More than 50% of small businesses in the U.S. claim that bookkeeping and tax filing are their greatest financial worries. You may be a start-up proprietor, freelancer, or small business owner, but one factor that you need to take into account is financial management. When your finances are stretched thin, you may not want to spend a lot on accountants but then you may wonder - is there even an affordable accountant that understands what he is doing?
The answer is yes.
Finding an affordable accountant does not mean finding someone who is inexperienced. It means knowing where you can look and what you should ask and how to balance competence and cost. Let us see how you can hire an inexpensive accountant without cutting corners or risking your financial future.
Why are Accounting Costs High in the USA?
Before we get to where to get affordable accounting help, let's discuss why accounting feels expensive to begin with :
You are hiring full time help when you do not need it
Many small businesses only require part-time or project-based accounting help.
You are doing stuff manually
In case your accountant isn't using automation tools like QuickBooks accounting or Xero, you're paying for additional hours you could have avoided.
You pay local rates
U.S. accountants usually charge USD 150-USD 400/h. However, you can get half the quality at other places, including offshore accounting services from The Fino Partners.
What Does “Affordable” Really Mean?
“Affordable” varies depending on your needs. Here’s a general idea of what accounting services may cost:
|
Service Type |
Average U.S. Rate |
|
Bookkeeping (monthly) |
$300 – $800 |
|
Tax Filing (annual) |
$400 – $1,500 |
|
Virtual CFO (monthly) |
$1,000 – $3,000 |
|
Hourly Accountant Rate |
$100 – $300/hour |
|
Offshore Accountant Rate |
$10 – $40/hour |
To hire an affordable accountant, your goal should be to match the service to the actual work you need. For example, don’t pay CFO-level rates just for monthly reconciliations.
How to Find an Affordable Accountant in the USA
Here are some simple steps to help you find an affordable accountant in the USA:
1. Know What You Really Need
Start by listing your present financial tasks. They may include:
- Bookkeeping.
- Payroll.
- Sales tax filing.
- Budget forecasting.
- Business tax returns.
- Cash flow reports.
Clarity of needs means you will not likely pay for your services.
2. Choose Between Local and Offshore Help
Local accountants bring advantages including face-to-face meetings and U.S. tax knowledge. However, offshore accountants - particularly ones from countries like India or even the Philippines can provide:
- Up to 70% lower costs.
- Certified expertise (CPA, ACCA).
- Time zone differences help with round-the-clock productivity.
Some startups mix it up, keeping sensitive work in house and outsourcing repetitive tasks.
For instance, The Fino Partners has hybrid models which offer you offshore support at a cost you can afford with expert oversight.
3. Pick the Right Hiring Model
You may hire:
- Freelancers: Good for short-term or part-time work.
- Agencies: Offer full service teams, management and backups.
- Remote Employees: Long term, dedicated support at lower global rates.
Most models have their own cons and pros. Freelancers are flexible and affordable. The agencies give you a defined structure. Remote hires give cost control along with continuity.
Where to Find Affordable Accountants
These are some places where you can find affordable accountants:
Freelance Platforms
Find accountants with international certifications and U.S. experience through Upwork, Toptal or FreeUp.
Accounting Firm with Offshore Teams
Companies like The Fino Partners help U.S. businesses manage their finances with vetted, affordable talent.
Referrals from Other Business Owners
Ask your peers which ones they trust. You might find hidden gems.
LinkedIn & Accounting Community Forums
Many certified professionals provide services directly on these platforms at considerably reduced rates than conventional firms.
What to Look For in a Quality Accountant (Even if They are Affordable)
You may be budget conscious but still need quality. Look for these good signs:
- Certifications: CPA(Certified Public Accountant), CMA(Certified Management Accountant), ACCA(Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)or equivalent local designations.
- Software Knowledge: Xero, Zoho Books, QuickBooks, NetSuite.
- Industry Experience: Which includes real estate, legal, ecommerce, or medical care.
- References/Case Studies: See real client results.
- English Fluency & Communication: Particularly if you are hiring offshore.
Tips for Keeping Your Accountant Affordable for the Long Term
Even if you find the right person, you should budget your costs in the long run. This is how:
Automate data collection
Tools like Dext, QuickBooks Online and Gusto eliminate manual entry and lower billable hours.
Standardize your processes.
Use SOPs (standard operating procedures) to finish work faster and more regularly.
Bundle tasks
Rather than having various individuals do taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll - hire somebody who could do all of the tasks well.
Schedule monthly check-ins
Short, regular meetings keep issues from snowballing and decrease year-end panic (and fees).
Industry Examples: Where Affordable Accountants Make a Big Difference
Here are some industries where an affordable accountant can be particularly helpful:
Startups & Freelancers
Startups want runway management, cap table assistance and forecasting, but can not afford full time CFOs. A remote accountant can deliver investor-ready reports for a fraction of the price.
Ecommerce Stores
From sales tax across states to reconciling Shopify and Amazon sales, ecommerce businesses require accurate, ongoing support. An experienced ecommerce bookkeeper offshore could save you thousands annually.
Real Estate Investors
Rent rolls, lease accounting and depreciation schedules are complicated but repeatable. You keep margins by employing an inexpensive real estate accountant.
Service Providers (Law, HR, Marketing)
If you bill hourly or process contractor payments, an accountant can assist with time tracking, invoicing and expense categorization.
At The Fino Partners, we have helped dozens of clients in each of these industries find long-term accounting solutions with an average of 40-60% savings.
Things to Ask Before You Hire
When interviewing potential accountants (U.S.-based or offshore), ask the following:
- With which industries have you worked previously?
- Which accounting software are you using?
- How will you report to us?
- Have you worked with U.S. tax or GAAP standards?
- How do you safeguard data privacy & security?
- What KPIs do you track for work?
- Do you do fixed price plans or hourly billing?
Related Resource
- How Do QuickBooks Accounting Services Improve Cash Flow?
- Why Hiring an Accountant for Startup Business Is a Smart First Move
- Offshore Accounting Services: Meaning, Benefits, Process and Services Offered
You do not need to decide between saving cash and receiving quality financial assistance. However, you need to find an affordable accountant who's suited, experienced, and smart for your business with the correct approach.
Whether you are just getting started or perhaps expanding your operation, dealing with the right accountant pays off in peace of mind and much better decision making. And if you need a place to begin, The Fino Partners can match you with competent, affordable professionals without the usual hiring headaches.
