Managing bookkeeping is one of those tasks that quietly grows as your business grows. What starts as a few invoices and bank transactions can quickly turn into hours of admin, missed details, and stress around VAT deadlines.
That is why many UK business owners now look for bookkeeping outsourcing companies instead of trying to do everything themselves or hiring locally too early.
In this guide, we explain outsourced bookkeeping in simple terms. We look at the top bookkeeping outsourcing companies, how their services work, what they cost, and what you should look for before choosing one. We also explain how our own approach at Teambuild Consultancy fits into the wider market.
This article is written for everyday business owners. You do not need accounting knowledge to understand it.
What Is an Outsourced Bookkeeping Company?
An outsourced bookkeeping company handles your day to day financial records without you needing to employ someone in house.
Most outsourced bookkeeping companies take care of:
- Recording income and expenses
- Reconciling bank and card accounts
- Organising invoices and receipts
- Preparing monthly financial reports
- Keeping records ready for VAT and year end
Instead of logging into your accounts every evening, you hand this work to professionals who do it as part of their daily role.
It is important to understand what bookkeeping does and does not include. Bookkeeping focuses on recording and organising financial data. It does not usually include tax planning or filing returns. Many providers make this clear upfront.
For example, QuickBooks Live states that tax filing is not part of their bookkeeping service.
Why UK Businesses Choose to Outsource Bookkeeping
UK small businesses and SMEs outsource bookkeeping for a few common reasons.
Time is the first one. Many founders spend evenings categorising transactions or chasing missing receipts. That time could be spent growing the business.
Accuracy is another reason. Poor bookkeeping often leads to rushed VAT submissions or costly clean up work at year end.
Cost also plays a big role. Hiring a full time bookkeeper in the UK usually costs between £24,000 and £35,000 per year before pension, software, and management time. For many businesses, outsourcing offers a more flexible and affordable option.
As businesses grow, bookkeeping becomes more complex. Ecommerce payouts, multiple bank accounts, subscriptions, and international sales all add layers that are easy to get wrong without experience.
The Main Types of Bookkeeping Outsourcing Companies
Not all bookkeeping outsourcing companies work the same way. Understanding the main models helps you choose the right fit.
Software managed bookkeeping services
These services operate inside one platform and follow a standard process.
They work well for businesses with simple needs and predictable transactions. You usually do not manage the bookkeeper directly, and communication happens through the platform.
A well known example is QuickBooks Live.
Pros include structure and consistency. The downside is limited flexibility and less personal involvement.
Packaged bookkeeping firms
Packaged firms offer fixed monthly plans based on business size or transaction volume.
These firms handle everything for you, from reconciliations to monthly reports. They suit owners who want bookkeeping completely off their plate.
Examples include Bench and Bookkeeper360.
The main limitation is that packages can feel rigid. If your business changes, costs often increase through add ons.
Startup and growth focused providers
Some bookkeeping outsourcing companies focus on startups and fast growing businesses. They combine bookkeeping with finance support and reporting.
This model suits funded startups or businesses with investors who need detailed reports.
A common example is Pilot.
These services are usually more expensive and may offer more than a typical UK SME actually needs.
Dedicated remote bookkeepers using a VA model
This model is different. Instead of buying a package, you hire a dedicated remote bookkeeper who works as part of your team.
At our company, Teambuild Consultancy, this is the model we use. We provide experienced bookkeeping virtual assistants from the Philippines who work exclusively with our clients.
Our pricing is slightly different, but it is ideal for people who need consistent support without the cost of a UK hire.
This approach works well for:
- UK SMEs
- Ecommerce businesses
- Accounting and bookkeeping firms
- Growing startups
You get flexibility, control, and a dedicated person who understands your business.
How Much Do Bookkeeping Outsourcing Companies Cost?
There is no single price for outsourced bookkeeping. Costs depend on the complexity of your business.
Factors that affect pricing include:
- Number of monthly transactions
- Bank and credit card accounts
- Payroll and pension processing
- Ecommerce platforms like Shopify or Amazon
- VAT frequency
- How far behind your books are
To give you real world context, some providers publish pricing publicly.
Bookkeeper360 lists monthly bookkeeping from around $399, with catch up work starting at higher one off costs.
Other firms, such as Bench, offer tiered monthly plans depending on size.
At our company, Teambuild Consultancy, we take a transparent and simple approach:
- Part time support at around £500 per month
- Full time support at around £900 per month
This pricing works well for UK businesses that want a dedicated bookkeeper without paying a full UK salary. Many clients also explore cost comparisons by reading about bookkeeping fees in the Philippines, which helps put global pricing into perspective.
Outsourcing vs Hiring In House in the UK
Hiring locally feels like the safe option, but it comes with hidden costs.
A UK bookkeeper salary typically ranges from £24,000 to £35,000 per year. On top of that, you must consider employer pension contributions, software licences, office costs, and management time.
Outsourcing converts these fixed costs into a flexible monthly fee. You can scale hours up or down based on workload. You avoid long term commitments while still getting reliable support.
For many SMEs, outsourcing bookkeeping for small business needs is a practical step before committing to in house hires.
What You Should Expect Each Month from a Good Provider
Good bookkeeping outsourcing companies follow a clear process. They do not guess or rush.
A typical monthly workflow looks like this:
- Transactions reviewed and recorded early in the month
- Bank and card accounts reconciled
- Missing receipts or unclear items flagged
- Reports prepared and checked
You should receive:
- Profit and Loss statement
- Balance Sheet
- Cash summary
- VAT ready transaction categories
- Notes on any issues or anomalies
If a provider cannot explain their monthly process clearly, that is a warning sign.
Top Bookkeeping Outsourcing Companies by Use Case
Rather than listing dozens of names, it helps to group companies by what they do best.
Best for QuickBooks focused businesses
- QuickBooks Live
Best for packaged hands off bookkeeping
- Bench
- Bookkeeper360
Best for startups with complex reporting needs
- Pilot
Best for UK SMEs and ecommerce brands wanting flexibility
- Teambuild Consultancy
Each model has strengths. The right choice depends on how much control, flexibility, and cost efficiency you need.
What to Look For When Choosing a Bookkeeping Outsourcing Company
Choosing the wrong provider can create more problems than it solves. A good provider brings clarity and consistency.
Look for:
- Clear deliverables
- Defined monthly timelines
- Regular communication
- Experience with your software
- Secure access controls
- A simple exit process
Ask practical questions before signing:
- When will I receive monthly reports
- How do you handle missing receipts
- Who reviews the work
- Who owns my accounting software access
- How do you support VAT periods
Avoid providers who give vague answers or avoid specifics.
Why UK Specific Knowledge Matters
UK bookkeeping has its own rules and pressures. VAT deadlines are strict. Late or incorrect submissions can lead to penalties and unnecessary stress.
Outsourced bookkeeping helps you stay organised throughout the year instead of scrambling at the last minute. Clean books make life easier for your accountant and help you avoid costly surprises.
Ecommerce Bookkeeping Needs Extra Care
Ecommerce bookkeeping looks simple on the surface but gets complicated quickly.
Sales platforms pay out after fees, refunds, and chargebacks. The numbers in your bank account rarely match daily sales.
A good outsourced bookkeeper understands:
- Platform payout timing
- Payment processors like Stripe and PayPal
- Refunds and chargebacks
- Inventory and cost of goods
At our company, we regularly support ecommerce businesses that struggled with inaccurate reports before outsourcing.
Switching to a New Bookkeeping Provider
Switching bookkeeping providers does not need to be painful.
A smooth onboarding usually includes:
- Access to accounting software
- Bank and card access
- VAT details
- Previous reports
- List of platforms used
At Teambuild Consultancy, we guide clients through this step by step. Our goal is to reduce disruption and get things running smoothly as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do outsourced bookkeepers file taxes?
Most do not. They prepare accurate records so your accountant can file correctly.
How long does catching up bookkeeping take?
It depends on how far behind your books are. Some cases take weeks, others take a few months.
Can I start small and scale later?
Yes. Many businesses begin with part time support and increase hours as they grow.
Who owns my data?
You should always retain full ownership and admin access.
Final Thoughts
The best bookkeeping outsourcing company is not the biggest or the most expensive. It is the one that fits your business, explains things clearly, and delivers on time.
At our company, Teambuild Consultancy, we focus on providing dedicated, cost effective bookkeeping support for UK businesses that want clarity without complexity.
If you are exploring options to outsource bookkeeping for small business needs, understanding the models, costs, and expectations puts you in control.
Clean books lead to better decisions. Better decisions help businesses grow.
