The labor shortage in the accounting profession is critical. According to the AICPA, over 75% of firms reported hiring challenges in 2024, with entry-level roles being the hardest to fill. Salaries are rising, with entry-level bookkeepers now averaging $45,560 annually, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Firms also face increased complexity in compliance, client expectations for 24/7 service, and rising costs to maintain technology infrastructure.
It helps CPA firms offload transactional and repetitive tasks, freeing internal teams for client-facing and high-margin work. Virtual providers can manage reconciliations, cleanups, monthly closings, and reporting with high accuracy and faster turnaround. Firms report cost savings of 30–50%, plus improved job satisfaction among remaining staff who can focus on strategic initiatives.
Equally important, outsourcing solves for scalability and seasonality. Whether it’s tax season overflow, sudden client onboarding surges, or transitioning after staff turnover, having a reliable outsourced bookkeeping team gives CPA firms operational flexibility without long-term headcount commitments.
One of the biggest drivers for outsourcing bookkeeping is cost. Traditional in-house bookkeepers can cost U.S. firms over $60,000 annually per head. With outsourced bookkeeping services, CPA firms can access trained professionals at a fraction of the cost, often between $15-$25/hour, without sacrificing quality or turnaround.
Many providers offer flexible pricing models: per transaction, FTE, or monthly subscription. This allows firms to right-size their spending based on seasonal needs, client load, or expansion.
The best outsourced bookkeeping services are not generic. They understand the unique needs of CPA firms from managing multi-entity clients to staying compliant with IRS audit trails.
Look for services that provide:
Time-zone-aligned teams, 24-hour turnaround on transactions, and dedicated support channels mean firms can operate more efficiently than ever. Modern virtual bookkeeping providers offer client portals, document management, and automation integrations that help reduce manual work.
Some leading firms even provide white-label services, letting you expand your service offering under your brand while they handle the back office.
Here are 10 highly rated services CPAs are turning to in 2025:
Outsourced bookkeeping is when a CPA firm hires a third-party professional or service provider to handle financial record-keeping, reconciliations, and reporting remotely. This model gives firms access to skilled bookkeepers without the overhead of in-house staffing. It’s ideal for reducing workload, scaling operations, and maintaining accurate financials without managing daily bookkeeping internally.
Costs typically range from $15 to $25 per hour, but pricing can also be monthly or project-based. The final cost depends on task complexity, service volume, and whether you’re hiring on a full-time equivalent (FTE) or part-time basis. Some providers offer bundled services, while others bill per transaction or engagement. Compared to in-house salaries, outsourcing can cut costs by 30–50%.
Yes, if you’re working with a provider that meets industry-grade security standards. Look for SOC 2 compliance, encryption protocols, secure file transfers, and multi-factor authentication. Many top outsourced bookkeeping services use bank-grade infrastructure and restrict data access by role. Always request documentation of their cybersecurity and confidentiality policies.
Absolutely. Smaller firms often lack the resources to maintain full-time bookkeepers, especially during slow seasons. Outsourcing allows even solo CPAs to access high-quality bookkeeping at affordable rates. It also helps them stay focused on higher-value advisory services while ensuring clients get timely, accurate reports.
Most outsourced bookkeepers work with popular tools like QuickBooks, Zoho Books, or proprietary dashboards. The best services will integrate with your existing tech stack, ensuring no disruptions. Always confirm that your provider can handle your firm’s specific software and workflow requirements.
For CPA firms looking to grow and remain competitive in 2025, outsourced bookkeeping is no longer optional. Rising labor costs, ongoing talent shortages, and client demand for faster, tech-enabled services are forcing firms to rethink their operational models.
Outsourcing allows firms to operate leaner, move faster, and serve more clients with fewer internal bottlenecks.
The real value of outsourced bookkeeping lies beyond cost savings. It creates the foundation for scalable growth, enables firms to elevate their advisory services, and improves overall client satisfaction.
Whether you’re a solo CPA or managing a mid-sized practice, outsourcing gives you the flexibility and confidence to focus on strategic growth without sacrificing quality or control.
QX Accounting Services is built for CPA firms that want more than staffing. We serve over 500 accounting firms with bookkeeping that meets U.S. GAAP standards, is delivered by trained professionals, and is supported by documented SOPs and real-time communication. Every account is managed with accountability, SLAs, and a U.S.-based client experience team.
We are a full-service delivery partner that takes ownership of your back office while aligning with your firm’s client expectations.
With 13 years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping, Vishal Shah leads QX’s accounting operations, managing a 65+ member team. He specializes in process efficiency, quality control, and client delivery across industries, including SaaS, real estate, and workforce management. Vishal’s leadership drives scale, speed, and client satisfaction for CPA firms.
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