10 Best Accounting Outsourcing Companies in 2026

Key Takeaways

• Accounting outsourcing in 2025 is a strategic growth lever, not just a cost-saving tactic.
• Companies outsource bookkeeping, payroll, tax compliance, and reporting to improve accuracy and scalability.
• The best outsourcing partners combine strong compliance, modern tech stacks, and transparent pricing.
• The Philippines remains a top destination for outsourced accounting due to talent quality and cost efficiency.
• Choosing the right partner requires balancing control, cultural alignment, and long-term integration.

The global business landscape continues to shift. Accounting, long seen as an internal pillar, has now moved into a new phase: borderless outsourcing. The shift toward borderless service delivery reflects broader global value chain trends, where production and services are increasingly fragmented and traded across borders in integrated networks, as highlighted by World Bank analysis of global value chains. In 2025, more companies—startups, SMEs, and even enterprise teams—are turning to accounting outsourcing to manage financial operations with more agility, accuracy, and scale.

According to a report by Deloitte, 88% of organizations have either implemented or are considering outsourcing as a strategy to improve operational performance and cost efficiency. This trend continues into 2025 with accounting leading the way due to its high potential for automation and global talent integration.

This article explores the top accounting outsourcing companies in 2025. But beyond the list, it dives into the why—why more leaders are trusting external providers with critical financial tasks, and how to identify the best partner.

Why Businesses Outsource Accounting

Cost pressures are rising.  Rising accounting salaries and talent shortages are pushing companies to explore outsourcing, a trend reflected in wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hiring local accounting teams comes with high salaries, operational costs, and compliance risks. Outsourcing helps businesses control costs without sacrificing quality. It’s also becoming a strategic move for accessing specialized talent pools globally, especially in high-growth markets like the Philippines—a proven destination for outsourced accounting roles.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Outsourcing removes the need for full-time hires, reduces overhead, and enables predictable monthly billing.
• Expertise & Compliance: Outsourced partners stay updated with tax regulations, global standards, and financial best practices.
• Scalability: As businesses grow, outsourcing providers easily adapt to expanded service needs without recruitment delays.
• Focus on Core Operations: Internal teams can redirect time and focus on growth, innovation, and customer success.

The global accounting services market (including auditing, tax, and bookkeeping) was valued at approximately $636.1 billion USD in 2023.

Types of Accounting Outsourcing: Onshore, Nearshore, Offshore, and Hybrid

Accounting outsourcing isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Companies typically choose between onshore, nearshore, offshore, or hybrid outsourcing, depending on cost structure, collaboration needs, and scale. Understanding these models helps businesses select the right setup for their growth stage and risk tolerance.

Onshore Accounting Outsourcing

Onshore outsourcing involves working with accounting professionals located in the same country as your business.

Example: U.S.-based companies hiring virtual accountants or CPA firms within the United States to handle bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance.

Best for:

• Enterprises with strict regulatory or data residency requirements
• Companies prioritizing local expertise and time zone alignment
• Businesses willing to pay premium rates for proximity

Nearshore Accounting Outsourcing

Nearshore outsourcing means partnering with accounting teams in nearby countries, often within similar time zones.

Example: U.S. companies outsourcing accounting functions to finance teams in Latin America (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica) for AP/AR, payroll support, or reporting.

Best for:

• SMBs seeking cost savings with easier real-time collaboration
• Companies that value cultural alignment and overlapping work hours
• Finance teams needing frequent communication without offshore complexity

Offshore Accounting Outsourcing

Offshore outsourcing involves working with accounting professionals in more distant regions, typically offering the greatest cost advantages.

Example: Companies outsourcing bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and financial reporting to accountants in the Philippines or other established offshore markets.

Best for:

• Startups and scale-ups optimizing for cost efficiency and scalability
• Businesses comfortable with remote-first collaboration
• Teams looking to build full-time, dedicated finance roles offshore

Hybrid Accounting Outsourcing

Hybrid outsourcing combines two or more models—often retaining strategic finance leadership in-house or onshore while outsourcing execution-heavy tasks offshore or nearshore.

Example: A U.S.-based finance manager working alongside offshore Philippine accountants for bookkeeping and payroll, supported by nearshore analysts for reporting.

Best for:

• Growing companies balancing control and efficiency
• Mid-market firms transitioning from fully in-house to outsourced models
• Enterprises seeking resilience, redundancy, and flexible scaling

Which Accounting Outsourcing Model Is Right for You?

• Startups typically benefit most from offshore or hybrid models to reduce costs while accessing skilled finance talent.
• SMBs often prefer nearshore or hybrid setups for collaboration without enterprise-level costs.
• Enterprises lean toward onshore or hybrid models to meet compliance, governance, and reporting requirements at scale.

Choosing the right accounting outsourcing model depends on your business size, compliance needs, budget, and how integrated you want external teams to be with internal stakeholders.

Key Accounting Functions You Can Outsource

Insights from research published by MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group indicate that organizations derive the most business value from AI when humans and machines learn and interact together, rather than relying solely on automation.

Not all finance tasks need to stay in-house. Here’s what companies frequently outsource:

• Bookkeeping: Daily transactions, reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance. Outsourcing ensures consistency and reduces manual errors that can cause reporting issues. It also allows real-time updates, especially when integrated with cloud platforms.
• Payroll: Salary computation, benefits, tax deductions, and labor law compliance. Outsourced payroll providers ensure timeliness and accuracy while minimizing compliance risks. They also handle updates to tax rates and labor laws without burdening internal HR.
• Accounts Payable & Receivable: Invoice processing, vendor payments, and receivables tracking. Efficient AP/AR management through outsourcing improves cash flow and strengthens vendor/client relationships. It also supports better forecasting and financial control.
• Tax Compliance: Preparation, filing, and tax planning based on local and international laws. Outsourcing tax work reduces the risk of penalties and missed deadlines. Providers stay updated with shifting regulations across jurisdictions.
• Financial Reporting: P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and budget variance analysis. Access to professionally prepared reports gives leadership better visibility for decision-making. External teams can also add insights through benchmarking and variance commentary.
• Audit Readiness: Organizing and presenting records for internal and external audits. Outsourced teams prepare documentation according to audit standards, streamlining the process. They can also act as a liaison with auditors to address any queries efficiently.

What Should You Prioritize In-House?

Outsourcing can streamline many finance functions, but some activities are better prioritized within your internal leadership team. These include:

• Strategic financial planning and decision-making — such as setting budgets, evaluating investments, or mapping long-term growth.
• High-level board discussions that touch on sensitive company roadmaps and shareholder strategy.
• Compliance sign-offs requiring legal accountability from company officers.

Think of outsourcing as a way to free your team from execution-heavy tasks—like bookkeeping, payroll, and tax prep so they can focus on high-impact financial strategy. This balance allows you to gain efficiency without losing control of the most critical decisions.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Accounting Outsourcing Company

What separates a reliable partner from just another vendor?

• Industry Reputation: Look for proven track records and long-term client relationships. Established providers often have deep sector knowledge and a track record of successful engagements with businesses similar to yours.
• Service Range: Choose companies that cover both foundational and advanced accounting services. A wider service menu means fewer transitions or handovers as your accounting needs evolve over time.
• Tech Stack: Ensure integration with cloud platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, or custom ERP. Compatibility with your existing systems speeds up onboarding and minimizes operational disruption.
• Security: Data privacy and regulatory compliance must be airtight. Look for certifications like ISO/IEC 27001 or SOC 2 to validate that they adhere to global data protection standards. Leading providers align their processes with international standards promoted by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) to ensure consistency and regulatory compliance across markets. When evaluating providers, look for adherence to frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001, which sets global standards for information security management systems.
• Communication: Transparent processes, strong SLAs, and access to dedicated support teams. Seamless collaboration, proactive updates, and multilingual support can significantly improve the outsourcing experience.
• Cost Structure: Clear pricing with no hidden fees—flexibility for monthly, project-based, or hybrid models. Flexible models allow you to align outsourcing costs with your budgeting preferences and business cycle needs.

What Is the Hourly Rate for Outsourced Accounting?

The cost of outsourced accounting depends heavily on where your team is located. Based on the Penbrothers 2025 Salary Guide, here’s how Philippine-based finance roles compare to U.S. equivalents:

• Bookkeeper
  • Philippines: USD 1,200 – 1,700 / month → roughly USD 7 – 10 / hour
  • U.S.: USD 4,800 – 5,800 / month → roughly USD 28 – 34 / hour
• Accountant (CPA)
  • Philippines: USD 1,500 – 1,900 / month → roughly USD 9 – 11 / hour
  • U.S.: USD 6,500 – 8,000 / month → roughly USD 39 – 48 / hour
• Financial Analyst
  • Philippines: USD 1,300 – 1,900 / month → roughly USD 8 – 11 / hour
  • U.S.: USD 7,200 – 8,800 / month → roughly USD 42 – 52 / hour
• Finance Manager
  • Philippines: USD 1,700 – 2,100 / month → roughly USD 10 – 12 / hour
  • U.S.: USD 9,000 – 11,000 / month → roughly USD 52 – 63 / hour

On average, outsourcing to the Philippines offers 65–75% cost savings compared to U.S. salaries, while still giving access to skilled finance professionals.

Some outsourcing firms charge by the hour, while others provide fixed monthly pricing that aligns with these benchmarks. This makes it easier for businesses to predict costs and scale teams as needed.

Want to see a full breakdown of finance and accounting roles?
Download the Penbrothers 2025 Salary Guide for a complete comparison of Philippine vs. U.S. compensation.

The 10 Best Accounting Outsourcing Companies in 2025

1. Penbrothers
   Philippines-based Offshore Staffing Partner
   Penbrothers delivers customized offshore staffing solutions for startups and scale-ups worldwide. While not a BPO in the traditional sense, Penbrothers provides full-time embedded finance and accounting talent that integrates directly with your internal team. The advantage? Control. Flexibility. And long-term alignment.
   Services: Full-time remote accountants, payroll specialists, controllers, and finance assistants.
   Best for: Startups, VC-backed companies, and SMBs needing flexible finance staff with high cultural alignment.

Here’s a Penbrothers’ success story: Servantex, a U.S.-based workforce management company, needed to scale its internal operations to support rapid growth. By partnering with Penbrothers, they built an offshore service center in the Philippines—starting with one Accounting Specialist and expanding to a team of over 30 professionals. This team includes key roles such as Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Supervisor, Payroll and Billing Specialist, and US Payroll Specialist, handling a range of payroll, billing, and CRM functions.

With the help of our Hypercare model—designed to provide tailored onboarding and continuous support—Servantex achieved a 69% reduction in labor costs while enhancing overall operational efficiency. Their offshore team became more than just support staff—they evolved into a fully integrated extension of the U.S. workforce.

2. IBM
   AI-driven accounting automation
   IBM applies advanced analytics and AI through Watson to automate complex accounting workflows. With enterprise-grade solutions and global support, it’s ideal for companies looking to digitize financial operations.
   Services: Bookkeeping automation, reporting, risk compliance.
   Best for: Large corporations and enterprise clients.

3. Deloitte
   Full-spectrum financial outsourcing
   As a Big Four firm, Deloitte offers strategic financial advisory alongside transactional accounting services. Their outsourcing is backed by industry-specific expertise.
   Services: Financial reporting, CFO advisory, compliance, and audit readiness.
   Best for: Mid-market to enterprise clients.

4. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
   Global compliance and financial strategy
   PwC brings robust regulatory knowledge to every engagement. Their accounting outsourcing team is built for accuracy, speed, and risk reduction.
   Services: Accounting operations, financial compliance, strategic planning.
   Best for: Finance teams in heavily regulated sectors.

5. Accenture
   Cloud-native finance solutions
   Accenture’s finance-as-a-service leverages AI, RPA, and predictive analytics. Companies benefit from technology-first execution and scalable architecture.
   Services: Automated bookkeeping, payroll, tax filing, and analytics.
   Best for: Tech-savvy teams seeking efficiency at scale.

6. Bookkeeper360
   Startup-friendly cloud accounting
   Designed for small businesses, Bookkeeper360 offers intuitive accounting using platforms like Xero and QuickBooks. Their advisory support makes financials easy to interpret.
   Services: Cloud bookkeeping, payroll, CFO consulting.
   Best for: U.S.-based startups and ecommerce businesses.

7. Auxis
   Finance transformation specialists
   Auxis blends consulting and outsourcing to improve finance processes. Their LatAm delivery model offers cost-efficiency with U.S.-time zone convenience.
   Services: FP&A, AR/AP, reporting, automation solutions.
   Best for: Mid-size companies modernizing finance functions.

8. AccountingDepartment.com
   Virtual accounting teams for SMBs
   Offering U.S.-based, fully remote accounting staff, this company is ideal for growing businesses needing dedicated support.
   Services: Daily bookkeeping, controller services, payroll.
   Best for: U.S. small businesses.

9. IBN Tech
   Affordable global finance services
   Based in India, IBN Tech offers high-quality accounting support at competitive rates. With presence in the U.S. and UK, they balance reach with affordability.
   Services: Bookkeeping, virtual CFO, tax prep.
   Best for: Companies needing deep financial support on a budget.

10. KPMG
    Data-driven compliance and analytics
    KPMG brings financial rigor and regulatory strength to outsourced engagements. Their accounting outsourcing is tech-enabled and audit-ready.
    Services: Payroll, tax, audit prep, financial analysis.
    Best for: Regulated industries and multinationals.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Outsourcing Partner

Choosing an outsourcing partner isn’t just about credentials—it’s about fit. Learn more about how we help companies build effective offshore teams here.

• Map your current challenges: Are you overstaffed? Lacking expertise? Struggling with outdated systems? Identifying pain points helps you focus on what matters most—whether it’s cost savings, faster reporting, or stronger compliance.
• Decide on model: Do you want a fully managed BPO or embedded offshore staff? Your decision will affect how integrated your outsourced team is with your internal operations and how much control you retain.
• Vet their tech and process maturity: Ask how they secure data, integrate with platforms, and handle service delivery. Mature providers will have clear protocols, automation capabilities, and compatibility with your accounting tools.
• Ask for referrals: Case studies, testimonials, or client references matter. Hearing firsthand how others have benefited from their services can validate promises and flag any red flags.
• Test before you commit: Start small with one function before scaling. This pilot phase allows you to assess performance, communication, and cultural alignment without a full-scale commitment.

A study by The Hackett Group found that top-performing companies that outsource finance functions experience up to 38% lower finance operation costs and deliver reports 27% faster than peers.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, accounting outsourcing is no longer just a cost-cutting tool—it’s a growth strategy. From startups scaling fast to enterprises optimizing for agility, outsourcing accounting allows leaders to move quicker, stay compliant, and gain financial clarity.

Penbrothers helps global companies find embedded finance talent that works like an extension of your team. No bots. No BPO silos. Just real people solving real problems.

Ready to scale your accounting operations with the right people in place? Let’s talk.

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