If you’re a business owner drowning in numbers, receipts, and budgets, you might seriously consider hiring an accounting virtual assistant. These professionals can help lighten your load and keep your financials in check.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what an accounting virtual assistant does, how they differ from bookkeeping virtual assistants or virtual bookkeepers, what the pros and cons are of hiring one, what to look for, what you can expect to pay, where to find the best ones, and how to hire them.
If you want to go directly to where to find them fast, check out these top accounting virtual assistant platforms for your type of business.
Let’s dive in!
What Does an Accounting Virtual Assistant Do?
An accounting virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides a range of accounting and bookkeeping services to businesses.
Accounting virtual assistants often come equipped with a broad range of financial skills. Here’s what you can expect them to handle:
Bookkeeping Tasks
- Invoicing: preparing and sending invoices to customers
- Accounts payable/receivable management: managing incoming and outgoing payments
- Financial record keeping: maintaining accurate financial records, including transaction logs and receipts
Financial Reporting
- Monthly reports: preparing monthly financial reports to provide insights into cash flow, profit margins, and spending habits
- Budget analysis: assisting in the preparation and analysis of budgets to help you stay on track
Tax Preparation Support
- Tax documentation: helping gather and organize documents necessary for tax filings.
- Compliance tracking: ensuring that your financial practices align with local, state, and federal regulations.
Software Management
- Accounting software proficiency: Most accounting virtual assistants are adept at various accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency
Administrative Tasks
- Communications: assisting with client or vendor communications related to financial matters
- Scheduling payments: keeping track of payment schedules and deadlines to avoid late fees.
In short, an accounting virtual assistant can be your go-to person for all things financial, taking care of the details so you can focus more on growing your business.
Accounting Virtual Assistants vs. Bookkeeping Virtual Assistants: What’s the Difference?
When looking for an accounting virtual assistant, you might also come across terms like bookkeeping virtual assistants or virtual bookkeepers.
These professionals offer similar services, focusing on managing financial records and ensuring that your books are accurate and up-to-date.
While both roles are crucial, they serve different purposes.
Accounting virtual assistants handle a broader range of financial tasks, including tax preparation, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning. On the other hand, bookkeeping virtual assistants or virtual bookkeepers focus on recording daily transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining accurate financial records.
Essentially, an accounting virtual assistant can be seen as a more comprehensive financial partner, while a virtual bookkeeper is more specialized in day-to-day financial management.
Whether you choose to hire an accounting virtual assistant, a bookkeeping virtual assistant, or a virtual bookkeeper, the key is to find someone who meets your specific needs and can help your business thrive.
Hiring an Accounting Virtual Assistant: Benefits
Hiring an accounting virtual assistant benefits your business in these ways:
- Cost Savings: One of the biggest advantages of hiring an accounting virtual assistant is the cost savings. You can save on overhead costs such as office space, equipment, and benefits. Additionally, virtual assistants often charge lower rates than full-time employees.
- Flexibility: Virtual assistants offer flexibility in terms of working hours and workload. You can hire them on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on your needs. This flexibility allows you to scale your accounting support up or down as your business needs change.
- Access to Expertise: By hiring a virtual assistant, you can access a wider pool of talent. This means you can find someone with the specific skills and experience you need, regardless of their location.
- Increased Productivity: With a virtual assistant handling your accounting tasks, you and your team can focus on core business activities. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Companies can save up to 78% of their operating costs by hiring virtual assistants.
Hiring an Accounting Virtual Assistant: Challenges
On the other hand, hiring an accounting virtual assistant also has these challenges:
- Communication Challenges: Working with a remote assistant can sometimes lead to communication challenges. Time zone differences and a lack of face-to-face interaction can make it harder to collaborate effectively.
- Security Concerns: Sharing sensitive financial information with a remote worker can raise security concerns. It’s important to ensure that your virtual assistant follows strict data security protocols.
- Dependence on Technology: Virtual assistants rely heavily on technology to perform their tasks. Any technical issues or connectivity problems can disrupt their work and impact your business operations.
However, most of these challenges can be easily overcome by preparing for them in advance and partnering with top-tier accounting virtual assistant service providers like MyOutDesk, who can help you with these issues.
For example, MyOutDesk pre-vets and hires only the top 0.7% of applicants to ensure that you get the best quality accounting virtual assistant services.
Before these applicants are hired, MyOutDesk makes sure that their personality, education, and expertise (including communication skills) are a great fit for recommending to its business clients.
Once they are hired, MyOutDesk continually provides them training and support to ensure that they are able to serve clients with top-tier performance.
Factors to Consider When Hiring an Accounting Virtual Assistant
Hiring the right accounting virtual assistant can make a significant difference in your business’s financial health. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Experience in Accounting or Bookkeeping: Ensure the candidate has relevant experience and a solid understanding of accounting principles.
- Familiarity with Accounting Software: Proficiency in tools like QuickBooks or Xero is essential for seamless financial management.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial to ensure they understand your business’s financial needs.
- References or Testimonials: Check for positive feedback from previous clients to gauge their reliability.
- Pricing Structure: Make sure their fees align with your budget and offer good value for the services provided.
If your accounting virtual assistant is already pre-vetted by a service provider like MyOutDesk, you don’t have to concern yourself too much with these anymore as they’ve been taken care of for you.
Accounting Virtual Assistant Salaries
An accounting virtual assistant’s salary can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks they handle.
On average, you can expect to pay between $15 and $35 per hour for an accounting virtual assistant. Some highly experienced virtual assistants may charge higher rates, especially if they offer specialized services.
Find the Best Accounting Virtual Assistants: Top 7 Platforms
Finding the right service provider platform to hire an accounting virtual assistant can be overwhelming. Here are the top 7 platforms that stand out:
- MyOutDesk: Known for its comprehensive virtual assistant services, MyOutDesk offers highly skilled accounting VAs who can handle everything from bookkeeping to financial analysis. They are best for businesses looking for reliable and experienced financial support.
- Maxim Liberty: This platform provides detailed financial reporting, payroll, invoicing, and reconciliation services, making it ideal for businesses and accounting firms of all sizes.
- Bookkeeper360: A full-service virtual bookkeeping platform that also offers accounting, HR, and payroll services. It’s perfect for growing businesses that want to outsource multiple functions to a single provider.
- 1-800Accountant: An end-to-end accounting platform offering bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, and ongoing advisory services. It’s great for small and newly formed businesses looking to scale.
- Streamline Bookkeeping: Known for accurate and timely financial reports, excellent customer service, and monthly phone meetings to review books. Ideal for professional service firms and small businesses.
- Reconciled: Offers responsive and engaged bookkeeping services with plans for all types of businesses. Best for technology or retail businesses needing advice and support.
- Xendoo: Provides weekly reporting and CPA support, making it a reliable choice for businesses with 20+ employees.
In the following section, we provide you with more details on what each of these platforms are best for, their brief backgrounds, their key benefits offered, and their pricing.
MyOutDesk

Background: MyOutDesk, established in 2008, is a veteran in the virtual assistant industry. Initially focused on real estate, it has expanded to serve various sectors, including healthcare, e-commerce, and legal.
Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses in real estate, healthcare, and e-commerce
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive virtual assistant services, including bookkeeping and transaction coordination
- Stringent talent-matching process with FBI-grade background checks
- Proprietary remote work productivity tracking software
Pricing: Starting salaries for virtual assistants range from $600 to $800 per month.
MaximLiberty

Background: Founded in 2005, MaximLiberty provides outsourced bookkeeping services for small businesses and CPAs in the USA and Canada.
Best for: Small businesses and CPAs in various industries, including finance, construction, and legal
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Professional bookkeeping services, including bank reconciliations and payroll
- Attention to detail and accuracy in financial records
- Cost-effective solutions with project costs starting at less than $1,000
Pricing: Retainers start at around $500 monthly.
Bookkeeper360

Background: Bookkeeper360, founded in 2012, is a financial technology firm offering cloud-based bookkeeping and business advisory services.
Best for: Small to medium-sized e-commerce and digital businesses using Xero or QuickBooks and/or looking for integrated accounting solutions
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Dedicated account manager for personalized service
- Seamless integration with Xero and QuickBooks, with cloud-based access to real-time financial data
- Wide range of services, including tax filing and business advisory
Pricing: Starts at $399 per month for cash-basis accounting
1-800Accountant

Background: 1-800Accountant is America’s largest virtual accounting firm, providing financial expertise to small businesses across various industries.
Best for: Small businesses in need of comprehensive accounting services.
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Year-round support for taxes, payroll, and bookkeeping
- Combination of expert CPAs and modern technology
- Convenient one-stop solution for accounting needs
Pricing: Varies based on services provided and begins at $375 per month, depending on specific business needs
Streamlined Bookkeeping

Background: Streamlined Bookkeeping is a virtual accounting firm offering tailored services to streamline financial management for businesses.
Best for: Businesses seeking cost-effective and efficient bookkeeping solutions.
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Expertise in industry-specific virtual assistant services
- Use of advanced tools like cloud platforms for real-time updates
- Customizable and scalable services
Pricing: Transparent pricing structures based on business needs, with monthly plans starting at $150 and scaling based on the of services required
Reconciled

Background: Reconciled, founded in 2015, provides virtual bookkeeping and accounting services for busy business owners and entrepreneurs across the US.
Best for: Entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking bookkeeping and software integration services and in need of comprehensive financial management
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Monthly reconciliations and accounts payable and management
- Fractional CFO and advisory support
- Tax advisory services to maximize business deductions
Pricing: Retainers start at $500 monthly.
Xendoo

Background: Xendoo, founded in 2016, is a technology-based online bookkeeping and accounting service specializing in small businesses.
Best for: Small businesses looking for scalable all-in-one accounting solutions.
Top 3 Key Benefits:
- Transparent pricing based on monthly expenses
- Integrations with common business software like QuickBooks and Expensify
- Professional CPA guidance and tax consulting
Pricing: Starts at $395 per month for businesses with up to $50,000 in monthly expenses.
Choosing the right accounting virtual assistant service can significantly enhance your business’s operational efficiency while freeing up time for you to focus on growth.
Each of the service providers mentioned here caters to unique business needs, making them suitable for different types of clients.
By understanding their core benefits and pricing options, you can select the best fit for your company. We’ve made it easier for you to assess with the table below, which summarizes which businesses they are best for, what their top three key benefits offered are, and their pricing rates.
Platform | Business Clients They Are Best for | Top 3 Key Benefits Offered | Pricing |
MyOutDesk | Small to medium-sized businesses in real estate, healthcare, and e-commerce | Comprehensive virtual assistant services, stringent talent-matching process, proprietary remote work productivity tracking software. | $600 to $800 per month |
Maximliberty | Small businesses and CPAs in various industries | Professional bookkeeping services, attention to detail, cost effective solutions. | Less than $500 monthly |
Bookkeeper360 | Small to medium-sized businesses using Xero or QuickBooks | Dedicated account manager seamless integration with Xero and QuickBooks, wide range of services | $399 per month |
1-800Accountant | Small businesses in need of comprehensive accounting services | Year round support, combination of expert CPAs and modern technology, convenient one-stop solution | Varies |
StreamlinedBookkeeping | Businesses seeking cost-effective and efficient bookkeeping solutions | Expertise in industry-specific virtual assistant services, use of advanced tools, customizable and scalable services | Transparent Pricing |
Reconciled | Entrepreneurs and small business owners | Monthly reconciliations, fractional CFO and advisory support, tax advisory services | $500 monthly |
Xendoo | Small businesses looking for scalable all-in-one accounting solutions | Transparent pricing, integrations with common business software, professional CPA guidance | $395 per month |
MyOutDesk
Advantages
• Specialization
• MyTimeIn
• Quality Control
Disadvantages
• No local VAs
• Only full-time
• Mid-tier pricing
Zirtual
Advantages
• High quality
• Flexibility
• Personalization
Disadvantages
• Expensive
• Only local VAs
• Less specialized
Virtudesk
Advantages
• Industry specific
• Highly trained
• Supportive
Disadvantages
• Limited range
• No local VAs
• Still new
Submit VA Solutions
Advantages
• Customizable
• Affordable
• Quality control
Disadvantages
• Limited range
• Availability
• Uncertainty
Transactly
Advantages
• High-tech
• Productive
• Integrations
Disadvantages
• Limited range
• Expensive
• Availability
Task Bullet
Advantages
• Inexpensive
• Flexibility
• Specialized
Disadvantages
• Language barrier
• Availability
• Limited range
How to Hire an Accounting Virtual Assistant
Hiring an accounting virtual assistant involves these steps to ensure you find the right fit for your business:
- Define your needs: Clearly outline the specific accounting tasks you want the virtual assistant to handle.
- List required skills: Identify the skills and qualifications necessary for the role.
- Search for virtual assistants: Use reputable platforms to find potential candidates.
- Review portfolios and resumes: Assess their previous work and experience.
- Check references: Contact previous clients to verify their reliability and performance.
- Conduct interviews: Interview candidates to gauge their suitability for your business.
- Assess technical proficiency: Ensure they are proficient in the necessary accounting software.
- Discuss working hours and availability: Make sure their schedule aligns with your business needs.
With MyOutDesk, this process will only take you three steps:
- Book a free personalized strategy session: Take a deep dive into your business goals and challenges with MyOutDesk’s expert consultants, and see how an accounting virtual assistant can boost your business efficiency and productivity.
- Co-create your success plan: Build a customized road map with your MyOutDesk expert consultant for working with your accounting virtual assistant by defining tasks, setting up seamless workflow integration, and establishing clear success metrics for monitoring and evaluation.
- Work with your pre-vetted accounting virtual assistant: With a clear understanding of your business needs and a customized work plan in place, your accounting virtual assistant will help boost productivity, reduce costs, and boost your business growth.
By considering these factors and exploring these top platforms, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect accounting virtual assistant for your business.
Happy hiring!
MyOutDesk
Advantages
• Specialization
• MyTimeIn
• Quality Control
Disadvantages
• No local VAs
• Only full-time
• Mid-tier pricing
Zirtual
Advantages
• High quality
• Flexibility
• Personalization
Disadvantages
• Expensive
• Only local VAs
• Less specialized
Virtudesk
Advantages
• Industry specific
• Highly trained
• Supportive
Disadvantages
• Limited range
• No local VAs
• Still new
Submit VA Solutions
Advantages
• Customizable
• Affordable
• Quality control
Disadvantages
• Limited range
• Availability
• Uncertainty
Transactly
Advantages
• High-tech
• Productive
• Integrations
Disadvantages
• Limited range
• Expensive
• Availability
Task Bullet
Advantages
• Inexpensive
• Flexibility
• Specialized
Disadvantages
• Language barrier
• Availability
• Limited range