Accounting is often seen as a constraint by business leaders, freelancers, or start-ups. Yet, it is the cornerstone of sound financial management and compliance with legal obligations. Faced with the complexity of regulations, regular tax updates, and the time it requires, more and more companies are choosing to outsource their accounting to a freelance accountant.
This complete guide explores in detail the benefits, steps, best practices, and pitfalls to avoid when outsourcing your accounting without unpleasant surprises.
Why outsource your accounting?
1.1. Save time
Accounting requires rigor, consistency, and constant monitoring of legislative changes. By entrusting it to a professional, business leaders can focus on growing their business.
1.2. Reduce costs
An in-house accountant means a fixed salary, social charges, paid leave, and continuous training. A freelance accountant, however, is paid per assignment or a fixed fee. Result: savings of 20 to 40% compared to traditional hiring.
1.3. Access specialized expertise
Some freelancers specialize in specific sectors (start-ups, e-commerce, SMEs, liberal professions). They bring targeted expertise that is not always available in-house.
1.4. Greater flexibility
You can adapt the mission to your needs: monthly bookkeeping, one-off data entry, annual closing, tax advice… This agility is invaluable for businesses in growth or transition.
Freelance accountant vs. accounting firm: what’s the difference?
Many entrepreneurs hesitate between working with a freelancer or an accounting firm. Here are the key differences:
Accounting firm: usually more expensive, but offers full support, certified accountants’ signature, and a multidisciplinary team.
Freelance accountant: more flexible, more affordable, with a direct and personalized relationship.
💡 Tip: In some cases, both can be complementary. A freelancer can manage daily bookkeeping, while a firm handles legal validation and annual closing.
Tasks you can outsource to a freelance accountant
Outsourcing doesn’t mean delegating the entire accounting function. You can choose to outsource only specific tasks.
3.1. Bookkeeping
Recording invoices, expense reports, bank statements… This is the most time-consuming and repetitive task, perfect for delegation.
3.2. Payroll management
Many freelancers handle payslips and social declarations.
3.3. Tax returns
VAT, corporate tax, contributions… Freelance accountants can help you meet legal deadlines.
3.4. Financial reporting and management
Beyond bookkeeping, some freelancers provide dashboards, cash flow forecasts, and strategic advice.
3.5. Annual closing
If the freelancer is not a certified accountant, they can still prepare all necessary documents to facilitate year-end closing with a firm.
How to find a reliable freelance accountant?
4.1. Specialized platforms
Websites like Malt, Upwork, Fiverr, or ComeUp connect freelancers and businesses. Some focus on financial professionals.
4.2. Word of mouth
Recommendations remain a safe bet. Ask your business network or trusted partners.
4.3. Professional networks
LinkedIn or Viadeo make it easy to spot freelancers specializing in your sector.
4.4. (EOR) companies
Some EOR companies group qualified freelance accountants, offering more administrative and legal guarantees.
Criteria for choosing the right freelance accountant
Skills and qualifications: check the freelancer’s education and certifications (DCG, DSCG, chartered accountancy).
Sector experience: a freelancer familiar with your industry will better understand your needs.
Tools used: prioritize freelancers working with modern software (QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, Odoo).
Responsiveness and communication: the relationship must be smooth and transparent.
Client references: request testimonials or examples of successful assignments.
How much does a freelance accountant cost?
Prices vary depending on experience, country, and type of assignment. Here’s an estimate:
Simple bookkeeping: €15 to €30 per hour
Tax returns: €100 to €300 per declaration
Full monthly accounting for a small business: €300 to €800 per month
Consulting or audit mission: €50 to €120 per hour
💡 Advice: choose a clear monthly package to avoid surprises.
Benefits for the freelance accountant
Working freelance is also beneficial for accountants themselves:
Freedom to choose their clients and assignments
Ability to specialize in a specific sector
Often higher pay than a full-time employee
Development of a diversified, long-term client base
Mistakes to avoid when outsourcing
Choosing based only on price: a very low rate may mean a lack of skills.
Neglecting the contract: always formalize conditions (tasks, deadlines, fees).
Overlooking confidentiality: accounting data is sensitive ensure a confidentiality clause.
Delegating everything without oversight: always monitor your company’s financial indicators.
Ignoring legal obligations: only a certified accountant can validate annual accounts.
Digital tools that make outsourcing easier
Collaboration with freelance accountants is now much easier thanks to cloud software:
QuickBooks / Sage Business Cloud: for SMEs’ accounting
Xero: widely used in English-speaking countries
Odoo: a complete ERP with an accounting module
Pennylane: increasingly popular among French start-ups
Google Drive / Dropbox: for secure document sharing
Outsourcing your accounting to Africa: a competitive advantage
More and more European businesses are turning to freelance accountants based in Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Madagascar, Mauritius). Why?
More competitive costs than in Europe
Multilingual talents (French, English, Arabic)
Time zones compatible with Europe
Growing expertise, particularly in outsourced accounting management
Steps to outsource your accounting without surprises
Define your needs (bookkeeping, payroll, taxes, reporting, consulting).
Find the right freelancer via platforms, networks, or (EOR) services.
Verify skills and references.
Sign a clear contract with confidentiality, deliverables, and pricing.
Set up collaboration tools.
Monitor results regularly (dashboards, monthly reviews).
The future of the freelance accountant profession
With digitalization and the rise of self-employment, the freelance accountant profession has a bright future. Key trends include:
Automation of data entry through AI
Growth of strategic consulting as added value
Rise of sector- or country-specific freelancers
Expansion of outsourcing to Africa and Asia
Outsourcing accounting to a freelance accountant is an agile, cost-effective solution tailored to the reality of modern businesses. It saves time, reduces costs, and provides specialized expertise all while keeping control over financial management.
By following best practices choosing the right freelancer, securing data, clarifying contracts you can outsource your accounting without surprises and turn what used to be a constraint into a true performance lever.
