How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Accounting? A Complete Guide for U.S. Businesses

How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Accounting? A Complete Guide for U.S. Businesses

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much does it cost to outsource accounting?” you’re not alone. Many small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S. are turning to outsourced accounting services to save time, reduce errors, and gain expert financial guidance—without the high cost of hiring a full-time accountant.

Understanding the cost is essential before making this investment. In this guide, we’ll break down average pricing, key factors that affect cost, and practical tips for choosing the right outsourced accounting provider.

Why Outsourcing Accounting Makes Sense

Handling accounting in-house can be time-consuming and error-prone. Outsourcing offers several benefits:

• Time savings: Focus on growing your business instead of reconciling spreadsheets.

• Access to expertise: Certified professionals handle taxes, payroll, and financial reporting.

• Scalability: Adjust services based on your business growth.

• Cost-effectiveness: Avoid salaries, benefits, and overhead associated with full-time employees.

• Compliance: Stay up-to-date with U.S. tax laws and regulations.

Typical Costs of Outsourced Accounting in the U.S.

Costs vary depending on your business size, industry, and the scope of services. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Basic bookkeeping: $250–$600/month

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

• Full-service accounting including CFO-level strategy: $5,000–$10,000/month

Hiring an in-house accountant, by comparison, can cost $65,000–$80,000 per year, not including benefits and office overhead.

Common Pricing Models

Outsourced accounting providers usually offer one of the following pricing models:

1. Hourly Rates

• Bookkeepers: $30–$60/hour

• CPAs: $100–$150/hour
  Ideal for businesses needing occasional support.

2. Flat Monthly Packages

These packages include recurring services like payroll, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Monthly fees typically range from $500–$3,000.

3. Project-Based Pricing

Perfect for one-time tasks such as tax filing or financial statement preparation. Costs range from $500–$5,000 per project.

4. Hybrid Models

A combination of monthly packages plus hourly fees for additional tasks.