All things bookkeeping

Discover virtual bookkeeping, and learn how clean books can save your business.

Image of laptop on counter. On Laptop is the QuickBooks interface transactions screen, with the bookkeeper chat window open in the bottom right of screen.

What is virtual bookkeeping?

By Cathie Ericson December 20, 2023

A business owner is sitting at a desk looking at business info on a mobile device.

Most entrepreneurs start a business to be their own boss and do what they love. Running a company, though, isn’t all about visionary leadership and big ideas. Being a small business owner includes plenty of drudgery, especially when it comes to keeping track of the books. That’s where virtual bookkeeping comes in.

Virtual bookkeeping at a glance

Virtual bookkeeping, also known as remote bookkeeping, connects small business owners with online bookkeepers who can help keep a business profitable by tracking money in and money out. Using cloud-based accounting solutions and modern collaboration tools like video conferencing, screen share, and chat, virtual bookkeepers can talk business owners through questions and challenges related to their books and keep their records current.

Virtual bookkeepers offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing your books and finances are up to date and organized—without the pressure of hiring an in-house professional. Virtual bookkeeping services are especially attractive to small business owners who need help managing their books but aren’t sure where to start.

Features of virtual bookkeeping:

  • Video conferencing, screen share, and chat for coaching and collaboration
  • Document sharing of receipts, bank statements, and more
  • Custom reports for an overview of your business’ financial health

Is a virtual bookkeeper right for you? Here are three reasons small businesses choose virtual bookkeeping

1. Virtual bookkeeping can keep you ready for tax time

Tax laws are becoming more complex, so small business owners turn to accounting professionals to learn about tax-deductible expenses. From a day-to-day business perspective, virtual bookkeepers can ensure your records are up to date and organized for tax time. This way, you can focus your energy on launching new products and spending time with family and friends—not stressing the IRS.

2. Virtual bookkeeping is trustworthy

Turning over your finances to an accountant or bookkeeper can feel risky at best and downright scary at worst. Your business is your livelihood, after all. You want to be sure you are working with someone ethical, honest, and dependable, which is why vetting and certification are key. The best virtual bookkeeping services will vet, certify, and train their bookkeepers for you, as Intuit does with all QuickBooks Live Bookkeepers, and ensure they have experience in various industries.

3. Connect with bookkeepers wherever work takes you

These days, we live in an on-demand economy and thrive on being connected on the go. Why should bookkeeping be any different? Connecting with a bookkeeper from wherever your work takes you means you get answers when you need them most. Like an in-house bookkeeper, virtual bookkeepers get to know you and the needs of your industry and business. With the right virtual bookkeeping service, you gain a better understanding of your business performance.

QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping meets your needs

The good news? Access to QuickBooks Live Assisted Bookkeeping is already built into QuickBooks Online to give you affordable ongoing access to live experts. Here are the benefits the remote bookkeeping service offers:

Updated books

A virtual bookkeeper can give you guidance and answer questions about categorizing transactions, reconciling credits and debits, and managing your workflow.

Business reporting

Your business can run more smoothly when you review your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement with a bookkeeper.

On-demand assistance

Have a question that keeps coming up and don’t know where to turn? You can connect with a bookkeeper via message or video chat for personalized help at any time of year.

Convenience

Skip the drive through traffic and the awkward silence of an in-person bookkeeper's waiting room. Get down to business sooner with online bookkeeping. 

Time back in your day

Get expert help for at least one item on your to-do list. Check off a task that can be time-consuming with our live experts, so you can get back to your business.

Confidence in your books

Your books are too vital to the health of your business to risk errors. With a professional helping, you’ll gain peace of mind.

Get bookkeeping help for your small business

Virtual bookkeeping services through QuickBooks Live Assisted Bookkeeping can help your business stay organized for success.

QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping requires QuickBooks Online subscription. Additional terms, conditions, limitations, and fees apply.  

5 ways bookkeeping can save your business—and how to get started

Read more

Can I hire a bookkeeper instead of an accountant?

Read more

Talk to a Bookkeeping Expert

Enter your information to request a free consultation with one of our specialists.

Cleanup typically takes 30 days once you upload your required docs. By clicking “Get a free consultation,” you understand and agree to these dates and requirements and agree to permit Intuit to contact you via phone, email, or text message, which may be automated, regarding QuickBooks Live and other promotions and have read and acknowledge our Privacy Statement. Consent is not a condition of any purchase.

Thank you

A QuickBooks expert will be in touch with you shortly.

How can we help?
Talk to sales 1-800-365-9606

Monday - Friday, 5 AM to 6 PM PT

Get product support