A virtual accountant is a bookkeeper or other accounting professional who conducts most, if not all, of their bookkeeping work remotely. They may work specifically with one company, or may work as an independent with a range of clients.
The rise of cloud-based accounting tools has made virtual accounting services a cost-effective way for companies to outsource their accounting services.
Some of the pros of a virtual account is that they fits in well with hybrid or fully-remote company cultures. They’re also a more cost effective solution vs in-house bookkeeping.
One possible con is communication. While virtual accountants maintain regular contact with their clients, you can’t necessarily get questions answered as quickly as running next door to the accounting department. Make sure you choose online accounting services that have a good reputation for customer service.
There is no shortage of virtual bookkeepers. Ask around to other business owners in your industry to find out what accounting solutions they use – chances are they know of someone to recommend.
Another way to find a virtual bookkeeper is through the accounting or tax preparation service you use. Many major accounting softwares, such as Quickbooks or Xero, have a list of certified professionals they can recommend.
Of course, since you’re reading this, you’re already in the right place to find virtual accounting help. Ease Support offers a variety of outsourced bookkeeping services to businesses in California and across the US.
Accounting help, and especially virtual accounting help, has to be based on trust. Knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask, will help you to find the accounting solution that’s right for you and your business.
Software: Does the virtual accounting service use the same accounting software you do? (At Ease, we use Quickbooks).
Expertise: How do they demonstrate their expertise? Do they have professional certifications? Do they have a website with useful information? Do they have an active social media profile? Do they send out emails to their clients with helpful tax and business tips.
Industry knowledge: Does the bookkeeper have expertise in your specific industry? A bookkeeper with experience in construction will have a slightly different knowledge set than one used to working in tech.
Lack of organization or communication: The right accounting service should have an established client intake procedure, professional nondisclosure agreement forms, and a streamlined method to set up client calls.
No liability insurance: Your accountant should carry professional liability insurance to protect you, and cover themselves, in the case of any errors. If you are working with a team, be sure that the insurance policy also covers any employees’ actions.
Lack of client testimonials: The accounting service should have some form of displaying past clients’ unbiased experience with the firm. If the service is new, they should have some other form of demonstrating their expertise and professionalism.
When you first start working with a virtual accountant, they will need your business’ financial information to let them do their job.
Once you’ve found the right person or team to work with, they will need some or all of the following information:
Look for an accountant that has knowledge of your accounting software and your particular industry. They should be responsive, organized, and knowledgeable.
Virtual accountants can often perform the same amount of accounting work more efficiently than in-house employees can. You pay for the service you receive, instead of paying an entire salary.
At Ease Support, we know first impressions matter. Good organization, professional intake procedures, and responsive communication are some of the first signs you’ve found a financial match.
Client testimonials, a portfolio of past client results, and specific industry knowledge also help show that they’re the right one. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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