Many founders embark on their entrepreneurial journeys driven by passion and innovation, yet often find themselves struggling with accounting challenges. About 75% of small business owners report that bookkeeping is their least favorite task, with bookkeepers spending an average of 73.9 hours annually reconciling accounts.

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Despite this reluctance, maintaining accurate financial records is paramount for business success. Proper bookkeeping enables effective cash flow management, ensures tax compliance, and provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

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Automated bookkeeping solutions can transform a traditionally tedious process into a hassle-free experience. These hands-off bookkeeping services not only streamline financial management but also integrate seamlessly with existing small business accounting systems.

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This article will highlight the best bookkeeping services for founders who hate accounting to help them manage their finances without the headaches associated with accounting tasks.

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Top Bookkeeping Services for Founders Who Hate Accounting

Managing finances can be a daunting task for founders who prefer to focus on growing their business rather than getting bogged down by accounting details. Fortunately, several bookkeeping services cater to entrepreneurs interested in automated, hassle-free accounting solutions.

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Bench

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Bench is an online bookkeeping service designed for small businesses. It combines intuitive software with a dedicated team of professional bookkeepers, providing a hands-off bookkeeping experience.

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This approach allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses without the hassle of managing financial records.

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Features

• Dedicated Bookkeeping Team: Each client is paired with a team of experienced bookkeepers who handle day-to-day financial tasks, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Monthly Financial Statements: Bench delivers detailed financial statements and expense reports every month, offering clear insights into your business's financial status.
• Tax Preparation Assistance: The Premium plan includes unlimited tax advisory services and federal and state income tax filings, simplifying the tax season for business owners.

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Pros

• Bench's software is designed for simplicity, making it accessible even for those with minimal accounting knowledge.
• Clients receive tailored assistance from their dedicated bookkeeping team, ensuring that specific business needs are addressed promptly.
• Bench offers various pricing options to accommodate different budgets and requirements.

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Cons

• Bench's software has limited integrations with third-party applications, which may be a drawback for businesses using various tools.
• Currently, Bench does not offer a mobile application, limiting on-the-go access to financial data.

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Pricing

Bench provides two main pricing tiers:

• Bookkeeping Plan: Starts at $299 monthly when billed annually, covering core bookkeeping services.
• Bookkeeping & Tax Plan: At $599 per month when billed annually, this plan includes additional tax advisory and filing services.

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Pilot

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Pilot offers a comprehensive suite of bookkeeping, tax, and CFO services designed to alleviate the burdens of small business accounting.

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By combining intuitive software with expert financial guidance, Pilot ensures founders can focus on their main business activities without worrying about the complexities of financial management.

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Features

• Accrual-Basis Bookkeeping: Pilot uses accrual accounting methods, thereby providing a more accurate financial picture by recognizing revenues and expenses when they are incurred, not just when cash changes hands.
• Financial Reporting and Burn Rate Calculations: Businesses receive detailed monthly reports, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. In addition, Pilot calculates burn rates to help monitor spending and runway.
• Support for R&D Tax Credits: Pilot assists eligible businesses in identifying and claiming research and development tax credits, potentially saving up to $500,000 annually.

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Pros

• Pilot's services are designed to meet the unique needs of startups, offering features like burn rate calculations and support for venture-backed companies.
• The platform provides in-depth financial reports and metrics, enabling founders to make informed decisions based on real-time data.
• Pilot offers a $200 monthly discount for the first year to pre-revenue companies, making it more accessible for early-stage startups. 

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Cons

• While Pilot offers a robust set of features, its pricing is on the higher end, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious startups.
• Services such as tax preparation and CFO advisory are available but come at an extra cost beyond the standard bookkeeping fees.

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Pricing

Pilot's pricing is divided into the following plans:

• Essentials: Starts at $169 monthly (when billed annually) for businesses with less than $15,000 in monthly expenses.
• Core: Begins at $499 per month (when billed annually) for businesses with less than $15,000 in monthly expenses. It offers additional features like priority support and expedited bookkeeping delivery.
• Custom: Custom pricing for startups and small businesses interested in a complete back-office solution.

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Bookkeeper360

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Bookkeeper360 is a cloud-based platform that offers automated bookkeeping solutions for small to medium-sized businesses.

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It offers a comprehensive solution that simplifies financial management for founders who hate accounting. Established in 2012, Bookkeeper360 has become a trusted partner for thousands of small business owners, providing a blend of technology-driven tools and personalized support to streamline bookkeeping processes.

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Bookkeeper360's proprietary app integrates seamlessly with leading accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero, thereby offering real-time dashboards and financial insights. This integration allows founders to have a clear overview of their business's financial status without struggling with the complexities of accounting.

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Features

• Real-Time Data Synchronization: Bookkeeper360 keeps your financial data current by syncing transactions in real-time, providing an up-to-date view of your business's financial status.
• AI-Powered Expense Categorization: The platform uses artificial intelligence to automatically classify expenses, thereby reducing manual input and minimizing errors.
• Integration with QuickBooks and Xero: Seamlessly connects with leading accounting software, facilitating a smooth transition and unified financial management experience.

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Pros

• Whether you're a startup or an expanding enterprise, Bookkeeper360's services adapt to your business needs.
• Gain access to a dedicated accountant who understands your business, offering personalized guidance and support.
• Beyond bookkeeping, Bookkeeper360 provides services like payroll processing and tax filing, consolidating multiple financial tasks under one roof.

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Cons

• Starting at $399 per month, the service may be a significant investment for some small businesses.
• Tax-related services are not included in the base price and incur additional fees.

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Pricing

Bookkeeper360 offers various plans to accommodate different business requirements: 

• Bookkeeping: Starts at $399 per month, providing dedicated accountant, monthly or weekly accounting, cash basis or accrual basis, and monthly financial reports.
• Bookkeeping + Tax: Starts at $599 per month, providing dedicated accountant and CPA, business and personal tax preparation, tax planning and advisory, etc.
• Fractional CFO: Starts at $1,599 per month, providing dedicated CFO and FP&A analyst, dashboards and KPIs, strategic planning, etc.

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doola Bookkeeping

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doola Bookkeeping offers an all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly financial management solution. Launched in October 2024, doola Bookkeeping provides business owners with essential tools and human support to manage their finances effectively.

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doola's platform is designed to cater to businesses at every stage, offering features such as real-time financial insights, comprehensive business metrics dashboards, on-demand financial statements, efficient invoice generation, and data preparation for tax filing.

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The intuitive dashboard allows users to connect their bank accounts and Stripe to seamlessly track every transaction, ensuring accurate and up-to-date cash flow management.

Features

• Income and Expense Tracking: doola's platform allows for seamless monitoring of all financial transactions, providing real-time insights into your business's cash flow.
• Invoicing and Financial Reporting: Generate and send professional invoices effortlessly. Access comprehensive financial reports, including balance sheets and profit and loss statements, to make informed decisions.
• Tax Filing Assistance: doola offers dedicated tax filing services, ensuring compliance with IRS regulations and providing peace of mind during tax season. 

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Pros

• Beyond bookkeeping, doola assists with incorporation, compliance, and tax services, making it a holistic choice for entrepreneurs.
• Designed with non-accountants in mind, the intuitive dashboard simplifies financial management, making hands-off bookkeeping a reality.

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Cons

• Compared to some competitors, doola offers fewer third-party integrations, which may be a consideration for businesses relying on specific tools.
• Suitability for Larger Businesses: While excellent for startups and small enterprises, doola's features may not fully meet the complex needs of larger organizations.

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Pricing

The pricing tiers include:

• Starter: Starts at $297 per year.
• Total Compliance: Starts at $1,999 per year.
• Business-in-a-Box: Starts at $329 per month.

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Xero

Xero, established in 2006 and headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, is a leading cloud-based accounting software provider catering to small and medium-sized businesses worldwide.

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With a presence in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Singapore, Xero offers a comprehensive suite of financial management tools designed to streamline accounting processes.

As a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, Xero enables users to access their financial data securely from any location, facilitating seamless collaboration among business owners, accountants, and bookkeepers.

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Its user-friendly interface and robust feature set make it an attractive choice for founders seeking automated bookkeeping solutions that minimize manual intervention. 

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Features

• Automated Bank Feeds and Reconciliation: Xero streamlines financial tracking by automatically importing bank transactions, simplifying the reconciliation process, and reducing manual data entry. 
• Customizable Invoicing: Create professional invoices using customizable templates, enhancing brand consistency and ensuring timely payments. 
• Expense Tracking with Receipt Capture: Easily monitor expenses by capturng receipts and categorizing expenditures, providing clear insights into business spending. 
• Multi-Currency Support: Manage international transactions effortlessly with Xero's multi-currency feature, accommodating global business operations. 
• Extensive Integration Options: Seamlessly connect with over 1,000 third-party applications, including CRM systems and payment platforms, to tailor Xero to your business needs.

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Pros

• Xero's intuitive design ensures users can navigate the platform with ease, minimizing the learning curve associated with traditional accounting software.
• With plans starting at $29 per month, Xero offers scalable options suitable for businesses at various growth stages.
• Access up-to-date financial data any time, facilitating informed decision-making and proactive financial management.

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Cons

• Xero primarily offers email and chat support, which may not meet the needs of users who prefer immediate assistance.
• Payroll functionalities may not be available in all regions, potentially requiring additional solutions for businesses with payroll needs.

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Pricing Plans

Xero’s pricing plans include:

• Starter ($29/month): Ideal for sole traders or businesses just starting, this plan includes basic features such as invoicing and reconciliation, with certain limitations on the number of transactions.
• Standard ($46/month): Designed for growing businesses, this plan offers unlimited invoicing, bank transactions, and billing, along with project tracking and multi-currency support.
• Premium ($69/month): Tailored for established businesses requiring advanced features like expenses, payroll, and dedicated support, this plan provides comprehensive financial management tools.

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Xero's combination of automated bookkeeping, extensive integration capabilities, and user-friendly design positions it as a top choice for founders looking for a hassle-free accounting solution.

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How to Choose a Bookkeeping Service

Choosing the best bookkeeping service for founders who hate accounting is important for efficient financial management and business growth.

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You can achieve hassle-free accounting and focus more on your core business operations by focusing on user-friendliness, comprehensive support, integration capabilities, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

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User-Friendliness

Choose bookkeeping services that offer intuitive interfaces requiring minimal accounting knowledge. Features like automated bookkeeping can streamline tasks such as transaction categorization and financial reporting, making hands-off bookkeeping a reality.

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Before committing to a service, use free trials to assess the platform's usability and ensure it aligns with your comfort level.

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Comprehensive Support

Ensure the service provides access to dedicated bookkeepers or responsive support teams to handle queries and offer assistance. Reliable customer support is vital for addressing concerns promptly and maintaining hassle-free accounting.

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For instance, 1-800Accountant offers dedicated bookkeeping services performed by Certified Public Bookkeepers (CPBs), providing personalized support tailored to your business needs. 

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Look for services that assign a dedicated account manager or bookkeeper to your business for consistent and personalized support.

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Integration Capabilities

Choose a bookkeeping solution that easily integrates with your existing tools and software, such as payroll systems, CRM software, and inventory management tools. This integration reduces manual data entry, minimizes errors, and enhances efficiency.

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Compile a list of your current business tools and verify with the bookkeeping service provider that seamless integration is possible.

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Scalability

Select a service that can grow with your business, accommodating increasing complexities and transaction volumes. Scalable solutions ensure as your business expands, your bookkeeping processes remain efficient and effective.

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Discuss your growth projections with potential service providers to understand how their offerings can adapt to your future needs.

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Cost-Effectiveness

Transparent pricing structures that align with your startup's budget are important. Evaluate the cost relative to the features and support provided to ensure value for money.

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For instance, Wave offers a free accounting software option, making it a cost-effective choice for small businesses looking to manage their finances without incurring additional expenses.

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Be cautious of hidden fees by thoroughly reviewing the service agreement and seeking clarification on any ambiguous terms.

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Wrapping Up

Selecting the right bookkeeping service is important for founders who prefer to focus on their core business activities rather than accounting tasks. The services discussed in this article offer features tailored to meet several business needs.

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When choosing a service, consider user-friendliness, comprehensive support, integration capabilities, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to ensure it aligns with your business goals and simplifies your financial management.

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You can streamline financial processes, maintain accurate records, and focus on driving your business toward success by choosing a bookkeeping service that aligns with your business's unique needs.

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FAQs

Is QuickBooks good for startups?

Yes, QuickBooks is a suitable accounting solution for startups. It offers features that can streamline financial management for small businesses. Its user-friendly interface and scalability make it accessible for founders with limited accounting experience while accommodating the evolving needs of a growing business.

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The main benefits of QuickBooks for startups include:

• Ease of use
• Scalability
• Comprehensive features
• Integration capabilities

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What is the best accounting method for startups?

The two main accounting methods are cash basis and accrual basis accounting.

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Cash basis accounting records revenues and expenses only when cash is received or paid. This straightforward method provides a clear view of cash flow, making it suitable for startups with simple financial transactions and a focus on immediate cash management.

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Accrual basis accounting, on the other hand, recognizes revenues and expenses when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when cash transactions occur. This approach offers a more accurate representation of a company's financial health, especially for startups with complex transactions, inventory, or those extending credit to customers.

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While cash basis accounting is simpler, accrual basis accounting is generally recommended for startups aiming for growth, seeking external funding, or requiring a more accurate financial picture.

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How do I choose the right bookkeeping service for my business?

Here are factors to consider when choosing a bookkeeping service:

• Assess your business needs
• Evaluate expertise and qualifications
• Consider technological compatibility
• Analyze pricing structure
• Assess communication and support
• Review security measures
• Read reviews and testimonials

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What are the common mistakes to avoid in bookkeeping?

Here are some prevalent bookkeeping mistakes:

• Mixing personal and business finances
• Inconsistent record-keeping
• Failing to reconcile accounts regularly
• Misclassifying expenses
• Neglecting to back up financial data
• Procrastinating on bookkeeping tasks
• Overlooking financial statements

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What are the costs associated with professional bookkeeping services?

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with professional bookkeeping services:

• Basic bookkeeping services such as recording financial transactions, organizing receipts, and maintaining financial records.
• Financial statement preparation, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Tax preparation services
• Auditing services