Running a startup is no easy job. You’ve customers to keep happy, employees to hire and manage, and the pressure to ensure your products or services are top-notch. But one area that often gets overlooked is accounting. Sure, you could bring someone in-house to handle it, but that can get expensive and time-consuming. Solution? Hire an outsourced accounting firm for startups.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 17 of the best outsourced accounting firms. We’ll look at what makes them special, what services they offer, and how they can help your business grow.
Top Outsourced Accounting & Bookkeeping (CPA) Firms for Startups in the USA
| Company | Best for | More info |
| 1. Genius | Cost-effective, vetted finance professionals | Visit website |
| 2. Outsourced Accountants | Comprehensive financial operations support | Visit website |
| 3. Bench | Simplified bookkeeping, small businesses | Visit website |
| 4. Fully Accountable | E-commerce, tech-driven virtual accounting | Visit website |
| 5. 1-800Accountant | Accessible, state-specific tax guidance | Visit website |
| 6. Paro | High-level financial expertise, AI-matching | Visit website |
| 7. Countsy | Flexible support for scaling startups | Visit website |
| 8. Scrubbed | Full-service accounting, transaction advisory | Visit website |
| 9. Pilot | Automated bookkeeping, tax filings | Visit website |
| 10. Upcloud Accounting | Personalized support, international clients | Visit website |
| 11. Indinero | Real-time insights, tech-driven solutions | Visit website |
| 12. TOA Global | Large teams, extensive talent pool | Visit website |
| 13. The Back Room | Offshore accounting, security-focused | Visit website |
| 14. Ignite Spot | Small businesses needing scalable accounting | Visit website |
| 15. Kruze Consulting | Tax and financial support for startups | Visit website |
| 16. Collective | Simplified accounting for solopreneurs | Visit website |
| 17. Xendoo | QuickBooks-based accounting | Visit website |
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Top 17 Companies for Outsourcing Accounting & Bookkeeping (CPA) – An In-Depth Look
If you’re looking for top solutions, here are the 17 best accounting firms for startups that provide outsourced services.
1. Genius
Are we biased? We might be – but we genuinely believe Genius is one of the best options for startups needing finance and accounting help. Our team connects startups with skilled professionals who know the unique challenges of growing businesses.
We focus on recruiting top talent from Latin America and the Philippines, with qualified experts in finance and accounting just for startups.
With Genius, you can hire finance pros like investment analysts, payroll specialists, accountants, and bookkeepers to support your business.
- Employees: 25
- Revenue: $1M – $2M
- Year Founded: 2019
- Pricing: 25% of the candidate’s first-year salary
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping specialists, Payroll management experts, Budgeting and forecasting, Accounts receivable/payable handling
2. Outsourced Accountants
Based in New York, Outsourced Accountants is tailored specifically to help startups streamline their financial operations. With over 497 professionals on board, they provide 24/7 enterprise-level security and help startups reduce accounting costs by as much as 66%.
- Employees: 497+
- Revenue: $10M – $50M
- Year Founded: 1988
- Pricing: Starts at $500 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping, Payroll processing, Accounts payable and receivable, Financial statement preparation
3. Bench
Bench is redefining how startups handle their finances. With over 35,000 U.S. businesses served, it has carved a niche for itself because of its one-on-one expert support. Each client is matched with a dedicated accounting team that understands their unique needs. With a workforce of 600+ members, Bench can handle your accounting tasks with precision and care.
- Employees: 514
- Revenue: $500M – $1B
- Year Founded: 2012
- Pricing: Starts at $249 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping, Tax advisory, Catch-up bookkeeping
4. Fully Accountable
Fully Accountable is a virtual accounting firm for startups and eCommerce businesses. It offers a full suite of accounting solutions with a team of experienced CPAs and specialists. Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the US, Fully Accountable uses an advanced, technology-driven approach to virtual accounting.
- Employees: 36
- Revenue: $2.5M – $5M
- Year Founded: 2014
- Pricing: Starts at $2,500 per hire
- Core Service Features: eCommerce financial reporting, Advanced tax strategy, Real-time cash flow tracking, Bookkeeping for scaling
5. 1-800Accountant
1-800Accountant is a practical, accessible outsourced accounting firm that serves small businesses and startups across the U.S. It combines expert advice from CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs) with technology-driven tools. With over a million consultations delivered and a free initial consultation, the firm helps you understand tax compliance, business deductions, and financial strategies.
- Employees: 600
- Revenue: $50M – $100M
- Year Founded: 1999
- Pricing: Starts at $179 per month
- Core Service Features: Dedicated accountant for startup business, Tax consulting, IRS-compliant payroll, Mobile app access
6. Paro
Paro connects you with the top 2% of finance and accounting experts, carefully vetted from a community that includes seasoned professionals from Fortune 500 companies and the Big 4. One standout feature is Paro’s AI-driven matching, which pairs your startup’s specific needs with the right talent 20 times faster than traditional hiring processes.
- Employees: 239
- Revenue: $10M – $20M
- Year Founded: 2015
- Pricing: 25% of the candidate’s first-year salary
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping management, Financial planning & analysis, Budget & forecasting, Tax planning
7. Countsy
Countsy understands the unique demands and high growth potential that startups face. With a team of accounting experts, they’ve partnered with over 1,000 startups, supporting key names like Coinbase, Crunchyroll, and Kaggle.
- Employees: 168
- Revenue: $10M – $20M
- Year Founded: 2017
- Pricing: Starts at $2,000 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping, Payroll, Tax Preparation, Financial Reporting
❓ Did You Know
Global spending on outsourcing is expected to reach $1.138 trillion by 2025. – Source
8. Scrubbed
Scrubbed excels at providing tailored financial solutions for startups and growing businesses. With a strong team of professionals who bring Big Four and Fortune 500 experience, they offer a blend of expertise and practical insights.
- Employees: 438
- Revenue: $500M – $1B
- Year Founded: 2012
- Pricing: Starts at $35 per hour
- Core Service Features: Full-service outsourced bookkeeping, White label B&A team, Forecasting & budgeting
9. Pilot
Pilot is an outsourced accounting firm that has a lot to offer if you’re a new business looking to get your financials in order. With a team based in the U.S., they provide a seamless experience that combines high-quality bookkeeping with expert financial advice. They have successfully served over 1,750 customers while emphasizing the importance of getting your financials right from the start.
- Employees: 250+
- Revenue: $15 million
- Year Founded: 2017
- Pricing: Starts at $349 per month
- Core Service Features: Federal and state tax filings, R&D tax credit claims, Strategic financial analysis
10. Upcloud Accounting
Upcloud Accounting is one of the most renowned accounting firms for startups. It has a dedicated team of 26 professionals who deliver personalized financial solutions. They currently serve 135 local clients alongside 83 international ones, showcasing their capability to cater to a diverse clientele.
- Employees: 26
- Revenue: $1M – $2M
- Year Founded: 2017
- Pricing: Starts at $200 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping, Tax preparation, Financial advisory
11. Indinero
Indinero provides reliable online CPA services for startups. With a team of over 125 professionals, including Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), CFOs, and Controllers, Indinero brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, boasting more than 100 years of combined experience in the industry.
- Employees: 125+
- Revenue: $5M – $10M
- Year Founded: 2009
- Pricing: Starts at $750 per month
- Core Service Features: Tax compliance services, Bookkeeping services, Accounting services, CFO services
12. TOA Global
TOA Global is a strong contender to consider if your startup needs reliable accounting support. With a workforce of over 4,180 team members, they provide different accounting services for startups to meet their specific needs. They provide regular training to their accountants so that they stay updated on industry standards and best practices.
- Employees: 3,500+
- Revenue: $500M – $1B
- Year Founded: 2013
- Pricing: Starts at $500 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping solutions, Payroll management, Cash flow analysis, Business advisory services
13. The Back Room
The Back Room has served over 100 companies, providing them with the necessary resources to scale efficiently. A unique aspect is the focus on constant training for their team members, ensuring that the skills of their accountants are always up-to-date with industry standards and client needs.
- Employees: 345
- Revenue: $20M – $50M
- Year Founded: 2016
- Pricing: Starts at $200 per month
- Core Service Features: Accounting, Bookkeeping, Tax Compliance, Payroll Processing
14. Ignite Spot
Ignite Spot can handle 80% of bookkeeping and accounting tasks that help startups save over 230 hours a year. Their services are especially suited for professional service companies with revenues between $1M and $50M. Ignite Spot integrates QuickBooks, Gusto, and Avalara into their system. On average, Ignite Spot has helped clients save $45,000 annually through expense optimization while improving profit margins by at least 10%.
- Employees: 50
- Revenue: $80 Million
- Year Founded: 2008
- Pricing: Starts at $417 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping, Controller services, CFO services, Financial dashboard reports, Tax returns
15. Kruze Consulting
Kruze Consulting has assisted 800+ venture-funded companies in securing more than $10 billion in funding. Their team has an average of 11 years of experience and adeptly scales services to match the evolving needs of growing businesses. Operating from 5 locations, Kruze Consulting has facilitated the acquisition of over $100 million in tax credits for their clients.
- Employees: 100+
- Revenue: $10 million
- Year Founded: 2012
- Pricing: Starts at $600 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping for startups, Tax services, Financial strategy consulting
16. Collective
Collective focuses on S-corp structuring which has helped members save an average of $10,000 annually on taxes by streamlining everything from incorporation to compliance. The platform has served nearly 20,000 founders and freelancers in consulting, marketing, coaching, and software development. Its recent $20 million Series A funding has enhanced its technology and expanded its reach to support the growing startup economy.
- Employees: 200
- Revenue: $7.5 Million
- Year Founded: 2020
- Pricing: Starts at $296 per month
- Core Service Features: Bookkeeping, Taxes, Financial reports, Payroll management, LLC formation
17. Xendoo
Based in Florida, Xendoo combines expert accounting services with proprietary technology to offer a tailored solution to clients across 13 countries. Their real-time dashboard gives you immediate access to financial insights. Accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and SOC 2-certified for data security, the company has helped over 1,000 businesses improve their financial health.
- Employees: 50
- Revenue: $10 Million
- Year Founded: 2016
- Pricing: Starting at $395
Core Service Features: Tax return preparation, Bookkeeping services, Payroll services, Sales tax filing
When To Outsource Accounting and Bookkeeping Services for Startups
As your startup grows, there comes a point when keeping accounting in-house may not be efficient – or even viable. Here’s how to know when it’s time to make the switch.
| Situation | Key Indicators |
| When you lack the in-house expertise | Complex accounting issues overwhelm the team. Responsibilities are scattered, causing errors and missed benefits. Technical knowledge is lacking within the team. |
| When financial reporting deadlines are consistently missed | Consistent delays on financial reports. Delays harm stakeholder confidence and lead to fines. Reports are rushed and incomplete. |
| When cash flow management becomes too time-consuming | Excessive time spent on cash flow tracking. Balancing forecasting with immediate needs drains resources. Impact on growth indicates the need for outsourcing. |
| When you need accurate budgeting & forecasting to secure funding | Challenges in securing funding due to inaccurate projections. Investors require detailed forecasts beyond simplified spreadsheets. Difficulty in projecting growth. |
| When payroll becomes overwhelming due to rapid team expansion | Significant time spent managing payroll. Rapid hiring complicates payroll with various tax and benefit requirements. Errors affecting employee trust. |
| When compliance with local, state, & federal regulations is at risk | Overwhelmed by local, state, and federal regulations. Frequent changes in tax laws make compliance challenging. Struggles with compliance management. |
| When preparing for your first formal audit | Stress from preparing for an audit. Need for comprehensive documentation and organized records. Uncertainty about meeting auditor requirements. |
5 Benefits of Outsourcing Accounting & Bookkeeping for Startups
Outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping can be a game-changer for startups, providing critical support without the overhead of an in-house team:
1. Save on Costs
Hiring full-time accountants can strain a startup’s budget. Outsourcing lets you access top financial expertise without the expense of a full-time salary. You only pay for what you need, which can make a huge difference for early-stage businesses.
2. Get Specialized Expertise
Outsourced firms know the ins and outs of startup finance, from tax regulations to cash flow management. With specialists who understand the challenges startups face, you get accurate, reliable support to help make smart financial choices.
3. Stay Flexible as You Grow
Your accounting needs will change as your business grows, and outsourcing makes it easy to scale up or down as needed. You get just the right level of support without having to hire, train, or restructure an internal team.
4. Focus on Building Your Business
Financial tasks can pull you away from what matters most: growing your business. Outsourcing your accounting means you can put more energy into developing your product, serving customers, and driving growth, while the experts handle the financial details.
5. Improve Accuracy and Compliance
Accounting firms stay up-to-date with tax laws and compliance standards, reducing the risk of errors. By outsourcing, you’re more likely to meet deadlines and stay compliant, protecting your business from penalties and giving you peace of mind.
How To Choose An Outsourced Accounting Firm For Your Startup
Finding the right outsourced accounting firm can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into specific criteria can help you make the right choice. Here’s how to hire potential firms for your startup.
I. Experience With Startups In Your Industry
Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in your industry is crucial for an accounting firm. They should have a proven track record of working with businesses like yours, which helps them anticipate your needs better.
- Look for firms with a track record in your industry, whether it’s tech, healthcare, or retail. Their insights into specific challenges can be invaluable.
- Check their website for examples of startups they’ve worked with. Ask them to share specific successes, like cost reduction or improved cash flow.
- Ensure they understand industry regulations, like HIPAA for healthcare startups.
- Request references from similar startups to get firsthand feedback on their experiences.
- Ask about recent industry trends. Their responses will show their expertise.
???? An Interesting Fact!
About 84.2% of outsourcing deals get their start in the U.S. – Source
II. Familiarity With Scaling Financial Systems As Your Startup Grows
As your startup grows, your financial needs will evolve. A firm that understands how to scale financial systems can set you up for long-term success.
- Inquire how they’ve helped clients during periods of rapid growth. What strategies did they use?
- Discuss the accounting software they use and its scalability. It should integrate well with your existing tools.
- Ask how they approach budgeting for scaling businesses. Do they use advanced tools for growth prediction?
- Discuss scenarios where businesses had to pivot quickly. How did the firm adjust its strategies?
- Request a sample growth plan they developed for another startup. This can give you insight into their planning capabilities.
III. Expertise In Managing Investor Reporting & Capital Raising
As a startup, you might be seeking funding, and your accounting partner needs to be adept at handling investor relations and reporting.
- Ask how they prepare investor reports. They should understand what investors want to see for successful capital raising.
- Make sure they’re knowledgeable about compliance issues in investor reporting. Ask how they stay updated on regulatory changes.
- Check their experience with different funding stages, like seed rounds and Series A.
- Request anonymized samples of previous investor reports to evaluate their quality and clarity.
- Assess how they communicate financial information. They should make complex concepts easy for you and your potential investors to understand.
IV. Use Of Modern Accounting Tools That Integrate With Startup Platforms
In today’s fast-paced startup environment, having an accounting firm that uses modern tools is crucial. These tools can streamline your financial processes and integrate seamlessly with the platforms you already use.
- Ask firms to demo their accounting software to gauge user-friendliness and compatibility with your systems.
- Inquire about which platforms their tools can integrate with—like CRMs or inventory management systems.
- Look for tools that automate repetitive tasks like invoicing and expense tracking.
- Seek feedback from other startups on their experiences with the firm’s technology to gauge its effectiveness.
- Ask about the security of their accounting tools. Make sure they comply with industry standards to protect your financial data.
V. Understanding Of Startup-Specific Tax Incentives & Credits
Managing taxes can be tricky for startups, and understanding available incentives can impact your profits big time. An outsourced accounting firm that knows the ins and outs of startup tax incentives is pure gold.
- Ask how many startups they’ve worked with on tax planning. Industry-specific knowledge can offer better guidance.
- Inquire about common startup tax credits, like the R&D tax credit. A good firm should easily identify which credits you might qualify for.
- Request anonymized examples of how they helped startups save on taxes to show their expertise.
- Check if they have connections with tax professionals or advisors for complex situations.
- Discuss their process for ensuring compliance with local and federal tax laws to avoid penalties.
VI. Flexibility In Adjusting Services During Periods Of Rapid Growth Or Pivots
Startups face rapid changes, whether it’s scaling up operations or pivoting to a new business model. Your accounting partner should be adaptable to meet your evolving needs.
- Ask how they tailored their services for clients experiencing rapid growth. What strategies did they implement?
- Ensure they offer custom service packages, as a universal approach may not work.
- Make sure they have effective communication processes for fast responses during changes.
- Inquire how they help startups plan for growth financially. Are they proactive with suggestions?
- Ask if they have a system for gathering feedback and adjusting services based on your needs.
VII. Transparent Fee Structures That Align With A Startup’s Limited Budget
Understanding how a firm structures its fees is essential, especially when working with tight budgets. You want to avoid unexpected costs while ensuring quality service.
- Request a detailed outline of their fees, including all potential costs to avoid surprises.
- Discuss payment structures—monthly retainers, hourly rates, or project fees—to help with cash flow planning.
- Ask how they manage additional services or unforeseen complexities. Are these separate charges or included?
- Inquire if they can offer scaled-down services if your budget changes, without compromising quality.
- Seek feedback from current or former clients about their pricing experiences to gauge transparency and fairness.
Getting Started With Your Outsourced Accounting Firm
To make the partnership effective, it’s essential to set it up right from day one. Here’s a practical guide on how to start on the right foot with your accounting firm.
Step 1: Schedule A Kickoff Meeting To Outline Your Accounting Needs
The kickoff meeting is where you lay out exactly what you need and what the firm will deliver. It’s about ensuring everyone understands your goals, priorities, and expectations.
- Specify your requirements, such as cash flow management or tax filing. The clearer you are, the better they can tailor their services.
- Share your top priorities, like optimizing cash flow or preparing for audits.
- Agree on who will communicate, how often, and through which channels (e.g., weekly video calls).
- Discuss any security needs for sensitive data, such as access controls.
- Make them aware of important dates, like tax filings, to help them plan.
Step 2: Share Relevant Financial Documents & Data With The Firm
Handing over accurate, organized financial data is crucial for the firm to support you effectively. Providing comprehensive records from the start reduces the chance of delays or misinterpretations later.
- Separate records into categories—like invoices, bank statements, and payroll—to make them easy to find.
- Identify missing receipts or outstanding transactions to avoid confusion.
- If you use software like QuickBooks or Xero, give them direct access for better visibility.
- Mention significant costs, like large purchases, to provide context for your finances.
- Establish a schedule for sharing updates, like monthly payroll, to keep records current.
Step 3: Outline A Timeline For Deliverables & Financial Reporting
Creating a clear timeline for deliverables keeps expectations aligned and ensures you’re consistently receiving the insights you need. A structured reporting schedule keeps both sides accountable.
- Specify when to expect recurring reports, like monthly financial statements or quarterly estimates.
- Indicate how you want reports presented, like including visuals or specific data formats.
- Schedule times to review reports together to discuss trends and adjustments.
- Set expectations for responses to occasional questions or special requests.
- Communicate important deadlines, like tax filings, to prioritize tasks.
Step 4: Establish Communication Protocols For Updates & Feedback
Strong communication is the backbone of a good partnership. When you set up structured, consistent communication channels, you ensure everyone stays informed and there are no missed details.
- Schedule a 30-minute video call every Monday for updates and save detailed discussions for monthly or quarterly reviews.
- Agree to review financial reports within 48 hours and communicate any changes back to the firm.
- Use tools like Slack for quick questions and email for formal updates. Highlight urgent issues in red or tag them as “Urgent.”
- List team members who need updates on tax deadlines, payroll, and budgeting.
- Agree that questions submitted before noon get a same-day response, while those submitted after noon will be addressed the next morning.
Step 5: Set Up Secure Access To Your Accounting Software
Granting your accounting firm access to your software securely and efficiently is essential for keeping your data safe and manageable. Make sure they have exactly what they need without risking any security issues.
- Only give access to the areas they need, like Accounts Payable or Payroll, instead of full administrative rights.
- Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for logging into sensitive platforms.
- Designate someone on your team to update or revoke permissions if personnel change.
- Make sure your accounting software data is backed up securely in a separate location.
- If possible, limit access to working hours to reduce risk.
Step 6: Assign A Team Point Of Contact For Communication
Having one go-to person to coordinate with the accounting firm avoids confusion and makes the communication process smoother for everyone.
- Choose someone who knows your financial processes and can handle routine inquiries.
- A quick 15-minute call each week helps clarify questions and share important updates.
- Have your point of contact keep notes of discussions and agreed changes in a shared document for everyone’s reference.
- Appoint a secondary contact to ensure communication continues smoothly when the primary contact is unavailable.
Step 7: Review & Customize The Firm’s Reporting Formats
This step ensures that the financial reports you receive are clear, actionable, and tailored to the insights you actually need. Reviewing and customizing these formats upfront saves time and reduces back-and-forth once the regular reporting schedule begins.
- Review the firm’s standard formats for income statements, cash flow summaries, and expense reports.
- Identify which financial metrics you want to prioritize, like monthly burn rate or revenue per client.
- Decide when you’d like to receive each type of report—monthly, quarterly, or weekly for urgent metrics.
- Determine if you prefer charts or graphs to highlight key insights, and ask the firm to include these.
- Establish a quick feedback process for the first few reports so that necessary adjustments can be made early on.
Step 8: Plan A Training Session On Collaboration With The Firm
A training session builds a smooth workflow between your team and the accounting firm, covering everything from document sharing to handling requests. This meeting sets everyone up for a seamless collaboration and ensures everyone’s clear on their role.
- Have the firm walk your team through the tools they’ll use, like accounting software and secure file-sharing platforms.
- Clarify how to submit documents, approve expenditures, and review data, specifying who signs off on each.
- Agree on what constitutes an “urgent” request and how to escalate it, like using direct messages or urgent subject lines.
- Clearly identify roles, such as your point of contact handling communication while the firm processes payroll.
- Plan monthly or quarterly reviews to discuss what’s working and where improvements can be made.
Conclusion
The firms we talked about here are some of the best around, and they can help you manage your business’s finances. So explore their services and pick the outsourced accounting firm for startups that feels right for your business. Remember, this choice can make a big difference, so don’t rush it. You want a partner that understands your vision and can help you grow.
That’s exactly what we at Genius do. As a specialized headhunter agency, we connect you with top offshore talent. Our approach offers some big cost savings – up to 80% compared to traditional U.S. hiring rates. There are no monthly middleman fees and we back our placements with a 180-day guarantee. Get in touch with us to learn more.
FAQs
Do you need an accountant for a startup?
While it’s not mandatory, having an accountant can be a game-changer. They help with bookkeeping, tax compliance, and financial planning, ensuring you stay organized and focused on growth.
How much does it cost to hire an outsourced accounting firm?
The cost of hiring an outsourced accounting firm typically ranges from $500 to $5,000 per month. Factors like your startup’s size, complexity, and the specific services you need will influence the price.
What services do most outsourced accounting firms offer for startups?
Most outsourced accounting firms provide bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll processing, financial reporting, and cash flow management. They can also assist with budgeting and forecasting.
What are the common challenges startups face when outsourcing accounting?
Common challenges include finding a reliable firm that understands your industry, communication barriers, and concerns about data security. Additionally, startups may struggle with aligning their needs with the firm’s services or adapting to new systems and processes.