Virtual Bookkeeping vs an In-House Bookkeeper
By Cole Kline, Founder, Edge Operations Managers
Both options can keep your books current. The difference is how the work gets done and who you manage.
| Virtual bookkeeping | In-house bookkeeper | |
|---|---|---|
| Where the work happens | Remotely, in your cloud accounting software | In your office or on your payroll |
| Who you manage | A service, with its own quality review | An employee you hire, train and manage |
| Scope | Typically defined up front | Often grows into other office work |
| Best fit | Owners who want routine books done each month | Businesses with enough finance work for a full role |
Questions to ask yourself
- Is the bookkeeping work enough for a full role?
- Do you want to hire and manage that role?
- Do you mainly need reconciliation and categorization done on time?
Edge bookkeeping is reconciliation and categorization only. It is not accounting, tax preparation, tax advice or CPA work. If you need more than bookkeeping, such as someone to run day-to-day operations, see Operations Manager, your second in command.
Related: Virtual bookkeeping services