Your virtual finance team,
without the overhead.
A complete virtual finance function without the cost of an in-house team — scalable, professional, and always available.
What Is Outsourced Accounting?
Outsourced accounting means entrusting your entire finance function — or a defined part of it — to a professional accounting firm. Rather than hiring an in-house accountant or finance team, you access the same expertise for a fraction of the cost.
For growing businesses, outsourcing offers the flexibility to scale financial support as needed, without the commitment of full-time headcount. You get access to ACCA-qualified expertise, advanced cloud tools, and proactive advice — all in one service.
Who It's For
Outsourced accounting suits any London business that needs a professional finance function without carrying the cost and management of an in-house team:
Startups & early-stage
Get proper finance foundations from day one — without hiring before you can justify it.
Growing SMEs
Scale management accounts, payroll and reporting as you grow, adding services only when you need them.
Outgrowing your bookkeeper
Add senior, ACCA-qualified oversight and advice on top of day-to-day bookkeeping.
No in-house finance team
Run a complete, professional finance function without a single full-time hire.
What We Provide
Our outsourced accounting service covers the full finance function — from day-to-day bookkeeping through to monthly management accounts, VAT returns, payroll, statutory year-end accounts, and corporation tax filing. You choose the scope that fits your business, and we provide a seamless service across all of it. There is no need to coordinate between multiple suppliers or chase updates from different contacts.
You will have a dedicated accountant as your point of contact — someone who understands your business, knows your numbers, and can advise as well as report. Everything is handled via cloud-based systems, so your team always has visibility of the financial data they need, from wherever they are working. As your business grows, the service scales with you — adding payroll, VAT, or management reporting as required, without the overhead of recruiting additional headcount.
For most small and medium-sized businesses, outsourcing the finance function costs significantly less than employing an equivalent in-house role — once you account for salary, National Insurance, pension contributions, holiday cover, and software licences. You gain access to a broader depth of expertise than any single hire could provide, with ACCA-qualified oversight built in as standard.
In-House vs Outsourced
How outsourcing your finance function compares with employing an in-house accountant:
| Factor | In-house hire | Outsourced |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Salary + NI + pension + software | One fixed monthly fee |
| Expertise | Limited to one person | A full ACCA-qualified team |
| Scalability | Re-hire to scale up or down | Add or remove services on demand |
| Cover | Gaps during holiday and sickness | Always covered |
| Setup | Recruit, onboard, manage | Live in days, fully managed |
Wondering about the numbers? See our guide: how much does outsourced accounting cost?
Why Choose Brathwaite?
Complete virtual finance function — from bookkeeping to strategic reporting
Dedicated senior accountant as your point of contact
Scalable service that grows with your business — add services as needed
Significant cost saving versus hiring an in-house finance team
Access to ACCA-qualified expertise without the full-time salary
Cloud-based systems for seamless collaboration from any location
Frequently Asked Questions
What does outsourced accounting include?
Outsourced accounting can cover your entire finance function: bookkeeping, management accounts, payroll, VAT returns, year-end accounts, corporation tax, cash flow forecasting, and financial planning. You choose the scope — from a single service to a complete virtual finance department.
How much does outsourced accounting cost?
It is charged as a fixed monthly fee based on the scope you need and your transaction volume — not an hourly rate — so it is predictable and budgetable. For most small and medium businesses it works out significantly cheaper than an equivalent in-house hire once you factor in salary, employer National Insurance, pension, holiday cover, and software. See our guide on what outsourced accounting costs for a full breakdown.
Is outsourced accounting suitable for small businesses?
Yes. In fact, small and medium-sized businesses benefit most from outsourcing because they can access the same financial expertise as larger companies without the cost of a full-time in-house team. You pay for exactly what you need, when you need it.
How does communication work?
You will have a dedicated point of contact at Brathwaite Accountants — a senior accountant who knows your business. We communicate via your preferred channel (email, video call, or phone) and provide regular updates and reports on a schedule that works for you.
Can I switch to outsourced accounting if I already have an in-house bookkeeper?
Yes. We can work alongside your existing team, providing the senior accounting and advisory services that complement an in-house bookkeeper. Alternatively, if you wish to fully outsource, we can manage a transition plan to ensure continuity.
Local accountancy, wherever you are
Based in Ilford, supporting owner-managed businesses across every London borough. Browse our local pages for area-specific service detail.