Starting a new business brings a whirlwind of decisions, and one crucial aspect is bookkeeping. It’s the backbone of any company, yet it can be quite perplexing. In this guide, we’ll guide you through your options for bookkeeping services, shedding light on costs to steer your business toward sustainable growth. Whether you’re considering a part-time, or a full-time professional bookkeeper, or weighing the benefits of hiring one, this guide is your compass in the realm of business finances. Let’s get started on the mysteries of bookkeeping together:
Bookkeeping VS Accounting
Before diving into hiring, let’s understand the difference between bookkeeping and accounting. At the start, basic bookkeeping is key for every small business. It involves tasks like recording transactions and paying bills. As your business evolves, you’ll need more advanced financial reporting and compliance with regulations. This calls for a professional touch from an accountant. They’ll help you interpret financial data for smarter decisions.
Now, before jumping to hire full-time, assess your needs. A part-time bookkeeper handles basic tasks, needing some supervision. A full-time accountant, on the other hand, brings advanced skills and needs less oversight. While accountants usually come with a higher salary, their insights can boost your business’s profitability through financial analysis. So, choose wisely based on your business’s stage and needs.
Responsibilities of a Bookkeeper
So, what’s on a bookkeeper’s to-do list? Well, they’re the ones keeping tabs on your business’s finances. They track what you spend and what you earn, using software to record all the details.
Their main task is creating reports that show how your money moves, helping you make smart decisions for your business’s growth and success.
But that’s not all! They also handle daily tasks like entering data, paying bills, managing inventory, sending out invoices, and making sure your bank accounts and credit cards match up. Plus, they keep your lists of vendors and clients in check and organize important financial documents. Oh, and they’ll give a gentle nudge to those who owe you money.
Bookkeeper Salaries and Outsourcing Costs
When starting, many new businesses handle bookkeeping themselves to save money. But as your business grows, so do the demands on your time. That’s when hiring a bookkeeper becomes necessary. The cost varies based on factors like the bookkeeper’s experience, the type of service needed (part-time, full-time, or outsourced), and how much work is involved.
For lighter workloads and tighter budgets, a part-time bookkeeper might be the way to go. But for busier businesses with heaps of transactions, a full-time bookkeeper is likely needed to keep up.
Overall, the average salary for a bookkeeper is around $25-$50 per hour or $3,000 to $4,000 per month. There are also additional costs like benefits required by law, such as health insurance and vacation time, which add up.
To cut costs, many companies opt to outsource their bookkeeping needs to external agencies. Outsourcing typically starts at around $500 per month and can increase based on the services required. It’s a cheaper alternative to hiring in-house bookkeepers, especially for smaller businesses.
Part-Time Bookkeeping
Part-time bookkeepers handle small tasks like tracking receipts and employee timesheets. While they cost more per hour than full-time bookkeepers, their total monthly cost is lower. For example, hiring a part-time bookkeeper at $25/hour for 20 hours per week costs $400 weekly, while a full-time bookkeeper at $20/hour for 40 hours costs $660.
However, relying solely on a part-time bookkeeper has drawbacks. They offer limited support, requiring ongoing oversight. Business owners may still need to handle high-level accounting tasks, adding to their workload. Moreover, trusting critical financials to a part-time bookkeeper can be a concern, straining employer trust and workload.
Full-Time Bookkeeping
A full-time bookkeeper takes care of all your daily accounts, from small tasks like invoicing to larger ones like generating reports. If your business has many employees or handles lots of transactions, a full-time bookkeeper is necessary.
Having them in the office daily makes communication easier, and they can learn your systems faster. Full-time bookkeepers are more invested in your business and offer long-term benefits through their deep understanding of your operations.
However, hiring a full-time bookkeeper comes with higher costs. Their salary, which can exceed $60,000 annually, plus benefits and other overheads, can add up significantly.
Outsourced Bookkeeping
Outsourcing bookkeeping is a smart choice for small businesses, offering cost savings and expertise. Outsourced firms typically charge between $400 to $3,000 per month based on workload complexity. Compared to hiring in-house, outsourcing avoids payroll costs and office space needs. Plus, you gain access to skilled professional bookkeepers who handle your books efficiently, without the risk of hiring someone inexperienced.
Outsourced firms are flexible and tailor their services to your needs. However, drawbacks include limited direct access to bookkeepers and less visibility into daily activities compared to in-house teams. Despite this, outsourcing is still a great option for small businesses focused on cost efficiency.
Final Words
Online bookkeeping services offer predictable costs with the possibility of additional charges for extra services. This predictability helps avoid unexpected high hourly rates. AquiferCFO provides superior bookkeeping services at competitive rates compared to many other companies. For further information and updates, please visit aquiferCFO.com.
FAQs
1. What’s The Difference Between A Part-Time And Full-Time Bookkeeper?
A part-time bookkeeper works fewer hours and handles basic tasks, while a full-time bookkeeper is dedicated to all daily accounts, from small to large tasks.
2. How Much Does It Cost To Outsource Bookkeeping?
The cost of outsourcing bookkeeping varies based on workload complexity, typically ranging from $400 to $3,000 per month.
3. Why Choose Outsourced Bookkeeping Over Hiring In-House?
Outsourced bookkeeping offers cost savings, expertise, and flexibility without the burden of payroll costs and office space needs associated with hiring in-house.
4. What Are The Drawbacks Of Relying Solely On A Part-Time Bookkeeper?
Part-time bookkeepers offer limited support, requiring ongoing oversight. Additionally, business owners may still need to handle high-level accounting tasks, adding to their workload.
5. Is AquiferCFO A Reliable Option For Bookkeeping Services?
AquiferCFO provides superior bookkeeping services at competitive rates compared to many other companies, offering predictability in costs and expertise in handling financial tasks.
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