Virtual Accountant vs. Outsourced Accounting Services

virtual accountant vs outsourced accounting services

Efficient accounting is crucial for small businesses to thrive, as accurate financial records help in making better decisions and staying compliant with regulations. There are different options for managing your business finances. 

Today we will discuss the options that can mostly be suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. We will talk about outsourced accounting services and virtual accounting services. Both can save time and money but work in different ways. This post explores the differences between these two options, helping you decide which is best for your business. Let’s see how virtual accountants and outsourced accounting services can benefit your small business.

What is Outsourced Accounting?

Outsourced accounting involves hiring an external firm to handle all your accounting needs. This includes tasks like bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and financial analysis. Outsourced accounting firms employ teams of experts who manage your financial records and ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. By using outsourced accounting services, businesses can access professional expertise without the cost and hassle of maintaining an in-house accounting team. This approach allows you to focus on core business activities while the experts handle your financial management.

Benefits of Outsourced Accounting Services

Here are the main benefits of Outsourced accounting services:

  • Outsourced accounting services give you access to a team of professionals from finance and accounting outsourcing companies.
  • These experts provide comprehensive coverage, including accounts receivable outsourcing services and outsourced accounts payable.
  • Your business can easily scale up as it grows with outsourced accounting services.
  • You can focus on core business activities while experts manage your finances.
  • Outsourced accounting services ensure compliance with the latest regulations, keeping your business safe from penalties.

Drawbacks of Outsourced Accounting

  • Outsourced accounting services can be more expensive, especially for small businesses with tight budgets.
  • You might have less control over processes and timelines when using outsourced accounting services.
  • Over-reliance on external providers can be a risk with outsourced accounting services.

Who is a Virtual Accountant?

A virtual accountant is a professional who handles your accounting tasks remotely. They use cloud-based software (like NetSuite) to manage your finances. This means you can access your financial data anytime, anywhere.

Virtual accounting services include bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting. A virtual accountant helps you keep track of expenses, income, and ensures your records are accurate. They also provide valuable financial advice to help your business grow.

With a virtual accounting firm, you get the expertise of a skilled accountant without needing to hire in-house staff. This flexibility makes it easier for small businesses to manage their finances efficiently.

What is Virtual Accounting

Virtual accounting services allow accountants to work remotely using cloud-based software. These services include bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting. A virtual accounting firm uses technology to manage your finances efficiently.

Tools like NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Xero help a virtual accountant keep your records accurate and up-to-date. You can access your financial data anytime and anywhere. This makes it easy to stay informed about your business’s financial health.

Virtual accounting services provide flexibility and convenience, making them ideal for small businesses. They offer the expertise of skilled accountants without the need for in-house staff.

Benefits of Virtual Accounting

Let’s explore some benefits of Virtual Accounting Services:

  • Virtual accounting services are cost-effective compared to traditional in-house accounting, saving you money on full-time staff.
  • They offer flexibility to scale services up or down based on your business needs.
  • You get real-time access to your financial data, helping you make informed decisions quickly.
  • Virtual accountants provide specialized expertise tailored to specific industries, offering the best advice for your business.
  • They use technology to automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy in your financial management.

Drawbacks of Virtual Accounting

  • Virtual accounting services can face communication challenges due to their remote nature, making it harder to discuss issues quickly.
  • Sharing financial data online with virtual accounting services can raise security concerns, requiring strong data protection measures.
  • Limited face-to-face interaction with a virtual accountant might be a drawback for businesses that prefer in-person meetings.

Comparison: Outsourced Accounting Services vs. Virtual Accountant

Cost

Outsourced accounting services often have higher costs due to the comprehensive range of services provided. In contrast, virtual accounting services are more cost-effective, ideal for small businesses with tight budgets.

Flexibility

Virtual accounting services offer greater flexibility, allowing you to scale up or down based on your needs. Outsourced accounting services also offer scalability but may come with less immediate flexibility.

Control

With virtual accounting services, you have more control over your financial processes. Outsourced accounting services might mean less control, as external providers handle most tasks.

Expertise

Outsourced accounting services provide access to a team of experts with diverse skills. Virtual accounting services offer specialized expertise but may lack the breadth of a full team.

Service Range

Outsourced accounting services cover a broad range of tasks, including accounts payable outsourcing and accounts receivable outsourcing services. Virtual accounting services focus more on bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting.

Scenarios

For businesses needing comprehensive and scalable services, outsourced accounting services are beneficial. Small businesses seeking cost-effective, flexible, and controlled accounting should consider virtual accounting services.

Hundred MS: Flexibility in Accounting Solutions

Hundred MS is a leading provider of accounting services, known for its flexibility and expertise. One key advantage of Hundred MS is its ability to offer both outsourced accounting services and virtual accounting services using NetSuite. This means you can choose the best option for your business needs while leveraging the power of NetSuite’s advanced features.

Hundred MS tailors its services to meet the specific requirements of each business. Whether you need comprehensive outsourced accounting services or flexible virtual accounting services, Hundred MS, with NetSuite Consulting, has you covered. They work closely with you to understand your unique needs and provide the right solutions, ensuring your business’s financial health and growth. With NetSuite, Hundred MS ensures real-time access to financial data, enhanced security, and seamless integration with other business systems.

Conclusion

Choosing between outsourced accounting services and virtual accounting services depends on your business needs, budget, and preferences. Outsourced accounting services offer comprehensive solutions with access to a team of experts but may come with higher costs and less control. Virtual accounting services provide cost-effective, flexible, and specialized expertise, ideal for small businesses looking for efficient financial management without the need for in-house staff.

Hundred MS stands out by offering both outsourced accounting services and virtual accounting services using NetSuite Accounting, ensuring flexibility and tailored solutions for every business. By leveraging advanced technology and understanding your unique needs, Hundred MS helps you maintain financial health and drive business growth. Make an informed decision based on your specific requirements and take advantage of the best accounting solutions available to support your success.

1 thought on “Virtual Accountant vs. Outsourced Accounting Services”

  1. This blog on outsourced accounting services is incredibly insightful and well-written. It offers valuable guidance for businesses looking to streamline their accounting processes. Highly recommend reading it!

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Narek Abgaryan
Narek is the CEO and co-founder of Hundred MS. With a dynamic career that spans investment firms, asset management, risk management, and corporate finance, Narek has demonstrated a profound ability to navigate and innovate within the financial sector. His work across various countries and in diverse financial domains reflects a global perspective and an adaptable, forward-thinking approach. He Brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the worlds of finance and technology. As a distinguished graduate of the University of Oxford and Hult International Business School, Narek has earned a reputation for excellence in the financial domain. His credentials, including the esteemed CFA and FRM certifications, are a testament to his deep understanding and expertise.
CFA, FRM
Narek Abgaryan
CFA, FRM, Fund Manager & CEO
Narek is the CEO of Hundred CJSC. Before embarking upon this position, he accumulated 7+ years of multinational experience including the positions of CEO, Head of Research and Member of the Board at various licensed and regulated investment companies. Narek is a graduate of Hult International Business School, Armenian State University of Economics and is currently pursuing his education at Saïd Business School of the University of Oxford. Narek is a CFA charter holder and a certified FRM.
Our Mission
Our mission is to extend our partner-based, specialized and cost-effective cooperation to our clients to enable them to focus on their long-term strategy and leverage their core competencies around value-creating activities, thereby boosting Armenia’s economic development.
Our Vision
We have a deep conviction that the financial system is the pillar of our civilizations. Economies that are exploding with growth are the ones that adopted modern finance. We aim to reach a reality where access to unconventional finance technics should be within reach of every economic unit. This shall empower everyone to allocate their human and financial capital more purposefully and innovatively for the benefit of a secure, wealthy, and responsible society.
Objectives
In "Hundred" CJSC, we are structuring our goals to revolve around the best interests of our investors and business partners. The basis we build our strategy on is satisfaction of expectations of our Clients, by bringing substantial profits to them through ethical management of investments, assets and portfolios. In the path of achieving the set tasks, we target new financial products adapted to the Client’s needs and offer variety combinations of interdisciplinary innovations. Following our set of values, we see our short-term goal in becoming one of the leading players in the domestic market, pursuing the long-term ambitious goal of integration into regional and global financial markets.
Corporate Values
We believe that earning the trust of each Client cements the next layer of the foundation of the Company’s reputation. Financial relations are built on trust; thus, our reputation is the heart of our business. Our allocentric approach to dealing with clients ensures that we always put their interests first. We do our utmost to make sure that our decisions are utterly disconnected from the greed when it comes to rendering our services. Promulgating ethics and adhering to the highest professional standards are the bedrocks of our corporate values.
  • Are your financial records more puzzling than they should be?
  • Has the audit process become a recurring nightmare for your firm?
  • Do important financial decisions stall due to unclear or absent financial reports?
  • Are high operational costs without clear returns keeping you awake at night?
  • Is hiring and maintaining a full-fledged financial team putting a strain on your resources?
  • Are you in the dark about your company's true valuation and need clarity?
  • Is the challenge of cleaning up your accounting books holding your business back?
  • Are outdated systems causing inefficiencies, prompting the need for an ERP implementation?
  • Have you identified the need for a robust risk management strategy but don't know where to start?
  • Are you looking for a one-stop firm that can handle everything from corporate strategy to asset management?
Are You Ready to Transform Your Businesses’ Financial Landscape?
Are You Ready to Transform Your Businesses’ Financial Landscape?
  • Are your financial records more puzzling than they should be?
  • Has the audit process become a recurring nightmare for your firm?
  • Do important financial decisions stall due to unclear or absent financial reports?
  • Are high operational costs without clear returns keeping you awake at night?
  • Is hiring and maintaining a full-fledged financial team putting a strain on your resources?
  • Are you in the dark about your company's true valuation and need clarity?
  • Is the challenge of cleaning up your accounting books holding your business back?
  • Are outdated systems causing inefficiencies, prompting the need for an ERP implementation?
  • Have you identified the need for a robust risk management strategy but don't know where to start?
  • Are you looking for a one-stop firm that can handle everything from corporate strategy to asset management?
Levon Garibyan
Levon, the co-founder and Business Development Director of Hundred MS, brings over a decade of international experience to his role. His career spans managing private firms with diverse business profiles across the UK, UAE, and Russian Federation. Levon has not only excelled in steering these companies towards growth but has also specialized in business development strategy and fundraising. His expertise in these areas has significantly contributed to the expansion and success of these firms. Levon's academic background is equally impressive, having studied at Cranfield University School of Management and Moscow State University of International Affairs (MGIMO), where he honed his skills in business management and international affairs.
Levon Garibyan
Levon is the Business Development Director and Strategy Specialist of the company. He acquired international experience of more than 10 years, managing private firms with various business profiles in UK, UAE and Russian Federation. Levon studied in Cranfield University School of Management and Moscow State University of International Affairs (MGIMO).
Business Development, Strategy & Fundraising
David Tarkhanyan
David is the co-founder of Hundred MS and the CEO of Hundred MS GmbH. His track record in delivering innovative financial solutions and driving performance improvement initiatives showcases his ability to lead complex projects and navigate the intricate world of finance. David's breadth of experience has equipped him with the unique ability to understand and address the multifaceted challenges businesses face today. His exceptional qualifications, marked by the CFA and FRM certifications, reflect his deep commitment to financial mastery and strategic insight. David's career is characterized by a wide-ranging experience in investment banking, performance management, controlling, and reporting, among other critical financial domains.
David Tarkhanyan
David Tarkhanyan
David Tarkhanyan
Financial Controlling Investment Banking
David is the co-founder of Hundred MS. He is a Banking specialist with a focus on Financial Controlling, Planning, and Performance Management. His experience extends more than 10 years in various investment banks in Vienna and Frankfurt. David studied Physics at Bauman University and Industrial Engineering at the American University of Armenia.