The 9 Best Online Bookkeeping Services [2022 Update]

You already know how important proper bookkeeping is, and you’ve decided to outsource yours to an online bookkeeping service. 

A virtual bookkeeping service can help you stay on top of your business’ finances as well as save you time – and money. There’s no denying that using a virtual bookkeeping service is often more affordable than hiring someone in-house.

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to decide who to go with. We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the best online bookkeeping services to check out now.

Online bookkeeping services: our top picks

Company	Overview	What makes them stand out
	Dedicated to SaaS businesses who need a helping hand with their books, we also help business owners understand the meaning behind all of the numbers.	Dedicated and certified bookkeepers with a quick turnaround and several years of expertise. All of our bookkeeping packages also include a Xero accounting software subscription.
	An easy to benefit from (and affordable) online bookkeeping service. There are also add-ons available to help you with your taxes if you need them.	Bench specializes in small businesses and offers three bookkeeping options. If you’ve neglected your finances in the past, Bench is a good place to start.
	Focused on startups, this virtual bookkeeping service has its own proprietary accounting software.	Startups or businesses that just opened would benefit greatly from inDinero. If your company sells products instead of services, they’ll help you scale up.
	The recognizable brand name goes a long way. It helps that Quickbooks is constantly updating their services and are always improving them.	Quickbooks pairs you with a dedicated bookkeeper. They also feature 100% Accurate Books Guarantee for additional certainty when it comes to your books.
	Focused on businesses that use Quickbooks, Merritt Bookkeeping is one of the most affordable options out there. Their 90-day money-back guarantee is also a plus.	Merrit has very inexpensive options and is easy to use. Although they don’t offer many advanced tools, if your budget is on your mind, you’ll benefit greatly from their services.
	Experts in accounting through the cloud, KPMG Spark offers bookkeeping as well as add-ons like tax services and even help with payroll and HR.	KPMG is a great solution for growing businesses that want to keep an eye on their finances on a daily basis. Because your books are constantly updated via the cloud, there is a much lower chance for error.
	With fully customizable packages, Bookkeeper 360 offers cloud-based bookkeeping as other interesting add-ons like business advisory and general accounting services.	This is another virtual bookkeeping service that works with Xero. Their mobile app integrates directly with Xero which gives you instant access to important business insights wherever you are.
	A growing business-focused online bookkeeping service, Pilot is one of the top picks for startups. Pilot works with Quickbooks – and will train you how to as well.	As your business grows, Pilot grows with you. Because they are focused on helping startups, this service knows what it takes to grow and is all about helping customers who take on funding.
	An experienced online full-service accounting firm, Bookkeeper.com has been in the business for 30 years and is well-versed in Quickbooks.	Bookkeeper.com offers lite CFO advisory services included in its bookkeeping packages. Many of the other services on this list offer a more robust version of this type of service as a separate package or add-on.

How to choose an online bookkeeping service: comparison criteria

As you begin to look for a quality bookkeeping service, there are some criteria that are more important than others. Before we dive in, remember that every business is different and therefore has different needs. After you’ve read through our list, determine what your company could benefit from before you make your final decision. 

Criteria 1: What do you really need?

Many online bookkeeping services are just that: strictly bookkeeping. You’ll need to determine your budget and decide whether you want to keep some of your financial needs in-house, or if you prefer a little virtual helping hand. 

While some businesses may only need help with bookkeeping, others will want to check out offers that include other kinds of accounting help.

Criteria 2: Level of expertise and certification

A big thing to look out for when looking for a virtual bookkeeping service is whether or not the company or its employees have sufficient expertise or are certified. These people are going to be handling your business’s finances – aka the bread and butter of any company.

You don’t want to pass along important banking or financial information to just anybody. 

Make sure whatever service you choose has its expertise or certifications listed on their website before you buy.

You may also want to opt for a service that has been around for a while or at least has knowledgeable employees.

A little experience can go a long way when it comes to bookkeeping. 

Criteria 3: Security as a top priority

Along the same lines as opting for services that are experienced and certified, you need to ensure that your online bookkeeper protects your sensitive information.

Ideally, you’ll want a service that limits access to your accounts as well. 

Many services offer a dedicated bookkeeper option, which means only one person or a dedicated team would have access to your accounts. Go for these types of companies!

Criteria 4: Determine your budget

You need to decide how much you’re willing (and able) to pay for an online bookkeeping service.

Once you’ve determined your budget, it’s time to shop around for the best deals. Make sure to compare several options before you buy. 

Sticking to a budget is important. That said, if you’re going to spend anywhere for your business, a smart place to do so would be in your financial department.

You know the saying: sometimes, you have to spend money to make money.

Criteria 5: What’s your size?

What size is your business?

Are you a larger corporation with tens or hundreds of employees and millions of dollars circulating annually? Or, are you a small business made up of just a few people?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, but you do need to look for a service that will cater to your business type, specifically. 

Criteria 6: Turnaround time

It’s understandable – you want your books done right and you want them done quickly.

A quality online bookkeeping service won’t keep you waiting for your P&L, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and tax-ready financials. 

You also want to keep an eye out for services that have excellent customer service and that allow you to communicate with your dedicated bookkeeper directly so that you never have to wonder about what’s going on with your finances. 

The best online bookeeping services

1. Flight Financial

First up on our list is, well, us! We pride ourselves in offering bookkeeping and financial services for busy 7-figure SaaS business owners who simply don’t have the time or bandwidth to dedicate to bookkeeping. 

Our services are designed to help you meet your financial goals, whatever they may be! We also make filing taxes easier than ever. We keep a handle on your books all year long so that come tax season, you simply have to pass off our handiwork to your CPA or tax preparer. 

You won’t have to worry about waiting on us – we’re known for our quick turnaround and our customer support team (or your dedicated bookkeeper) is available when you need us.

Pros:

• Dedicated, certified bookkeeper.

• Bookkeeping with accrual method accounting.

• A subscription to Xero accounting software.

• Balance and P&L sheets and cash flow statements.

• Historical trend analysis.

• Standard Financial Metrics are used to measure the financial health of your biz.

• Affordable bookkeeping starts from under $400 per month.

• Option to add-on business management services for an even more affordable monthly package.

• Quick turnaround.

• Free trial available.

Cons:

• Pricing is for businesses with one to three bank accounts.

• One time set-up fee equal to one month’s fee of whatever package you choose (may be waived after completing a financial consultation call).

• Add-ons cost extra.

Pricing:

• Essential Bookkeeping: $395 per month.

• Essential Business Performance Management: $2,595 per month.

• Essential Bookkeeping + Business Management: $2,895 per month.

Are you ready to take your bookkeeping to the next level? Book a call with us to get started with Flight Financial today.

2. Bench

Up next is Bench, an online bookkeeping service that will help you out with your bookkeeping on a monthly basis. They are especially helpful for small business owners when it comes time for quarterly and annual tax filing. 

Bench offers several different financial services, and three bookkeeping options in particular: monthly bookkeeping, catch-up bookkeeping, and Bench retro.

The first is for business owners who are up to date on their books and the second is for those who are less than two years behind and who need help getting on top of their financial organization.

The third is for the most unorganized in the bunch – business owners who are more than two years behind on their bookkeeping. 

Pros:

• Affordable plans which differ depending on the services you’re interested in.

• A mobile app that gives you access to your financial reports no matter where you are (great news for digital nomads!).

• Catch-up bookkeeping if you’ve fallen behind.

• Plans that include annual tax prep and filing.

• A team of helpful bookkeepers that you can book check-in calls with for free.

• Free trial available.

Cons:

• Unable to integrate with accounting software like Quickbooks or Xero.

• Their mobile app only works with iOS (Apple). 

• Weak customer service – they often take up to 24 hours to respond, which is less than ideal in a financial emergency.

• Past customers have complained of frequent turnover in the Bench team members handling their account.

Pricing:

• Essential plan: $299 per month, or $249 if billed annually.

• Premium plan: $499 per month, or $399 if billed annually.

3. inDinero

inDinero is all about growth.

It’s targeting mainly brand new companies who are just getting started and want an online bookkeeping service that will grow with them. They even have a special plan dedicated to growing businesses.

They also have their own proprietary all-in-one software, but if you’d like, you can use their services with Quickbooks Online.

If you want to keep an eye on your finances daily, inDinero offers updated daily financial reports. You’ll get a dedicated bookkeeper when you sign up, and they have on-staff tax specialists available to help whenever you need them.

Pros:

• Dedicated bookkeeper.

• A dedicated account manager who can help you with financial analysis and planning.

• A mobile app to check your books on the go. There is a commenting feature on the app which means that you can chat with inDinero experts online.

• Daily financial reports.

• The ability to do your own business taxes via the inDinero platform, and access to their support team for free.

Cons:

• Accrual bookkeeping isn’t available in their Essential plan. 

• Growth plans are pricey.

• No free trial.

Pricing:

• Essential: $300 per month

• Growth: $900 per month

• Executive: Custom pricing

4. Quickbooks Live

Quickbooks Live may be the most recognizable name on our list – Quickbooks has been in the accounting and tax world since 1983.

They boast a top-rated suite of accounting services, one of them being Quickbooks Live, which focuses on bookkeeping.

It’s offered by Quickbooks Online, which is one of the best accounting software for small businesses. Quickbooks Live is essentially a bookkeeping add-on to their accounting service.

The company offers an impressive 100% Accurate Books Guarantee in addition to a dedicated bookkeeper.

If you’re unfamiliar with Quickbooks in general, there are trainings available that will help you understand how the software works. 

As great as Quickbooks Live is, your bookkeeper is, unfortunately, unable to help you pay your bills, send invoices, or give you financial advice, like some of the other virtual bookkeeping services on this list!

Pros:

• Dedicated bookkeeper.

• Financial reports are available monthly.

• 100% Accurate Books Guarantee.

• You don’t need to sign a contract.

• Monthly reconciliation.

Cons:

• You’re required to pay a separate Quickbooks Online subscription.

• No bill payment, invoice management, or financial advice is available.

• Does not support accrual method accounting.

• Inventory management isn’t included.

• No free trial.

Pricing:

• Full-service bookkeeping: Starts at $200 monthly, and increases based on your business’s volume:

  • Low-volume (up to $25,000 per month): $200

  • Medium-volume ($25,001-$150,000 per month): $400

  • High-volume ($150,001 or more per month): $600

5. Merritt Bookeeping

If you’re looking for the most basic bookkeeping services, consider Merritt Bookkeeping.

Just be aware that it is basic: there is no option to add on services such as payroll or tax planning. They simply don’t offer it!

Although you won’t get any help with taxes from Merritt, you can use its monthly financial reports to help yourself – or pass it along to a CPA. 

One of the other caveats to using Merritt is that you must also use Quickbooks. 

This online bookkeeping solution is available at a flat rate, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.

They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee, which is a breath of fresh air in the financial world. Their set-up is very simple, and if you’re behind on your books you can use their catch-up option.

Pros:

• 90-day 100% money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the service.

• 1099 form filing included in the flat rate – a major bonus if you work with independent contractors.

• Catch-up bookkeeping if needed.

• Affordable pricing.

• Easy and timely setup. 

Cons:

• They don’t offer a dedicated bookkeeper.

• Does not support accrual method accounting.

• You won’t have access to your Quickbooks files, you need to go through Merritt to get them.

• Doesn’t include tax help, payroll, or invoice management. 

• No free trial.

Pricing:

Flat rate of $190, no matter how many transactions or the size of your business.

6. KPMG Spark

Fans of cloud accounting should look no further than KPMG Spark.

It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for an online bookkeeping service that can integrate with other systems. If you’re interested, KPMG also offers tons of other accounting services such as invoicing and payroll.

Because they rely on the cloud, your books are updated in real-time.

Once you connect your bank accounts, PayPal, and any other transaction methods, your books are constantly up to date. This is great for business owners who want to have an idea of where they’re at financially at all times. It completely eliminates the need for monthly reconciliation!

Pros:

• Dedicated bookkeeper.

• Third-party software integrations.

• Cloud-based accounting software means less chance for error.

• Balance sheet and monthly income statement.

• Add-on services such as tax assistance.

Cons:

• Can be expensive for small businesses that follow accrual method accounting.

• Add-on services are pricey.

• No free trial. 

Pricing:

• Monthly pricing with KPMG is based on how many transactional accounts are connected to your business. This could include bank accounts, PayPal, Stripe, credit cards, and loan accounts:

  • Basic (1-3 accounts): $395 per month

  • Essential (4-6 accounts): $595 per month

  • Professional (7-9 accounts): $795 per month

  • Premium (more than 9 accounts): $895 per month

7. Bookkeeper 360

Those of you who use Xero bookkeeping software may want to take a look at Bookkeeper 360.

The online accounting service offers cloud-based bookkeeping and if you’re interested, business advisory as well. If you are using Quickbooks, you can connect your Bookkeeper 360 there too. 

Bookkeeper 360’s platform is super customizable thanks to its add-on options. They can cover most of your office needs, such as payroll, HR, tax help, and even chief financial officer (CFO) advisory.

Their customer service team is 100% US-based too if that’s important to you.

The biggest upside to using Bookkeeper 360 is that their app integrates directly with your Xero account so that you can check your account on the go. 

Pros:

• Dedicated bookkeeper.

• Can use either Xero or Quickbooks.

• Free consultations with Bookkeeper 360 experts.

• Accrual method bookkeeping supported.

Cons:

• Less affordable than other options.

• Invoicing and bill services aren’t available.

• Mobile app connectivity is available with Xero but not Quickbooks.

• No free trial.

Pricing:

• Pay-As-You-Go: starting at $125 per hour for support.

• Monthly: $399 per month

• Weekly: $549 per month

8. Pilot

Pilot is another online bookkeeping focused on startups and growing businesses.

Because they are so focused on helping you grow your business (and what that means for your books), Pilot is the top choice for many startup companies. 

This virtual bookkeeping service is particularly helpful if your startup is backed by venture capitalists. As you start to take on funding, your books need to be extra-organized.

If you’re not already using Quickbooks, Pilot’s experts will help you migrate your important information and will train you on the accounting software. 

Pros:

• Dedicated bookkeeper.

• Accrual method bookkeeping supported.

• Financial reports specific to your industry.

• Bill pay, invoice, CFO, and tax prep add-ons available.

Cons:

• You must use Quickbooks Online.

• Payroll add-on not available.

• You must prepay annually.

• No free trial.

Pricing:

• Is based on your monthly expenses:

  • Core ($15,000 in monthly expenses): $599 per month, billed annually

  • Select (also $15,000 in monthly expenses, but you get added support): $849 per month, billed annually

  • Plus (more than $15,000): Custom pricing

9. Bookkeeper.com

Last but not least is Bookkeeper.com.

Users call it a one-stop shop for online accounting needs, and they aren’t wrong! Bookkeeper.com features online bookkeeping services as well as accounting services like bill pay, tax prep, and payroll. You can also get business and financial advice at no extra cost.

Like most of the services on our list, with Bookkeeper.com you get a dedicated bookkeeper (as well as an account manager) when you sign up.

It doesn’t have an app, but you can connect your account to Quickbooks and access your books on the go via their app.

Pros:

• Dedicated bookkeeper.

• All-in-one accounting services including bookkeeping, tax planning, and free advice.

• Integrates with Quickbooks.

• Accrual method bookkeeping supported.

Cons:

• High service fees.

• Required to pay for services that you may not be interested in if you reach a certain level of transactions per month.

• No mobile app for on-the-go use.

• No free trial.

Pricing:

• Bookkeeping.com’s pricing is based on your business’s size, which is determined by your monthly transactions:

  • Small Business (100 monthly transactions): $399 per month

  • Small Business Plus (300 monthly transactions): $599 per month

  • Small Business Advanced (300 monthly transactions): $799 per month

  • Custom: Custom pricing

Summing things up…

No matter which online bookkeeping service you choose, be sure to take the time to do your research.

Reading articles like this one is just a part of it: don’t be afraid to look at customer reviews and the like to get an idea of what it would be like to work with one of the services above!

If you ultimately decide that Flight Financial is the best choice for you, we’d love to welcome you aboard! Click here to discover more about what we can do for you.