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

Running a business comes with a never-ending to-do list, and for many owners, managing the books is one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much does it cost to outsource accounting?” you’re not alone. More small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S. are leaning toward outsourced accounting to save time, cut costs, and gain access to professional expertise.

But here’s the real question: is outsourcing accounting actually affordable? And what exactly goes into those costs? In this guide, we’ll break down the typical pricing models, factors that affect the total bill, and whether outsourcing makes sense for your company.

Why U.S. Businesses Are Turning to Outsourced Accounting

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s talk about why outsourcing accounting has become so popular.

• Focus on core operations: Owners and managers would rather spend time on sales, growth, and strategy than crunching numbers.

• Access to expertise: Outsourced firms employ professionals who stay on top of tax laws, compliance rules, and industry changes.

• Scalability: You can scale services up or down depending on your company’s growth, without worrying about hiring or training staff.

• Technology benefits: Many outsourced accounting providers use cloud-based software, giving you real-time access to your books.

For many companies, these benefits outweigh the costs. But understanding those costs upfront is critical before making a decision.

Typical Pricing Models for Outsourced Accounting

The cost of outsourced accounting depends heavily on how providers structure their fees. In the U.S., most firms follow one of these models:

1. Hourly Rate

Some accountants or firms charge by the hour, especially for bookkeeping or tax prep. In the U.S., you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of your needs and the accountant’s level of experience.

• Bookkeepers: $30–$60 per hour

• Certified Public Accountants (CPAs): $100–$150 per hour

Hourly billing can work well if you only need occasional help, but costs can add up if you have ongoing needs.

2. Flat Monthly Fee

This model is becoming more popular because it offers predictability. Firms bundle bookkeeping, payroll, tax filing, and reporting into one package.

• Small businesses: $250–$750 per month

• Mid-sized companies: $1,000–$5,000 per month

Flat fees depend on the number of transactions, employees, and services included.

3. Project-Based Pricing

Some companies only outsource specific tasks, such as filing annual taxes or preparing financial statements. Costs range from $500 to $5,000 per project, depending on the complexity and deadlines.

4. Hybrid Model

Some firms combine hourly billing for extra work with a base monthly package. This way, businesses can keep costs predictable while paying for additional services as needed.