Outsourcing Accounting vs. In-House Solutions for Hotels: Which is Better?

Running a hotel keeps you on your toes, guests to please, staff to manage, and money to track. Deciding between an outsourced accounting firm and an in-house accountant can make a big difference in your hotel’s bottom line. Hotels have tricky stuff like accounting for restaurants to deal with, so picking the right setup matters. 

This blog lays out the good and bad of both options for 2025, with real talk to help you choose. Let’s figure out what’s best for your hotel’s needs.

What Does Your Hotel Need?

First things first, sit down with a coffee and think about what your hotel needs from its accounting. Do you have a small inn that needs help with sales for bookings? Or maybe you’ve got a big resort with a restaurant, so accounting for restaurants and payroll for staff are your big headaches. Write down what you can’t skip, like tracking room revenue or handling seasonal cash.

Now, picture where your hotel is headed. Planning to add a bar or open a new location? You’ll need accounting that can keep up. Knowing this helps you decide if an outsourced accounting firm for startups or an in-house accountant is the way to go.

Save Cash with Outsourcing

An outsourced accounting firm can save you a ton of money, especially if your hotel’s on a tight budget. Instead of shelling out for a full-time accountant’s salary, benefits, and desk space, you might pay $500 to $2,000 a month for outsourcing. That’s a lifesaver for smaller hotels or new spots trying to make every buck count.

In-house accounting hits your wallet harder. A full-time accountant could run you $60,000 a year or more, plus extras like software or training. If your hotel’s margins are slim, outsourcing might be the smarter move, but you’ll need to think about how much control you want over your books.

Know-How for Hotel Challenges

Hotels have their own money quirks, like sorting out sales for rooms or payroll for tipped staff. An outsourced accounting firm for startups often has folks who know the hotel game, from tracking restaurant sales to handling occupancy taxes. They come ready with skills, so you don’t have to train them.

An in-house accountant might need time to get the hang of hotel stuff, like accounting for restaurants or banquet income. If you find someone who already knows hospitality, they can keep up, but that experience comes with a higher price tag.

How Outsourcing Accounting vs. In-House Solutions for Hotels Compare

This table breaks down the big differences. Check it to see what fits your hotel’s style and cash flow.

Roll with Busy Seasons

Hotels get slammed during peak times, like summer vacations or holiday parties. An outsourced firm can step up when you’re busy, handling extra payroll work or scaling back when things slow down. This is awesome for hotels with seasonal staff or up-and-down revenue.

In-house accountants are on your payroll all year, whether it’s crazy busy or super quiet. If your hotel’s needs shift fast, outsourcing gives you more room to breathe without extra costs eating into your profits.

Tech That Keeps Things Simple

In 2025, good accounting uses tech to make your life easier. Outsourced firms use online tools to track your numbers in real-time, from room bookings to restaurant tabs. They can set up systems to handle sales or payroll without you lifting a finger.

In-house accountants can use the same tech, but you’re on the hook for buying software and teaching them how to use it. If your in-house person isn’t great with tech, you might miss out on time-saving tricks. Outsourcing usually comes with tech know-how built in, which is a big plus for busy hotel owners.

Stay in Charge or Let Go

With an in-house accountant, you’re the boss. They’re right there, so you can pop by and ask about accounting for restaurants or check your cash flow. If you like keeping a close eye on your money, this hands-on vibe is hard to beat.

Outsourcing means you’re not watching every move. You’ll use emails or calls to stay updated, which can feel a bit far-off. But a solid outsourced firm will send clear reports and check in regularly, so find one that keeps you in the loop without hassle.

Keep Up with Hotel Rules

Hotels deal with strict rules, like payroll for tipped workers. Outsourced firms often have pros who know these regulations cold, keeping your hotel out of trouble. They’re used to handling hospitality taxes and reports, so you don’t have to stress.

In-house accountants might need to learn these rules, especially if they’re new to hotels. You can hire someone with experience, but they’ll cost more. Staying legal is a big deal when choosing between outsourcing and in-house for your hotel.

Factors When Choosing Between Outsourcing Accounting vs. In-House Solutions for Hotels

This table helps you pick the option that’s right for your hotel.

Grow Without the Headaches

If your hotel’s getting bigger—maybe adding a restaurant or more rooms—you need accounting that can keep up. An outsourced firm can add services like accounting for restaurants or cash flow planning without you hiring extra staff. This is great for hotels with big plans.

Scaling an in-house team is tougher. You’d need to hire more people or train your accountant, which costs time and money. If your hotel is eyeing growth, outsourcing makes it easier to handle new challenges without slowing you down.

Find a Team That Feels Right

Your accounting setup should feel like a partner, whether it’s in-house or outsourced. An in-house accountant is part of your crew, so you can chat daily about sales or revenue. If you love being hands-on, that closeness is a big win.

A good outsourced firm can feel like a teammate, too, with regular calls and easy-to-read updates. Ask how they’ll keep you posted and make sure they’re easy to talk to. A setup that feels like a good fit makes managing your hotel’s money a lot less stressful.

Helpful Links

• Outsourced Accounting for CPA Firms: A Strategic Growth Move
• Outsourced Finance & Accounting Services for Healthcare
• How to Choose the Right CPA Accounting Firm in the United States

Choosing between an outsourced accounting firm and an in-house accountant for your hotel comes down to what you need and how you want to run things. Outsourcing saves money, flexes with your seasons, and brings hotel-savvy skills, while in-house gives you control and a closer connection. The Fino Partners thinks weighing these options can set your hotel up for a great 2025. Check out costs, expertise, and how they’ll work with you, then pick what feels right for your hotel’s future.