Which route fits which role › Bookkeeper
How to Hire an Offshore Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper reconciling accounts, categorizing transactions and preparing month-end.
Best-fitting route
Hire Overseas
A bookkeeper sees your bank and financial data, so you want a screened, dedicated person, a contract with confidentiality terms and someone accountable if it goes wrong. A managed hire covers the screen, the contract and replacement; your US accountant stays responsible for tax filings.
Cost: From $2,000/month; most roles $2,000–$4,000/month. No upfront or recruiting fee, month-to-month.
When another route fits better
- Freelance marketplaces: You need a one-time clean-up of past books.
- Employer of record (EOR): You have a bookkeeper you trust who wants employee status.
What the role usually covers
- Bank and card reconciliation
- Transaction categorization
- Accounts payable and receivable
- Month-end close support
What to vet for
- A test reconciliation in your accounting software.
- Familiarity with US accounting conventions and the tools you use.
- How they handle access to financial accounts and data.
Where to hire
- The Philippines: Accounting graduates experienced with US small-business books.
- Africa: Finance professionals in South Africa familiar with international standards.
The first weeks
- Give view-only access first; add permissions as trust builds.
- Document your chart of accounts and month-end steps.
- Have your accountant review the first month's close.