Keeping your finances in order shouldn’t drain your time or your budget. That’s where virtual assistant bookkeeping services step in. These remote professionals handle the day-to-day tracking of your finances, giving you space to focus on growing your business.
What Does a Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant Do?
A bookkeeping virtual assistant is trained to manage your books from a distance. They handle routine tasks like:
- Recording transactions
- Reconciling accounts
- Creating invoices
- Tracking payments
- Managing payroll support
- Organizing receipts
- Preparing basic financial reports
- Communicating with your accountant or CPA
They work using cloud-based tools, so you can review your books anytime without waiting for email updates or in-person meetings. Most virtual assistants are familiar with tools like QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave, allowing seamless integration with your current systems.
Benefits of Online Accounting Support Virtual Assistants
Cost Savings
Hiring a full-time bookkeeper can be expensive. You not only pay a salary but also benefits, office space, and equipment costs. Virtual assistants work remotely and typically charge by the hour or by the project. This lets you control your budget without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Whether you need help 10 hours a week or just during tax season, you can scale up or down based on your workload. This flexibility is ideal for startups, freelancers, and growing businesses with changing needs.
Accuracy and Consistency
Many bookkeeping virtual assistants specialize in specific software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks. Their expertise means fewer errors, more consistent record-keeping, and better compliance with accounting best practices.
Time Back for You
When you hand off the books, you gain hours each week. That’s time you can use to meet with clients, improve services, or work on new projects. Instead of chasing receipts or fixing spreadsheet errors, you can stay focused on strategy.
No Geographic Limits
Online accounting support virtual assistants can work from anywhere. This opens the door to a wider talent pool. You’re not limited to hiring someone in your city. Instead, you can find the right person, regardless of location.
Regular Updates
Since virtual assistants work with cloud platforms, you can get daily, weekly, or monthly reports. You always have up-to-date information about your financial health, which helps with budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making.
Affordable Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant: What to Look For
Not all virtual assistants are the same. When hiring, look for:
- Experience with small business finances
- Familiarity with your preferred accounting software
- Strong communication skills
- Solid references or reviews
- Knowledge of industry-specific practices if relevant
- Availability that matches your needs (e.g., time zone, deadlines)
Also, make sure they understand local tax requirements if that’s relevant to your business. For example, if your business operates in the U.S., your assistant should understand sales tax, 1099 filing, and other federal and state requirements.
Where to Find a Virtual Assistant for Bookkeeping
You can find skilled professionals through The Global Assist. They specialize in connecting small businesses with experienced virtual assistants who are trained in bookkeeping and online accounting support.
The Global Assist offers:
- A pre-vetted talent pool
- Flexible engagement options
- Assistants familiar with major accounting tools
- Support that scales with your needs
This can save you time in the hiring process and help you find someone reliable from the start.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Before bringing someone on board, ask the following:
- What accounting tools are you proficient in?
- Have you worked with businesses in my industry?
- How do you track hours and report progress?
- What steps do you take to keep data secure?
- Can you provide references or testimonials?
These questions will help you gauge professionalism, skill level, and fit.
Is It Secure?
Yes. Most online accounting support virtual assistants use secure, encrypted platforms. You can also set permissions to control what parts of your system they can access. Look for someone who respects confidentiality and is open about their security practices.
Use two-factor authentication, limit access based on roles, and regularly back up your data. Good assistants will already have procedures in place to protect client information.
How Much Does It Cost?
Rates can vary depending on experience, location, and scope of work. You can expect to pay:
- $10–25/hour for offshore virtual assistants
- $25–50/hour for U.S.-based professionals
Some offer fixed monthly packages, which can be more affordable for routine tasks. Clarify pricing and billing terms before starting the project to avoid surprises.
Common Tools Used
Virtual bookkeeping assistants often use:
- QuickBooks Online: For transaction tracking, reporting, and tax prep
- Xero: Especially popular with non-U.S. businesses
- FreshBooks: Great for freelancers and small teams
- Google Workspace: For document sharing and communication
- Slack or Zoom: For real-time updates or calls
- Dropbox or OneDrive: For secure file storage
Virtual assistant bookkeeping services are practical, flexible, and budget-friendly. For small business owners trying to stay lean and efficient, they can be a smart choice. With the right person, you get accurate records without the overhead of a full-time hire.
It’s not just about saving money. It’s about making sure your finances are handled correctly, so you can make smarter decisions, avoid penalties, and plan for growth. If bookkeeping has been a burden, handing it off to a reliable virtual assistant could be one of the best business moves you make this year.