Operating a small business, be it a bakery in the city or a startup, involves keeping your finances in check, particularly during tax season. Having the right accountant can make or break your finances, but should you hire a remote accountant or go with the local expert? The Fino Partners assist companies across the country in securing the proper accounting assistance.
This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a remote accountant or a local accountant in 2025, targeted at small business owners like you. We'll discover the pros, cons, and most important considerations to assist you in determining which choice is best for your business, so you can hire an accountant who can keep your finances in check.
Why Hire an Accountant At All?
Before we compare remote and local accountants, let’s talk about why you need to hire an accountant in the first place.
Keeping Your Books Clean
An accountant ensures your financial records are accurate, saving you from costly mistakes during tax season or audits.
Saving Precious Time
Bookkeeping and financial reports can eat up hours. Hiring an accountant lets you focus on growing your business, not crunching numbers.
Planning for Growth
Accountants offer insights on cash flow or budgeting, helping you make smart moves to expand your business, no matter where you’re located.
Benefits of Hiring a Remote Accountant
When you hire a remote accountant, you get flexibility and modern solutions. Here’s why it’s a great choice for 2025.
Lower Costs
Remote accountantsmostly charge less because they don’t have the overhead of a physical office. This can save you money, especially in a pricey city like New York or San Francisco.
Access to Nationwide Talent
You’re not limited to your local area. You can hire a remote accountantfrom anywhere in the U.S., tapping into a wider pool of skilled pros who fit your needs.
Tech-Driven Efficiency
Remote accountants utilize cloud software such as QuickBooks online to keep their books effortlessly, providing real-time status regardless of location.
Drawback: Less Personal Touch
You may lose face-to-face interactions, which some company owners like for establishing trust or addressing intricate matters.
Drawback: Time Zone Challenges
If your accountant is in another time zone, it can be difficult to schedule calls, particularly for critical needs when it's tax season.
Benefits of Hiring a Local Accountant
Selecting to hire an accountant has its advantages, particularly for companies that cherish face-to-face interactions. Here's what shines brightest in 2025.
Face-to-Face Working Together
Getting together with your accountant face-to-face, either in Denver or Miami, simplifies going over reports or discussing major financial choices.
Expertise of the Local Market
Your local accountant knows the laws in your state, such as rules relating to sales tax, and keeps your books in compliance.
Community Ties
Local accountants tend to have connections with local banks or business consultants, providing you with additional resources to expand your business.
Drawback: Higher Costs
In-person accountants, particularly in large cities, will charge more because of the cost of offices and increased demand.
Drawback: Limited Options
You're limited to accountants within your region, which can translate to fewer options if you're based in a smaller city like Boise.
Comparing Costs: Remote vs. Local Accountants
Cost is a big factor when you hire an accountant. Here’s a breakdown of how remote and local accountants stack up in 2025.
|
Factor |
Remote Accountant |
Local Accountant |
|
Pricing |
Often lower, no office overhead |
Higher, especially in urban areas |
|
Billing Structure |
Hourly, monthly, or project-based |
Typically higher hourly or retainers |
|
Additional Costs |
Minimal, mostly software fees |
Travel or meeting expenses |
|
Flexibility |
Work from anywhere, anytime |
Tied to local office hours |
Remote Accountant Costs
You might pay less to hire a remote accountant, especially for basic tasks like bookkeeping, thanks to their lower overhead.
Local Accountant Costs
Local accountants will cost more, particularly in certain places, but their on-site experience may be worth the cost for complicated requirements.
How to Hire a Remote Accountant
If remote is your preference, here's how to hire a remote accountant for your company in 2025.
Search Online Sites
Use sites like Intuit's Find-a-ProAdvisor to find and hire a remote accountant who possesses credentials like a CPA or QuickBooks proficiency.
Verify Their Tech Setup
Make sure they use secure cloud utilities, like QuickBooks Online, to track your finances and share information securely.
Set Clear Expectations
Discuss turnaround and communication timelines in advance, particularly if they are working across a different time zone, to prevent delays.
How to Hire an Accountant Locally
If local is the way to go, here's how to hire an accountant locally in 2025.
Tap Into Local Networks
Request referrals at business networking sessions or Atlanta or Phoenix chambers of commerce to get good local accountants.
Go to Their Office
Interview prospective accountants face-to-face to determine their presence and whether they're suitable for your company.
Check Local Knowledge
Make sure they're familiar with your state's accounting rules, such as sales tax or payroll regulations, to get your books in order.
Either way, remote or local, The Fino Partners can make the process of hiring an accountant easy. They match you with qualified experts who fit your business requirements, whether you want a remote QuickBooks pro or a local CPA in your area. Their experience in QuickBooks and tax solutions helps you get the right one without the effort, saving your time and energy in 2025.
Key Factors in Your Decision
Whether or not to hire a remote accountant or a local one is up to your company. Here's what to consider in 2025.
Your Business Size
Small startups may enjoy the cost benefit of a remote accountant, whereas bigger businesses with complicated requirements may do better with a local expert's personal guidance.
Your Comfort with Technology
If you're a techie who works with cloud tools, a remote accountant is perfect. If you want face-to-face conversations, local is the way to go.
Urgency of Needs
When turnaround time is a concern for rapid turnarounds at tax time, a local accountant's schedule could be the deciding factor, with remote experts providing flexibility for long-term work.
Tips for a Successful Accountant Partnership
After hiring an Accountant, these tips ensure you get the best from their services in 2025.
Share Organized Records
Provide professional financial data, like bank statements, to reduce time and save your accountant money.
Speak Frequently
Schedule regular check-ups in a book so that you can monitor your finances and address problems before they get out of hand.
Be Specific About Goals
Ask your accountant whether you're optimizing for expansion or cost reduction, so that they can organize their recommendations according to your objectives.
Related Article
- How to Build Trust When You Hire a Remote Accountant
- Should Your Business Work with a Local or Remote Accounting Team?
- Offshore Accounting Services vs. Local Accounting: What Works Best in the USA?
By comparing prices, your business needs, and comfort with tech, you can hire an accountant who is just right for your aspirations. Don't get bogged down by accounting confusion. Choose the best accountant for success. Ready to find your perfect accounting solution? Contact The Fino Partners today for custom accounting assistance to thrive in 2025!
