9 Best Online Bookkeeping Services for Startups 2025 TRUiC

To that end, our product and service suite include even more than our accounting, bookkeeping, and CFO services. While some businesses opt for an in-house or staff bookkeeper, online bookkeeping typically provides the same service at a fraction of the cost. Since this service is built for fast-scaling startups and growing businesses, its platform is equipped to handle all of the finance management needs of a business built to scale.

Re-outsourcing your financials: Is it right for your startup?

Non-certified preparers might offer the most affordable option, but they could lack the expertise necessary for handling complex tax situations. You can do this manually, but bookkeeping and payroll services accounting automation software can automate these tasks so they’re handled quickly, accurately, and efficiently. The addition of double-entry accounting is just another way that we are helping new business owners manage their accounting professionally. Indinero offers two standard pricing tiers, with prices depending on the services requested. Large business owners can request a custom pricing plan consultation.

Fundamental accounting tasks

Their single package includes the basics of bookkeeping, QuickBooks use, automatic bank retrieval, 1099 insurance, and an easy-to-use interface. Decimal works with a variety of industries, including ecommerce, software-as-a-service (SaaS), agencies, real estate, and restaurants. Their services are tailored to each business’s needs to ensure their finances are taken care of by a team of experts.

Chartered accountant

If you’re in tech, retail, or any other field with unique financial needs, they should be familiar with it. Ask for references or examples of similar businesses they have worked with. If they don’t seem familiar with industry-specific issues, it is a red flag. When something big happens in your business, you need to know right away. Waiting until the end of the month to check your financials can cause you to miss out on important insights. Real-time reporting means you are seeing up-to-date data, so you can act fast and make decisions based on what’s actually happening.

• Additionally, we’ll cover essential factors to consider when choosing the best service for your needs.
• We can help you streamline your accounting processes and make informed financial decisions.
• During diligence your company will probably face a lot of short turnarounds, and having an accountant supporting you during these urgent requests for financial information can be invaluable.
• Many governments offer tax incentives to startups to promote innovation and economic growth.
• Investors typically want to see financials that comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which require accrual accounting.

A good starting point is to allocate 2-5% of your revenue to accounting. However, your specific needs may vary based on your business size, complexity, industry, and whether you choose to manage accounting internally or outsource it. Consider both initial setup costs (software, registration) and ongoing expenses (bookkeeping, payroll, taxes). One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to manage accounting internally or outsource it. In-house accounting offers more control over your financial data but often comes with higher costs for salaries, benefits, and software.

Manage Cash Flow Effectively

The remainder would stay on your balance sheet as deferred revenue. That makes your income more accurate and predictable, and investors prefer to see that regular revenue. Handling your company’s accounting is a very important duty and a full-time responsibility.

Startup Clients Supported

While cash accounting offers simplicity, accrual accounting offers a more comprehensive view of your finances. With this method, you record revenue when it’s earned, regardless of when you receive payment. Similarly, you record expenses when they’re incurred, not necessarily when you pay them. This provides a more accurate picture of your business’s financial health, especially if you offer credit to customers or have recurring subscriptions. Accrual accounting is generally preferred for businesses seeking outside investment.

Read about some of our expertise on our tech startup industry page. When making a decision to go with a vendor or service partner, fitting into your budget matters. Kruze Consulting offers a variety of pricing plans to help early-stage companies afford accurate startup accounting services. At Kruze, we would argue that a VC-backed startup should have an accountant/CPA (and not just a bookkeeper).

It is critical for your startup’s financial health and ultimate success. As mentioned before, as a startup founder, you may not have the time or knowledge to handle it properly. Many founders decide to hand-off the startup accounting responsibility to the CPA accounting experts. If you are looking for a startup accountant, look for a provider who knows your particular business model, as different types of early-stage companies have accounting particularities.

It’s a good idea to have an accountant/CPA to file your startup’s tax returns and interact with state tax agencies. Monthly accounting help is great for Accounting For Architects funded startups, but DIY accounting may work for many pre-funded companies. During diligence your company will probably face a lot of short turnarounds, and having an accountant supporting you during these urgent requests for financial information can be invaluable. In addition, other emergencies can require assistance from accounting. Now you can either do your own accounting, or you can bring in an outsourced startup accounting firm to help you out and take this burden of bookkeeping off your shoulders.