Business owners know best that time is money.
This is why we made a list of the top online bookkeeping services for 2022.
Besides service reviews, we have included:
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Best Online Bookkeeping Services
1. Bookkeeper 360
The Bookkeeper 360 accounting packages are fully customizable: cash or accrual, monthly or weekly, tax, prep add-on or not – you’re the boss! Bookkeeper 360 is great for small and medium-sized businesses that need a full package online accounting service. And the Payroll & HR add-on is just $45 per month!
• Cash flow and burn analysis
• Perfect for Xero users
• Real-time metrics
Bookkeeper 360 is one of Xero’s top partners. The company employs a team that specializes in online accounting services, payroll services and tax preparation and planning. Rest assured you’re in good hands!
Bookkeeper 360 offers two types of business accounting packages – Monthly and Weekly.
The Monthly plan includes the following:
- Dedicated Accountant
- Monthly Reconciliation
- Monthly Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet
- Phone, email, and chat support
- Bookkeeper360 App (Xero only)
The Weekly plan includes everything in the Monthly Plan, plus a dedicated accounting team, weekly updates, advanced Reporting, and white-glove support.
The following services can be purchased as an add-on: CFO Advisory, Tax, Payroll & HR, Back-Office (invoicing, inventory management, etc).
The cost depends on your monthly expenses, accounting method (cash or accrual), and the billing frequency (monthly or annually).
For example:
- Monthly plan/cash basis accounting/up to $20.000 expenses/billed monthly – $399/month
- Weekly plan/cash basis accounting/up to $20.000 expenses/billed monthly – $549/month
2. 1-800Accountant
1-800Accountant is one of the best virtual bookkeeping services for your small business. Why? Because real CPAs with17 years of experience, on average, power it. What’s more? It’s available in all 50 states and will match you with an accountant conversant with laws in your area.
• Dedicated accountants
• Name availability verification
• Tax preparation and filing
First things first:
1-800Accountant isn’t DIY software. It’s an online accounting service with real experts handling your books.
Now, let’s explore what it can do for you:
If you’re having difficulty figuring out how to register your brand new entity, fret not – 1-800Accountant can assist you.
It evaluates your company’s details, then offers valuable advice regarding how to classify your business for maximum benefits. For instance, S corporation (eliminates double taxation) or LLC (for flexible taxes).
In addition, this business accounting service helps you with the following to form your business:
- Preparation & filing of Articles of Incorporation
- Name search & verification
- Tax savings consultation
- EIN business tax number registration
- Banking resolution
Then, of course, some much-needed assistance with the dreaded tax filing.
1-800’s online accountants for your small business will handle all your taxes, so you don’t have to. Since they’re experts at this, they will literally help you save money on this front.
How?
They’ll realign your numbers so you don’t pay your personal in addition to corporation tax, which many business owners unknowingly do.
Plus:
They’ll help you secure your tax benefits and reduce what you owe. On top of that, you’ll be able to avoid any penalties with their timely services.
1-800Accountant can also provide bookkeeping services for your small business.
Its specialists will accurately classify every transaction when reconciling your books. Since they do this fast, you’ll be able to make timely decisions regarding things touching on money.
This company also makes paying your staff a breeze. It’ll set up a seamless system that will only take a few clicks to pay.
Additionally, your dedicated accountant will file your payroll taxes free of charge!
As if that’s not enough:
Unlike online CPA services for small businesses, this one works directly with the IRS. So in case you get an audit notice, they’ll prepare all your paperwork and work with the organization for a fair hearing.
Since they’re knowledgeable in this area, they’ll ensure that the government body doesn’t violate your taxpayer rights.
1-800Accountant has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its rates are:
- Startup (LLC) – From $0 plus state fee
- Business (Basic accounting support) – $125/month
- Corporation (everything Business + taxes) – $225 monthly
- Enterprise (Corporation + bookkeeping and financial reports) – $375 per month
*Please note that billing is yearly.
If you’re having a hard time deciding between online accounting firms with superior service 1-800Accountant is a good option. Although a bit pricey, you can rely on it to handle the books allowing you to channel your focus on growing your small business.
3. Xendoo
Founded in 2016, Xendoo specializes in providing bookkeeping services for small businesses and eCommerce. Regardless of what Xendoo plan you opt for, you’ll get access to a dedicated team of experts that will manage your finances for you. The company also offers year-round tax support, a catch-up bookkeeping service, and a fractional CFO.
• Dedicated bookkeeping team
• Cash basis
• Tax consult
Xendoo’s primary focus is helping businesses keep their financial records in order.
In addition to weekly bookkeeping, it also provides tax services (such as tax preparation and filing) for small and mid-sized businesses– and they even offer to help you with your personal taxes as well.
With Xendoo, you get access to a dedicated team of bookkeepers and CPAs who will not only keep your books and taxes up to date throughout the year, but will also be available for a consultation, regarding any issues and questions you have in the financial sector.
Xendoo also offers:
- Quickbooks and Xero integration
- Monthly financial reports
- Monthly revenue trend graphs
- Intuitive mobile app
- Profit and loss statements
- 30-day money-back guarantee
The company has three scalable plans that are based on your monthly expenses:
- Essential (up to $50.000 in monthly expenses) – $395/month
- Growth (up to $75.000 in monthly expenses) – $695/month
- Scale (up to $125.000 in monthly expenses) – $995/month
Those with more than $125.000 in monthly expenses can reach out to Xendoo’s support team for a custom plan tailored to your specific needs.
For customers that choose to pay annually, Xendoo offers a 10% discount.
If you have fallen behind on your finances, Xendoo will appoint a dedicated team of experts to help you catch up. This service will cost you $295 on top of your regular subscription.
The company can also lend you a fractional CFO for your business for $1,500 a month and provide tax guidance to help maximize your savings, which will cost you an extra $1,200 a year.
One of Xendoo’s biggest selling points is that it integrates with a long list of popular payment gateways and eCommerce platforms – including Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, and Walmart– making it an excellent choice for small, eCommerce businesses.
4. Bench
If you are looking for a simple online bookkeeping plan – look no further! As a Bench client you will have access to only the best. A dedicated bookkeeping team will categorize your transactions and prepare your f inancial statements. And you can use it on all of your devices!
• Desktop and iPhone app
• Free trial
• Scalable plans
Bench prides itself in being a simple, yet affordable online bookkeeping service for entrepreneurs. It’s an online service with a human touch.
Every plan comes with a dedicated bookkeeping team. If there is a need to, they can get your books up to date. Just one of the things you’ll never have to worry about if you choose Bench!
As a small business owner, you will be provided with the following online bookkeeping services:
- Dedicated team + support
- Categorized and reconciled transactions
- Financial reporting (income statements, balance sheet, expense tracking, etc)
- Desktop and iPhone app
- Tax prep and filing (additional service)
Regarding the tax services, Bench will prepare everything you need to file and work with you or your CPA. Or, if you purchase the BenchTax service as an add-on, they will even file your taxes for you!
The only thing lacking is CFO advisory services – not offered at all. If you needed help with your financial strategy, we recommended looking into other online accounting firms.
Bench offers scalable plans, depending on your monthly expenses:
- Starter (up to $1.000 in monthly expenses) – $169/month
- Micro ($1.000 to $7.500 in monthly expenses) – $189/month
- Boutique ($7.500 to $25.000 in monthly expenses) – $219/month
- Venture ($25.000 to $50.000 in monthly expenses) – $279/month
- Corporate (up to $1 million in monthly expenses) – $349/monthly
The prices listed above apply if you are paying on a month-to-month basis. Annual payments are discounted.
If you are not sure whether Bench is the right choice for you, you can start a trial and get free online bookkeeping services for a month.
Note: Bench only services US customers.
5. Bookkeeper.com
Bookkeeper.com has lumped a tax service and a CFO advisory service, in addition to the regular bookkeeping services. Most companies charge extra for those services. With bookkeeper.com you get all the goodies in one place!
• Uses QuickBooks
• CFO and business advisory service
• Accrual and cash
Bookkeeper.com has been providing small businesses with bookkeeping and accounting services for 30 years.
Besides small business accounting services and bookkeeping, Bookkeeper.com can manage your payroll, prepare and plan your taxes, and manage your bills. If you have a fast-paced business, having someone else handle those tasks can be lifesaving.
With this service, you get the following bookkeeping services:
- Account reconciliation of bank and credit card accounts and electronic transactions into Quickbooks
- Monthly financials: balance sheet, profit and loss, general ledger, statement of cash flows
- Advice (business consulting, tax planning, necessary software training)
- Essential document storage
- Accounting software setup
- Expense management
Bookkeeper has three pricing plans:
- Small Business (up to 125 transactions per month) – starting at $285/month
- Small Business Plus (126-250 transactions per month) – starting at $495/month
- Small Business Advanced (250+ transactions per month) – custom rate
What we like most about Bookkeeper.com – or the Small Business Plus to be more specific – is the fact that you can get all the services that other companies offer as an add-on, included in the same plan. Tax planning, business consulting, and a monthly performance report can all be included in one plan.
Payroll services, tax preparation, and bill management can be purchased as additional services.
6. Merritt Bookkeeping
At just $190 per month, Merritt has to be the most affordable QuickBooks professional bookkeeper. And if you are behind on your bookkeeping, Merritt offers to create or review a QuickBooks file for your previous months at a discounted monthly rate. The right option for QuickBook fans!
• Uses QuickBooks
• 90-day money back
• Discount for previous months
Merritt Bookkeeping Services, Inc. was founded in 2010. The company offers virtual bookkeeping services. But only the most basic business bookkeeping services – tax planning or payroll services aren’t available, even at an extra cost.
However, we have some good news for QuickBooks addicts! Meritt is the top choice for online accounting software working with QuickBooks.
Here’s how it works:
Meritt categorizes your transaction using QuickBooks. It then emails you your monthly reports. As no tax services are available, you would need to email the reports to your CPA.
There is just one plan, at $190 per month.
What we like about Merritt is that it offers the most affordable bookkeeping services, along with a 90-day money-back guarantee. What we don’t like is that there is no option to purchase additional services (tax, CFO).
If you already have someone on your team that can prep your taxes, file them, etc. then you can use Merritt’s services to save some time. However, if you need extra help from a virtual accountant, you may want to hire a company that offers a full package of services.
7. inDinero
inDinero is the perfect accounting solution for startups and small businesses that want to grow and improve their performance. If you customize your plan to include the extra services, you will be able to talk with your CFO and discuss your business strategy. You can also use it with QuickBooks!
• CFO services
• Mobile app
• Account manager
Founded in 2009, inDinero is not the typical provider. Its basic plan is aimed at new companies that require online bookkeeping services. However, it also offers a custom plan for growing companies. inDinero has its own accounting software, but you can also use it with QuickBooks Online.
You get quite a lot of goodies:
- Account manager
- Automated transaction imports
- Mobile app
- Document management
- Monthly reconciliation
- Profit and loss
- Balance sheet
- Employee reimbursement
- Accounts payable/accounts receivable tracking and reporting
With the add-on features offered, inDinero can provide you with all the online accounting and bookkeeping services your company needs. You can choose from:
- Revenue recognition
- Inventory reconciliation
- Cash flow projection
- Payroll support
- CFO services
- Tax preparation and filing
inDinero offers only two plans:
- Essential (cash basis accounting) – starting at $300/month
- Custom (accrual accounting) – custom rate
Customizing your plan and scaling up the features will increase your monthly costs. If it turns out that you need extra help (and would like to continue doing business with inDinero), you can get a full package from the same company. You get the best of both worlds.
8. QuickBooks Live
There is a high chance you are already using QuickBooks for bookkeeping. And for a good reason – it’s rich in features, offers free consultations, personalized reports and, as of recently, a certified QuickBooks online bookkeeper. Things just keep getting better!
• Dedicated bookkeeping team
• Free consultation
• Virtual support
QuickBooks Online is among the most popular and most widely accounting software solutions. It’s the cool kid on the block because it just keeps getting better. Recently, it added the option for clients to hire a QuickBooks bookkeeper to manage and maintain their books.
With QuickBooks you get:
- Transaction categorization
- Account reconciliation
- Key financial report (profit and loss statement, balance sheet)
Payroll services can be purchased at an additional cost.
There are three pricing tiers of QuickBooks Live BookKeeping:
- Low-volume bookkeeping (up to $25.000 in monthly expenses) – $200/month
- Medium-volume bookkeeping ($25.001 – $150.000 in monthly expenses) – $400/month
- High-volume bookkeeping ($150.000+ in monthly expenses) – $600/month
The cost of a monthly QuickBooks Online subscription is not included in the price.
The QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping Setup costs $50 per session and is refundable prior to the session. This includes:
- setting up a chart of accounts
- customized invoices
- setup reminders
- connecting bank accounts and credit cards
- bookkeeping tips via one-time virtual access to a Live Bookkeeper
QuickBooks Live does offer a virtual bookkeeper offering expert QuickBooks online bookkeeping services. However, the services are limited. It won’t manage your inventory, pay your bills, manage your payroll, or offer financial advice.
9. Pilot
Pilot offers a financial solution for all types of businesses: big, small, growing. So no matter what needs you have, Pilot’s got you covered. CFO, AP/AR, tax and other supplemental services can be purchased at an extra cost. Pre-revenue companies may even qualify for a discount!
• Offers Xero migration
• Support included
• Pre-revenue company discount
Pilot is a US company that offers accounting and bookkeeping services for small business companies and startups.
It offers extensive financial services – separate plans for bookkeeping, CFO services and tax services. The CFO and tax packages are usually purchased as an add-on to the bookkeeping plan, though they are optional.
Pilot can help you with:
- Bookkeeping
- Dedicated finance expert
- Automatic transaction import
- Accrual basis bookkeeping
- Profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statements
- Payroll and balance sheet reconciliation
- Burn rate calculations
- Banks, credit card, and payment processor connection
- Chart of accounts
- Transactions (bills, invoices, checks and reimbursements)
- Advanced bookkeeping services and concierge services (not included in all plans)
- CFO services
- Expert CFO team
- Custom financial support
- Additional services (depending on the plan)
- Tax services
- Dedicated tax preparer
- Streamlined online process
- Full tax prep service
- Additional services (depending on the plan)
There are three different plans for the bookkeeping services, depending on the monthly expenses of the company. And there are two pricing plans for the CFO and tax services.
The cost of bookkeeping services for small business companies with up to $29.999 in monthly expenses is $599/month for the Core plan, and $849/month for the Select plan. The Plus plan is targeted at larger businesses and it has a custom rate.
Additional services can be purchased as add-ons. The cost of online accounting services increases as your business grows. Even if you have prepaid for the year, you may still be billed more if your books are growing. Pilot also charges a one-time onboarding fee, equal to the monthly cost of your subscription.
All plans are prepaid annually and canceling would only stop your subscription at the end of your billing cycle.
A special discount is offered to pre-revenue companies – $200 off per month for the first year.
10. KPMG Spark
KPMG Spark offers a great alternative to an in-house accounting team – an outsourced online one! Each client has a dedicated bookkeeper and manager, at a surprisingly low cost. For those, looking for an affordable solution, this is a no-brainer!
• Third party integrations
• Dedicated representative
• Add-on services
KPMG Spark provides online accounting services for small business companies. The company uses its own online accounting software and pairs business owners with online bookkeepers.
With KPMG Spark you get:
- Online accounting
- Payroll services
- Tax preparation
- Dedicated bookkeeper, manager and CPA
- Expense tracking
- Invoicing and payments
The pricing depends on the number of accounts you need bookkeeping to be performed on. It goes like this:
- 1 to 3 accounts – $195/month
- 4 to 6 accounts – $395/month
- 7 to 10 accounts – $495/month
- Custom – custom pricing
The prices above are applied if you are paying on a month-to-month basis; paying annually is cheaper. Outsourced bookkeeping services and a dedicated account representative is included in all plans.
At an extra cost, you can purchase income tax return preparation, business licensing, and an R&D Credit Feasibility Study.
11. Ignite Spot Accounting
Ignite Spot can provide small business owners with a QuickBooks Pro Certified accountant, online accounting and bookkeeping services, detailed financial reporting, tax prep and planning, CFO services, etc. It comes with everything you need. It’s A+ BBB rating proves it!
• A+ rating with the BBB
• Free 30min CFO session
• Tax services
Ignite Spot is an outsourced accounting company for small businesses. Its main goal is to make business more profitable. The firm strives to coach business owners, instead of just doing their books.
Ignite Spot can provide small businesses with a full package of outsourced accounting services – something not usually offered by the competition.
The financial reports are also detailed: a monthly review of your company performance is included. This is a great service for business owners that want to set targets.
Lastly, business owners that want to scale up their companies can outsource an expert CFO. The chief financial officer can create a custom financial plan for you, aiming to increase your profits and minimize your losses.
The semi-monthly bookkeeping services package starts at $575/month. The weekly package starts at $1.200/month and the semi-weekly package starts at $3.750/month.
The virtual CFO services start at $500 and go up depending on your needs.
While the plans may be pricey for some business owners, Ignite Spot is a good option for businesses that want to see growth. Their accountants are QuickBooks Pro Certified and CPAs, which is quite a bonus.
What Are Online Bookkeeping Services?
When it comes to bookkeeping, small business owners have the following options:
- Do their own books
- Hire an in-house employee
- Hire an outsourced bookkeeping team
An online accountant or bookkeeper provides accounting or bookkeeping services online. This can save small business owners valuable time and money.
What Are the Benefits of Using Online Bookkeeping Services for Your Business?
But why do you need such a service? Well:
1. Saves time
Small business owners usually do everything on their own. Online bookkeeping companies can relieve some of that burden; leaving business owners with one less responsibility.
2. Saves money
The average salary of a bookkeeper in the USA is around $40,000. The average salary of an accountant is around $50,000. Not every business owner can afford (nor has the need for) in-house bookkeepers and accounts. Online bookkeeping services for small business companies cost less, making them a more cost-effective option.
3. Access to virtual accounting services
Virtual bookkeeping companies don’t just help you with your books – some even offer online CPA services. Depending on the plan you purchase, you can outsource all the accounting-related tasks of your business.
What Should You Look for in a Bookkeeping Service?
Here are some tips on how to find the best bookkeeping services for your business:
4. Decide which services you need
As we previously mentioned, you can find a variety of online accounting companies that aren’t limited to professional bookkeeping services.
Decide whether you wish to outsource everything related to bookkeeping or accounting, or whether you prefer to handle some level of your finances in-house.
After you determine the level of service you need, you’ll be able to find a fitting company.
5. Certification
If this isn’t disclosed prior to purchasing, make sure you inquire about the certification and industry experience of the online accountants and bookkeepers you are hiring. Hiring someone experienced guarantees a good experience.
6. Security
It goes without saying that security is paramount for anything business-related. You don’t want just anyone to access your financials! Make sure the company you are hiring safeguards your information and limits access to your accounts.
7. Targeted businesses (related to business size)
Does the company provide accounting services for small business companies or large businesses? Does it work with startups? The size of your business is another factor that should influence your decision.
8. Affordable cost
It is true that you are getting what you have paid for. However, you will find that there are a few virtual accounting companies that offer the same level of service yet the cost difference is enormous. Don’t hesitate to shop around in order to find a service that is within your budget.
Yet, when it comes to business finances, it is better to go with a quality service, rather than pinch pennies.
Wrap Up
Outsourcing your accounting duties will bring great relief. If you choose the right company, that is.
We have reviewed the top online bookkeeping services, and have featured the best types for different budgets. You won’t regret trusting them!
FAQs
What do online bookkeepers do?
Online business accountants or bookkeepers handle your bookkeeping in the same way as in-house bookkeepers or accountants. The difference is that you are paying a monthly or yearly subscription for someone to do the work remotely, instead of hiring in-house employees.
How much does monthly bookkeeping cost?
The most affordable service on our list is Merritt Bookkeeping. The firm charges $190 per month. Most companies however charge more than $200 per month. The cost also depends on the level of service and the size of your business.
What is the best online accounting software?
QuickBooks Online and Xero are the most used accounting softwares. Most of the online bookkeeping services on our list use QuickBooks. Some use their own software.
What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
A bookkeeper is someone that solely handles your books – or records your transactions. An accountant analyzes those reports and can provide financial advice (e.g. tax advice). A certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant that has passed the state exam and received a license.
Is virtual bookkeeping legit?
The only difference between a virtual bookkeeper and an in-house bookkeeper is the fact that a virtual bookkeeper works remotely. They still need to have the same level of education and experience. Small business owners that cannot afford to hire a full in-house accounting team, can consider online bookkeeping services as an alternative.
Deyan is an avid enthusiast and self-proclaimed fan of the Windows operating system. His passion for discovering new functionalities and hidden gems within Windows drives his insatiable curiosity and fuels his desire to share his findings with others. As an avid writer, Deyan frequently shares his expertise through articles that provide tips and tricks to optimize the Windows experience.