The Ultimate Accountancy Services Guide
From bookkeeping to tax planning: Find out all you need to know about outsourcing your accountancy
Top 5 U.S. Outsourced Accountancy Companies Compared
Struggling to stay on top of your accounts? Check out these outsourced accounting firms and how they can help!
There are numerous advantages to running your own business. Doing your accounting, bookkeeping, and taxes isn’t one of them. With 66% of American businesses outsourcing at least some of their accounts, it’s time you do as well.
Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry about it. That’s why we’ve compared five of the leading external accounting firms in the U.S., so you can make a more informed decision about which is the best for you.
What is Outsourced Accountancy?
Outsourced accounting, also known as external or third-party accounting, is when a business contracts its financial duties to a specialist provider. This can be all tasks, or just a portion of them, making it a flexible option for businesses of all sizes. These can include bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, tax compliance, reconciliation, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and sometimes even virtual CFO services.
What are the Benefits of Using an Outsourced Accounting Service?
Cost Savings
One of the most immediate benefits of outsourcing your accounting is the ability to avoid the high costs associated with in-house employees. Salaries, onboarding, recruitment, training, and software costs all quickly add up, so why not get the same level of quality at a reduced price? Some providers will allow you to cherry-pick their services so you only pay for what you need, making it ideal for smaller to medium-sized businesses.
Scalability & Flexibility
The ability to easily scale up or down to meet your ever-changing needs is another key advantage of managed financial services. You can ramp up or scale back without having to go through the rigmarole of taking on new staff or firing current employees. This keeps you agile and responsive without being constrained by internal staffing limitations.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Third-party accountancy firms are staffed with a pool of highly trained professionals, and you get access to their expertise from day one. These include bookkeepers, accountants, controllers, and CFOs, among others, who bring instant value to your business without having to go through the hiring, training, and development process.
Time Savings
Handling accounting in-house can drain time and focus away from what you should really be doing: running your business. Outsourcing allows you to reclaim lost hours instead of spending them on bookkeeping or payroll management. This allows you to remain agile and focus efforts elsewhere while you leave all the number crunching to the pros.
Improved Accuracy, Compliance & Risk Management
Professional outsourced accounting firms follow strict processes and use enterprise-level software that helps to avoid errors, maintain compliance, and reduce the risk of fraud. Failure to meet these standards can result in hefty fines, which can devastate smaller businesses’ budgets. With their support, you can ensure adherence to regulations, and outsourcing firms help build a solid and trustworthy financial foundation.
Better Reporting, Insights & Decision Support
Outsourced accounting firms also provide in-depth financial insights, which allow you to make more informed strategic decisions. They can deliver customized reports, KPIs, and controller services to give you a deeper understanding of your finances and how best to utilize funds. If you’re publicly listed, then these reports can help improve shareholder confidence and improve the stock price.
Reduced Risk from Staff Turnover or Internal Disruptions
When you rely on in-house accounting, staff turnover, sick leave, or resignations can cause serious disruptions. Outsourcing significantly reduces this risk because you’re not dependent on a single employee to manage critical financial operations. Instead, you’ll benefit from a team of specialists that maintains operational continuity, not guaranteed with full-time employees.
Access to Advanced Technology / Tools
Outsourced accounting agencies are armed with some of the most advanced software and cloud-based tools on the market. These help to streamline processes, avoid costly errors, and enhance collaboration. By partnering with professional accountants, you will gain access to these enterprise-level tools without having to purchase or maintain them at your expense.
Smoother Tax & Year-End Processes
Is there anything worse than dealing with the IRS? Well-maintained books and timely reports simplify tax filing and year-end close processes, helping you to reduce the chance of audits and ensuring that everything is in place for a clean, accurate filing. Some providers will even handle all contact and disputes with the IRS on your behalf.
Top 5 Third-Party Accounting Services Compared: Our Verdict
Before we get started, we just need to point out that this isn’t a ranking table. Think of it more like an overview of each provider and what they can offer your business. That way, you’ll have all the information you need when it’s time to make a decision.
| Company | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maxim Liberty | Freelancers, solopreneurs, and very small businesses | $60/month |
| Pilot | Startups & VC-backed businesses | $499/month (bookkeeping) |
| inDinero | Growing SMBs & mid-sized businesses | $750/month (Essential) |
| Bookkeeper360 | E-commerce & service-based businesses | $19/month (app), $150/hr |
| Ignite Spot | Businesses needing part-time CFOs or a strategy | Custom Quote |
- Pros
- Transparent pricing without the need to get a quote (starting at $60/month).
- Unlimited accounts and transactions on all deals.
- Assigned a bookkeeper and supervisor for a more personalized service.
- No contracts, so you can cancel any time.
- Cons
- Limited independent third-party reviews.
- Online only, so may not suit those needing local, in-person support.
Getting things started today, we have Maxim Liberty, a virtual bookkeeping firm established in 2005 with the mission of helping small businesses streamline their finances through expert, transparent, and affordable services. Their offices are split between the U.S. and India, with support handled at home and the number crunching carried out overseas. This allows you to benefit from familiar, local support at a cost-effective price.
Services Offered
- Catch‑up / Cleanup Bookkeeping
- Bank Reconciliation Services
- Receivable Management Services
- Vendor Invoice Management
- Sales Tax Filing Services
- Payroll Processing Services
- Financial Reporting Services
- Monthly / Ongoing Bookkeeping
- Outsourced / Virtual Bookkeeping
- QuickBooks Bookkeeping / Specialized Software
- Tax Planning
- Tax Preparation
- Tax Filing
Why Choose Maxim Liberty
Transparent pricing: All of Maxim Liberty’s pricing is transparent from the get-go, with plans as low as just $60/month, no setup fees, and a money-back guarantee on your first payment.
Wide industry coverage: They have a wide portfolio of businesses on their books with dedicated services covering a range of industries, including IT, consulting, construction, and more.
No contracts: If you sign up and aren’t satisfied with their service? No problem, cancel anytime with a full refund on your first payment.
Unlimited accounts and transactions: No caps on what you can include in your bookkeeping, allowing you to customize the package to your liking.
Recognized by reputable sources: Maxim Liberty is recognized by Forbes Advisor as a top online bookkeeping service.
- Pros
- Discount of $200/month for pre-revenue startups.
- Dedicated finance expert for every customer.
- Integrated tax and CFO offerings.
- Specifically geared towards helping startups.
- Wide range of third-party integrations.
- Experience across startups, e-commerce, professional services, consultancies, and law firms.
- Cons
- Tax services are add-ons, not included in the base plan.
- Set-up fees are mandatory and are equal to one month’s payment.
- Month-end closes have been reported to be slower than competitors.
- Phone support is only available on higher-tiered plans.
If you’re a start-up, then we’d love to introduce you to a potential perfect match: Pilot. They offer a range of services tailored specifically to organizations in their early stages, letting you focus on growth rather than ledgers. With a focus on accuracy, Pilot combines experienced finance professionals with modern workflows and a high level of automation to streamline all of your accounting operations.
Services Offered
- Bookkeeping
- Tax Services
- Startup Booster
- Stock Admin
- CFO Services
- R&D Credit
- SMB Booster
- Outsourced Operations
Why Choose Pilot
Start-up friendly: If you’re a pre-revenue start-up, you can benefit from a $200/month discount to help manage those early-stage costs.
Customizable: Pilot’s offerings are all highly customizable and are designed to scale with your operations, so you have a partner for every step of your journey.
Large integration eco-system: Seamlessly connects to a wide range of essential software, including QuickBooks, Stripe, Square, Gusto, and more.
Dedicated finance experts: With Pilot, you will be paired with your own dedicated financial professional rather than just support.
Strategic financial services: It’s not just bookkeeping and tax services. Pilot also offers a range of strategic financial services, including CFO support, tax strategy, R&D credit assistance, and COO-level operations.
- Pros
- All-in-one accountancy services through one provider.
- Claim to have saved their clients 28% on taxes.
- Combines software with professional and personable services.
- Strong support and app usability.
- Cons
- May not suit businesses needing only basic bookkeeping services.
- Smaller businesses may find onboarding or implementation complex.
- Limited automation or AI-powered features mentioned.
InDinero is an award-winning accounting firm that combines cloud-based software with a team of over 150+ accounting professionals, including CPAs, controllers, and CFOs. Their mission is to be “the only financial team you’ll ever need,” reportedly saving their clients over 50% on taxes. For businesses looking to take those exciting next steps, inDinero could be the perfect choice.
Services Offered
- Online Bookkeeping Services
- Accounting Services
- CFO Services
- Business Tax Services
- Corporate Payroll Services
- Technology & Business Intelligence Services
Why Choose inDinero
Comprehensive all-in-one solution: Benefit from bookkeeping, accounting, tax, CFO services, and even payroll and BI tools, all under one roof.
Ideal for growing startups and SMBs: inDinero’s services are designed specifically to support businesses in their earlier stages and scale alongside them.
Tech-powered insights: Their business intelligence is unmatched. Offering real-time financial dashboards and KPI tracking, you now have a whole host of data to aid smarter decision-making.
Custom pricing and plans: Alongside set-menu pricing, inDinero also offers customized packages to help you meet your specific accounting needs.
Strategic CFO-level support for scaling companies: Gain access to CFO expertise without having to hire in-house, including budgeting, forecasting, and board prep services.
- Pros
- 24/7 U.S.-based team for better customer support.
- Packages dedicated to niche or high-risk industries, including healthcare and crypto.
- Get your own dedicated CPA.
- Flexible billing (hourly + subscription).
- Get a free consultation and a free 14-day trial.
- Cons
- Some pricing lacks transparency without consultation.
- Advanced features are only available in upper-tier plans.
- No inventory management features available.
- Onboarding can take up to three weeks to complete.
Bookkeeper360 is a U.S.-based fintech accounting firm dedicated to helping small businesses scale their operations. Since 2012, they’ve provided a full spectrum of services, including bookkeeping and payroll to tax, advisory, and most importantly of all, affordable CFO support. Their team lives by D.A.H.T.—Driven, Accountable, Humble, Teamwork—and accolades from Forbes, NerdWallet, and Entrepreneur all highlight the quality of their services.
Services Offered
- Bookkeeping
- CFO Advisory
- Payroll & HR
- Tax Services
- R&D Tax Credit
- Back-Office Technology
- Bookkeeper360 App
Why Choose Bookkeeper360
Niche industry support: Bookkeeper360 has experience dealing with highly regulated or high-risk industries like healthcare and crypto. This way, you can navigate the regulatory minefield with industry experts by your side.
24/7 local customer support: All services are delivered around-the-clock by professionals right here in the U.S., improving responsiveness, compliance, familiarity, and the overall customer experience.
Third-party integrations: Seamlessly connect with other existing accounting software, including QuickBooks, Gusto, and Intuit
Low starting cost: Entry-level pricing starts at $19/month for app access and $150/hour for on-demand bookkeeping, making it perfect for one-off or less frequent services.
Free trial: Try-before-you-buy, to make sure that Bookkeeper360 is a suitable fit with their 14-day free trial.
Ignite Spot
Best for businesses needing part-time CFOs or full financial strategy support.
- Pros
- No long-term contracts, only a month-to-month model.
- Offers advanced financial services like outsourced CFO and controller support.
- An entirely U.S.-based team for better communication and compliance.
- Services can scale from simple bookkeeping to strategic finance and planning.
- Cons
- No transparent pricing.
- Not available to businesses that generate under $500k in annual revenue.
And last but not least, we have Ignite Spot. Since 2008, they have offered U.S.-based virtual bookkeeping, controller, and outsourced CFO services under their core values of Consistency, Contagious Improvement, and Community. They can handle as many as 80% of your accounting tasks, saving roughly 230+ hours per year.
Services Offered
- Accounting & Bookkeeping
- Controller Services
- CFO Services
Why Choose Ignite Spot
U.S.-based team: Ignite Spot prides itself on the fact that all of its accountants and financial experts are U.S.-based, with absolutely no overseas outsourcing for a higher level of service.
No long-term contracts: All services are month-to-month, so you aren’t tied down to an expensive contract, allowing you to pick and choose how and when you want your accountancy handled.
Customizable service tiers: Whether you need basic bookkeeping or CFO-level support, Ignite Spot offers modular solutions that can scale with your business.
Financial strategy services: With controller and CFO services available, you can benefit from strategic financial planning, alongside traditional bookkeeping.
Proven success: Ignite Spot claims that their clients increase their collection rates by 30%, profit margins by at least 10% and free up $45,000 per year in expenses.
How to Choose the Right Business Accountancy Service For You
Pricing Structure
First things first, what is their pricing model? Some will offer pricing up front, while others may be completely customizable from the get-go. Businesses with specific or evolving needs may benefit more from flexible, customizable pricing, while others may prefer a flat monthly fee.
Some providers will also allow you to cherry-pick services, while others will offer set packages. If they only offer the latter, then make sure you’re using every service that is included in it. If you’re not using 95% of the services offered and you’re still paying for them, then you might as well be burning your cash.
Qualifications
Qualifications and relevant credentials are always a great way to gauge the reliability of an accounting firm. Look for certifications such as:
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- EA (Enrolled Agent)
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
These are all major trust signs here, and any firm worth its salt will proudly display its credentials on its website or marketing materials.
Experience in Your Niche
Industry-specific knowledge can be a game-changer. Whether you’re in SaaS, healthcare, crypto, or eCommerce, working with a provider who understands your niche ensures that all of your t’s are crossed and i’s dotted when it comes to your unique compliance regulations. Always ask about their experience in your sector, how they overcame industry-specific challenges, and what they did to help their clients succeed.
Customer Support
Reliable support is non-negotiable, and a dedicated point of contact is worth their weight in gold. Check if the firm assigns a dedicated accountant, offers real-time support through chat or phone, and operates during your business hours (even better if they’re available 24/7, especially if you operate across different time zones).
U.S.-based support can make all the difference in response times and regulatory clarity, especially when you need quick answers during tax season or audits.
Reviews
Slick sales pitches promise you the world, but can they keep their word? Check out sites like Trustpilot, G2, Capterra, and their Google Reviews to see what real-world customers are saying about them. Take one or two poor reviews with a pinch of salt, but if you keep seeing the same issues mentioned, then take these very seriously.
How to Get an Outsourced Accountant For Your Business
There you have it, the top 5 third-party accountancy agencies. Now there’s just one question left to answer: “How do I find the right business accountants for my business?”
Well, we’ve made it super simple to compare outsourced accounting firms. Just tap the button on this page and answer a few quick questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, you’ll receive a range of personalized business accountancy quotes tailored to your unique needs.
This service is completely free, and there’s no obligation to commit. So, if you’re not happy with the options, you can walk away without spending a thing.
So, what are you waiting for? Just tap the button below and start comparing now!
FAQs
What are the benefits of outsourcing accounting?
Outsourcing accounting saves time and money, improves accuracy, and ensures compliance. It gives businesses access to financial experts and advanced tools without the cost of full-time staff. You can scale services up or down as needed, making it ideal for growing or changing businesses.
How much does outsourced accounting cost?
Outsourced accounting costs vary based on business size, services required, and provider. Basic bookkeeping may start at $60/month, while full-service solutions with CFO support can exceed $1,200/month. Some firms offer hourly rates or customized packages, so you only pay for what you need.
Can small businesses outsource accounting?
Yes, small businesses can absolutely outsource accounting. Many providers offer flexible, affordable plans tailored to smaller operations. Outsourcing helps reduce overhead, avoid costly errors, and access professional-grade accounting support without hiring in-house staff. It’s a scalable option suitable for businesses at any stage.
How do I choose the right outsourced accounting firm?
Choose a firm based on pricing, qualifications, industry experience, support options, and customer reviews. Look for transparent fees, CPA credentials, and niche experience in your sector. Reliable support and positive third-party reviews are also essential to ensure consistent, high-quality service.
How can I get an outsourced accountant?
All you have to do is tap the button on this page and answer a few questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, you will receive a range of tailored quotes completely free of charge. This is a no-strings-attached service, so if you don’t like what you see, just walk away without any cost.
