Is Outsourced Bookkeeping and Accounting the Right Choice for Your Small or Medium-sized Business?
Perhaps you find yourself as a small business owner attempting to juggle numerous responsibilities, including managing your company's finances. However, the demands of bookkeeping often divert your attention from more critical tasks such as product development and expanding your customer base. Even if you endeavor to educate yourself about bookkeeping, it's likely not your area of expertise.
If you already have a bookkeeper, you may be uncertain about the accuracy of their work, especially if you lack accounting knowledge. In such cases, outsourcing your accounting needs to a professional agency can provide the oversight your bookkeeping staff requires while operating as a part-time controller.
Alternatively, you might be in a leadership position within a mid-sized company that recently downsized due to market conditions. In these uncertain times, your company still requires stable and reliable financial support and business guidance, even with a reduced workforce. If you need to replace a bookkeeper, outsourcing your accounting services can prove to be a cost-effective solution.
Accounting and Bookkeeping Responsibilities for Small Business Entrepreneurs
Consider the myriad accounting and bookkeeping tasks that small business owners must diligently manage:
Bookkeeping Tasks:
- Recording financial transactions
- Creating and sending business invoices and receipts
- Processing accounts payable and vendor payments
- Managing customer collections
- Handling payroll
- Reconciling bank accounts
Accounting Tasks:
- Recognizing revenue, costs, and complex accruals
- Recording undocumented expenses
- Preparing financial statements, which includes cash flow reports
- Analyzing operational costs
- Completing tax returns and tax planning
- Understanding how financial decisions impact other aspects of the business
The relationship between bookkeeping and accounting lies in the fact that bookkeeping encompasses daily transactional processes that feed into the accounting system. Accounting, on the other hand, involves higher-level work, including accruals, tax services, and the creation of financial statements. Accountants or controllers often supervise bookkeepers to ensure the accuracy of data and prevent costly errors.
What to Expect from Accounting and Bookkeeping Services?
Professional bookkeeping and accounting services streamline data entry, integrate various software tools, and adhere to best accounting practices. These services alleviate headaches for small business owners, as poor accounting practices can create unnecessary demands on your time, prolong month-end processes, and expose you to regulatory risks.
Why Opt for Outsourced Accounting and Bookkeeping?
Outsourcing your bookkeeping and accounting needs to a professional agency ensures the adoption of best practices, saving you both time and money. Professional financial agencies excel in talent selection, mitigating the risk of hiring unqualified bookkeepers often encountered by business owners. Even in cases of turnover, using an agency ensures well-documented processes and smoother transitions, unlike employee bookkeepers who may leave with valuable tribal knowledge.
Selecting a Financial Team for Your Accounting and Bookkeeping Needs
When choosing a financial team, seek out one that:
- Has a well-defined onboarding process, rather than diving in without a plan.
- Invests time in studying your business and accounting processes.
- Design holistic solutions that are more efficient and reliable.