The Bookkeeping Shortage: Why Outsourcing is the Smart Choice

By Chris Austin, President of Ardiah

Over the past few years, the bookkeeping and accounting industry has been facing a significant talent shortage. As I’ve been reviewing resumes and planning for the future growth of Ardiah, I’ve noticed firsthand the challenges of finding qualified professionals—a struggle many businesses share when looking to hire in-house bookkeepers. Fortunately, Ardiah has the capacity to serve new clients today, but the industry trend is clear: businesses that rely solely on hiring in-house will continue to face uphill battles. That’s why outsourcing bookkeeping and accounting is not just a smart solution—it’s the future.

The Growing Bookkeeping Shortage

According to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is projected to decline by 5% between 2022 and 2032. This is partly due to automation and advancements in technology, but another critical factor is the wave of retirements among experienced professionals. The bookkeeping field is aging, and fewer young professionals are entering the industry to replace those retiring.

Additionally, the demand for financial management has increased, especially as small and medium-sized businesses grow and need support for basic bookkeeping and larger organizations require in-depth, full-charge accounting services. The result? A highly competitive job market where qualified bookkeepers are in short supply, and salaries are rising accordingly.

Why Outsourcing is a Better Solution

Hiring in-house may seem appealing, but in today’s environment, outsourcing bookkeeping and accounting services offers significant advantages:

1. Cost Savings:

   • Hiring a full-time bookkeeper can be expensive when you factor in salary, benefits, training, and ongoing education. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a bookkeeper in the U.S. is $45,000–$60,000 annually. Outsourcing typically costs a fraction of that and eliminates hidden costs like office space and software.

2. Fraud Prevention:

   • Internal fraud costs U.S. businesses an estimated $5 billion annually, according to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Outsourcing to a reputable firm like Ardiah adds an extra layer of accountability and oversight, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

3. Access to Expertise:

   • When you outsource, you’re not hiring one person—you’re gaining access to a team of professionals with combined knowledge and experience. At Ardiah, we bring decades of expertise in bookkeeping and accounting, ensuring accurate and efficient financial management for both small businesses and larger organizations.

4. Scalability:

   • Outsourcing allows you to scale services up or down as your business grows or contracts, providing flexibility without the commitment of a full-time employee.

5. Focus on Your Business:

   • With your bookkeeping and accounting in the hands of experts, you can focus on growing your business rather than worrying about reconciling accounts or meeting deadlines.

Planning Ahead: Lessons from My Own Experience

As Ardiah continues to grow, I’ve been proactive about reviewing resumes and building a pipeline of potential team members. While we currently have the capacity to take on both full-scale accounting clients and smaller businesses needing QuickBooks cleanup or basic bookkeeping services, I know the day will come when even we may face hiring challenges. That’s why I’m planning now to ensure we can meet future demand without compromising the quality of our services.

For businesses trying to hire in-house, the competition is fierce—not just from other small businesses but from firms like ours that offer a robust and scalable alternative. By outsourcing, you avoid the hiring race entirely, saving time and money while gaining access to a higher level of service.

How Ardiah Can Help

At Ardiah, we’re proud to offer bookkeeping solutions for small businesses and full-charge accounting services for larger businesses and nonprofits. Whether you need ongoing support or a one-time cleanup of your QuickBooks, we’re here to help.

We also believe in promoting the industry as a whole, not just our services. Outsourcing isn’t just about solving an immediate need—it’s about building a stronger, more efficient business.

Free Consultation

If you’re considering outsourcing your bookkeeping or accounting needs, we’d love to talk. Schedule a free consultation today to explore how we can support your business—and save you time, money, and stress.

Let us help you take control of your finances so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business.