Local CPA Bookkeeping Services vs. Remote Bookkeeping Firms: Pros & Cons

Deciding between local vs. remote CPA bookkeeping services can be a significant decision when it comes to managing your business finances. So, whether you are thinking about in-person CPA bookkeeping or virtual bookkeeping firms, there are pros and cons to each.
In this post, we’ll help you weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages of local CPA bookkeepers versus remote firms so you can determine which is the best solution for you and your business.

What Exactly Are Local CPA Bookkeeping Services?

Local CPA bookkeeping services are provided by certified public accountants (CPAs) in your area or neighborhood. Such professionals also will usually maintain an office where you can visit them in person. Typically, their services include the following:

• Keeping track of payroll, sales, and other financial transactions
• Tax preparation and filing
• Financial advisers and counselling

The good thing about local CPA bookkeepers is that you can meet them in person, form a friendship, and then get specific advice based on your location and industry. When searching for “CPA bookkeeping services near me” online, many people want this kind of local, personalized assistance.

What is a Remote Bookkeeping Company?

Remote bookkeeping firms (you may also see them referred to as virtual bookkeeping firms) perform the same basic services as local CPAs (bookkeeping, tax filing, financial reporting), but they do everything over the internet. They rely on

Online accounting software (for example, QuickBooks Online, Xero, or FreshBooks)

Digital communication tools (email, Zoom, Slack, etc.) Work-life by design: Have we taken the good old office for granted?

Instead of going to the office, you’ll upload financial documents, get reports via email and schedule virtual meetings. This option is beneficial if you don’t require in-person support often and are tech-savvy.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Local CPA Bookkeepers

Pros

Face-to-face communication

You can sit across from your CPA in the same room, ask questions, and immediately get answers. This type of interaction goes a long way to building trust and avoiding misunderstandings, particularly useful if you find yourself with unfamiliar accounting terms or processes.

Local knowledge

This way, a local CPA will have a better grasp of your state’s tax laws and industry regulations than a remote worker from another state. That would result in fewer compliance errors and more meaningful financial guidance.

Hands-on support

In scenarios such as an audit or quick document review, a local CPA can provide physical assistance in arranging and submitting paperwork. They can also provide comfort at tax time or during financial reviews.

 Cons

Limited availability

Local businesses may have established business hours and appointment-based schedules. If you have a day job or questions that require an immediate response after hours, your situation could be problematic.

Higher costs

Running a physical office comes with overhead costs (rent, utilities, staff), and these expenses are often reflected in their service fees. You might pay more than you would with a remote firm.

Geographic limitations

Your options are limited to professionals in your immediate area. If the market in your area has only a few, or worse yet, none that specialize in your type of business, you might never find a good fit.

Remote Services Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Accessibility to bookkeeping services from any location is made simple by flexibility.
• Affordable: Virtual practices tend to charge less because they have lower overhead.
• Scalable support: Remote companies could have plans that make sense for your business as you scale.

Cons:

• Reduced personal connection: The inability to have in-person visits may affect the development of relationships.
• Time zone differences: It’s harder to communicate if you and your provider are based in different places.
• Tech addiction: Must be comfortable with cloud software and digital communication.
• Decision Factors: Cost, Communication, Compliance (Patient)
• When you’re wondering, “Is remote or local bookkeeping ideal?” it can be instructive to split the decision into three critical areas:

Decision Factors: Cost, Communication, Compliance

1. Cost

Nearby CPA Bookkeeping Services

Local CPAs generally work out of brick-and-mortar offices and therefore have overhead costs such as rent, utilities and administrative staff. These are costs they have incorporated into their fees so locally they are more expensive in general from the get-go. But the extra cost might be worth it to you if you want face-to-face consultation or if you have a complicated financial situation—or if you need specialized assistance with local tax laws and tax activities.

Remote Bookkeeping Firms

There are typically fewer costs associated with working for a virtual bookkeeping company, since they don’t have to cover overhead, like they would with a brick-and-mortar office. This enables them to provide a competitive cost, la carte and subscription options Whether you seek frugality or wish to grow a small business, remote firms offer excellent value for the price.

2. Communication

 CPA Bookkeeping Services

A local CPA is the ideal choice for those who prefer face-to-face meetings, scheduled office visits, or sitting down to talk with someone they personally know and trust. The owners of many businesses just feel more comfortable being able to look their bookkeeper in the eye and ask questions in person.

Remote Bookkeeping Firms

Virtual bookkeepers communicate through various tools, including email, Zoom, and messaging apps. If you are accustomed to communicating digitally, such discussions may be easier and faster than trying to schedule in-person meetings. Yet if you’re not tech-savvy or are uncomfortable talking about money online, digital conversations might seem distant or confusing.

3. Compliance

Local CPA Bookkeeping Services

Local CPAs usually understand state-based tax considerations, licensing laws and industry regulations, too. That makes it a good option if your business requires a lot of in-depth knowledge of local compliance issues or if you frequently have state filings and audits.

Remote Bookkeeping Firms

Experts in federal and multi-state compliance make up a large portion of the workforce of virtual firms. They’re often trained to handle businesses that operate across different locations. While they might not know every local nuance, they’re usually well-equipped to keep your business compliant—especially if you’re in a standard industry or operate in multiple states.

Conclusion

The decision between local vs. remote CPA bookkeeping services will depend on your business requirements, budget, and how you like to work. If one-on-one attention and neighborhood experience are priorities, in-person CPA bookkeeping may be the way to go. But if cost and flexibility are at the top of your mind, virtual bookkeeping companies might be the way to go.

Before you make a decision, carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of employing local CPA bookkeepers vs. online companies. Whether you search for CPA bookkeeping services near you or online, your perfect solution is to keep your records in order, compliant, and stress-free!

FAQs

What types of distinctions can we draw from local or remote bookkeeping services?

The main difference is in the interaction with the service. Local providers will be able to meet in person and provide the support you need, while remote (virtual) companies handle the books by managing all things online using cloud software and digital communication.

Do remote bookkeeping businesses compare to a Local CPA?

Yes, many bookkeeping firms that work virtually employ certified professionals in the form of CPAs and experienced bookkeepers. But they can be just as trustworthy as a local provider, as long as the firm itself is established and sound.

Does a remote bookkeeper have the knowledge to comply with my local or state’s tax laws?

It is possible to find remote bookkeepers who focus on nationwide or even multi-state compliance. But for extremely local ordinances or specific industry laws, a homegrown CPA might provide more depth.

Is a virtual bookkeeping firm less expensive to hire?

Generally, yes. Virtual bookkeeping companies typically have fewer overheads and can pass those savings on to clients. They typically provide monthly pricing at a better rate than local CPA firms.

Is it secure to provide an online bookkeeper access to my financial data?

Secure cloud technologies and private networks are employed by trustworthy online bookkeeping firms. Always question the data protection practices to ensure you choose firms that have robust security policies.