How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Accounting? Everything U.S. Business Owners Need to Know

How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Accounting? Everything U.S. Business Owners Need to Know

Running a company means wearing a lot of hats, but managing the books doesn’t have to be one of them. If you’ve asked yourself, “How much does it cost to outsource accounting?” you’re in good company. Across the U.S., more small and mid-sized businesses are outsourcing accounting services to save time, reduce errors, and get professional insights—without hiring a full-time accountant.

But the real question is: what will it cost your business? Let’s dig into the numbers, the pricing models, and the key factors that determine what you’ll actually pay.

Why Outsourcing Accounting Is Becoming the Norm

Bookkeeping and accounting are critical, but they rarely generate revenue directly. That’s why more U.S. businesses are outsourcing these tasks. The main benefits include:

• Time savings: Spend less time reconciling accounts and more time building your business.

• Lower costs: Avoid the $65k+ annual salary of a full-time accountant.

• Expertise on demand: Outsourced firms employ CPAs, tax specialists, and payroll experts.

• Scalability: Services can grow as your company expands.

• Compliance assurance: Stay on top of ever-changing tax laws.

Average Costs for Outsourced Accounting

Here’s a snapshot of what businesses typically pay in the U.S.:

• Basic bookkeeping only: $250–$600/month

• Standard packages (bookkeeping + payroll + tax prep): $1,000–$5,000/month

• CFO-level services and financial planning: $5,000–$10,000/month

For comparison, hiring an in-house accountant could run $70,000 annually, not including benefits, payroll taxes, or training.

Pricing Models to Expect

Accounting firms don’t all price their services the same way. Here are the most common models:

1. Hourly Rates

• Bookkeepers: $30–$60/hour

• CPAs: $100–$150/hour
  This works best if you only need occasional help.

2. Flat Monthly Fee

Predictable monthly pricing covers ongoing services. These packages usually range from $500 to $3,000/month.

3. Project-Based Pricing

A one-time project (like tax filings or system cleanup) can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000.

4. Hybrid or Tiered Models

Some firms offer a base monthly package and charge extra for add-ons.