Outsourced accounting cost calculator: in-house team vs outsourced firm
Short answer: Outsourcing accounting is cheaper than hiring when a firm’s monthly fee is lower than the full monthly cost of the in-house roles it replaces: salaries plus payroll taxes and benefits, software, recruiting, and management time. This calculator uses your own numbers to work out that break-even fee, then writes a scope summary you can send to firms so their quotes cover the same work.
Step 1: what would the same work cost in-house?
Enter what you pay, or expect to pay, for each role. Use 0.5 for half-time. Leave a row at 0 if you do not need it.
Step 2: describe your scope
Send my results adds your scope and numbers to the Get matched form so firms quote the same work. Nothing is sent until you submit.
How this works: in-house cost = each salary × share of a full-time role × (1 + payroll taxes and benefits %), plus software and recruiting. Break-even fee = in-house cost ÷ 12. All figures come from what you enter; this tool does not estimate salaries or firm prices. Need local salary data? See the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Get matched with an accounting firm
Tell us what you need. We match you with firms that fit, and you choose who to talk to.
How much does outsourced accounting cost?
Firms set a monthly fee from your scope, which is why this calculator asks for it. The biggest drivers are transaction volume, the number of accounts and entities, accrual-basis reporting, payroll, and how much controller or CFO time you need. Catch-up work on past months is usually a separate one-time fee. Read more in outsourced accounting services.
Is it cheaper to outsource accounting?
It is cheaper when the firm’s fee is below your break-even number above. Outsourcing often wins for smaller teams because you pay for part of a controller or CFO instead of a full salary, and the firm covers vacations, turnover, and training. In-house often wins when you need daily on-site work or enough volume to keep a full team busy. Many companies mix both, such as an in-house bookkeeper with an outsourced controller.
What is not in a salary comparison?
- Coverage: who closes the books when your one accountant is out or leaves?
- Breadth: one hire rarely covers bookkeeping, controller, and CFO skills.
- Management time: someone has to supervise and review an in-house hire.
- Control: in-house staff can be closer to daily operations.
How do you get comparable quotes?
- Send every firm the same scope summary (the calculator writes one for you).
- Ask what is in the monthly fee and what is billed hourly or once.
- Ask by which business day statements will be delivered.
- Ask who does the work and who reviews it.
Browse accountants, bookkeepers, and fractional CFOs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to outsource accounting?
Firms quote a monthly fee based on scope: transaction volume, accounts and entities, reporting basis, payroll, and how much controller or CFO time you need. Clean-up of past months is usually a one-time fee.
Is it cheaper to outsource accounting than to hire?
It is cheaper when a firm's monthly fee is below the full monthly cost of the in-house roles it replaces, including payroll taxes, benefits, software, and recruiting. This calculator finds that break-even number from your inputs.
What should an in-house cost comparison include?
Salaries for each role you would need, payroll taxes and benefits, software, recruiting and turnover, and the time someone spends supervising the work.
How do I compare outsourced accounting pricing?
Send each firm the same written scope, and ask what the monthly fee includes, what is billed separately, and when monthly statements are delivered.
Does this calculator estimate salaries or firm prices?
No. It uses only the numbers you enter, so the result reflects your situation.
Tell us what you need and we will match you with firms that fit. It is free, and you decide who to talk to.
Related on Sam’s List
Some professionals on Sam’s List pay for visibility or leads. Inclusion and order do not rank professionals. This page is educational and is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Firm names are never shown on Get a quote matches.