkeeping

Definition

Engaging an external firm to handle financial recordkeeping, reconciliations, monthly close, and reporting — rather than employing an in-house bookkeeper. Typically delivered remotely using cloud accounting software like QuickBooks Online.

Why it matters

Below ~$10M in revenue, in-house bookkeepers are usually a bad deal: you pay full salary plus benefits for a single person whose work no one is qualified to review, and lose continuity when they leave. Outsourced bookkeeping delivers a team (bookkeeper + controller review), continuity, and breadth of experience — typically at 40–60% of the all-in cost of an in-house hire.