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Is Hiring a Remote Bookkeeper the Secret to Saving Money for Your Business?

Writer: Melissa DagenaisMelissa Dagenais

In the fast-changing world of business, maintaining financial control without overspending is vital. Hiring a bookkeeper can feel overwhelming, especially considering the additional costs that come with traditional employees. However, there is a solution that many businesses are discovering: remote bookkeepers. These professionals offer their expertise at a fraction of the cost of hiring someone full-time and can significantly streamline your finances. In this post, we’ll discuss how hiring a remote bookkeeper can be a game-changer for your business.


The Cost Savings on Salaries and Benefits


When hiring a full-time bookkeeper, the costs go beyond their salary. Employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off can add around 30% to the base salary. For example, if a bookkeeper earns $50,000 annually, total costs can rise to about $65,000 when benefits are included. In contrast, hiring a remote bookkeeper typically means you only pay for the hours they work and the services they provide, which can lead to savings of 20% to 50% on labor costs. This allows you to invest more money into growing your business.


Flexibility and Scalability


One of the greatest benefits of hiring a remote bookkeeper is the flexibility they offer. Instead of committing to full-time hours, you can adjust their workload based on your business needs. For instance, a retail business may experience a surge in sales during the holiday season. Hiring a remote bookkeeper on an as-needed basis during peak periods allows you to pay only for the additional hours required—saving money during slower months. This adaptability can lead to cost savings of 15% to 30% when compared to maintaining a full-time employee year-round.


Lower Overhead Costs


Employing a full-time staff member often comes with hidden costs, such as office space, equipment, and utilities. In fact, these expenses can easily account for an additional 25% of an employee's salary. Remote bookkeepers, however, work from their own locations and use their own tools, meaning you don't have to invest in extra office resources. This reduction in overhead can lead to thousands of dollars saved annually, which can be redirected to essential business functions or marketing initiatives.


Access to a Pool of Specialists


Hiring remotely opens the doors to a diverse talent pool. You can find specialists who possess unique skills or backgrounds that might not be available in your local area. For example, suppose your business needs help navigating international tax laws. You can hire a remote bookkeeper with expertise in this field, potentially saving you thousands in tax liabilities and ensuring compliance. This access could lead to better financial insights and strategies that improve your bottom line.


Wide angle view of a desk with a computer and financial documents
A desk setup for bookkeeping tasks

Reduced Training and Onboarding Time


Bringing a new employee up to speed takes time and resources. The onboarding process can average anywhere from three to six months, which can cost a business roughly $6,000 or more, depending on the individual's role. Remote bookkeepers often come ready with experience and familiar with popular software. By selecting a professional who is already knowledgeable, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for them to start contributing to your business, resulting in quicker cost recovery.


No Long-Term Commitment


In a world where businesses must pivot quickly, having a remote bookkeeper allows for adaptability without long-term obligations. For instance, if your workload decreases due to seasonal changes, you can easily scale back the bookkeeping hours. You will avoid the risk of paying for a full-time employee during lean periods, which can be a significant saving that could easily reach 40% or more of your monthly labor costs.


Focus on Your Core Business


Managing finances can be stressful, especially for busy entrepreneurs. Offloading bookkeeping tasks means you can dedicate more time to what truly matters: developing new products or improving customer experiences. By letting a remote bookkeeper handle your finances, you give yourself the chance to increase profitability, make informed decisions, and drive your business forward instead of getting bogged down in numbers and spreadsheets.


Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity


Remote bookkeepers tend to be more efficient than typical employees. They rely on the latest technologies and best practices to complete tasks quickly and accurately. For instance, a remote bookkeeper can process payroll in less than half the time compared to an inexperienced employee. This efficiency can save you hours of work each month, allowing you to focus your energy on sales strategies and business growth.


The Bottom Line


Hiring a remote bookkeeper is rapidly becoming a popular choice among business owners looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality. By reducing overhead expenses and allowing for flexible engagement, these professionals can bring immense savings to your business. You are not just hiring someone to handle your books; you are partnering with an expert who can help streamline your operations and foster growth.


When considering your options for financial management, think about how a remote bookkeeper might be the key to taking your business to the next level.


Close-up view of financial figures and calculations on a calculator
Calculator showing financial figures for business bookkeeping

 
 
 

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