Running a business is all about balance—between growth and operations, hustle and rest, and yes, saving money and spending it wisely. That’s why many entrepreneurs and small business owners take a DIY approach to bookkeeping. It seems straightforward: track income, log expenses, and stay organized. Right?
Well… sometimes.
At Your Bookkeeper On Call, we fully support small business owners who want to take the reins of their financial records—but we also know where things often go sideways. Bookkeeping is more than data entry; it’s about accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
So if you’re wondering, “What can I handle on my own, and what should I leave to a pro?”—this blog is for you.
Why Some Entrepreneurs Choose DIY Bookkeeping
DIY bookkeeping can be a great option when:
- You’re just starting out and want to understand your finances intimately
- You have a limited budget for outsourcing
- You enjoy working with numbers and learning new systems
- Your transactions are relatively simple and low volume
But as your business grows (or your time shrinks), keeping your books can quickly shift from smart move to stressful burden. That’s when strategic outsourcing makes all the difference.
What You Can Do Yourself
If you’re confident with basic finance and bookkeeping software, here are a few tasks you can realistically manage in-house:
✅ 1. Recording Daily Transactions
Logging sales, expenses, payments, and transfers is something you can do with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. It’s a habit that’s easy to build—and critical to your financial hygiene.
✅ 2. Managing Invoices and Payments
Creating and sending invoices, tracking payments, and issuing reminders can all be handled through your accounting platform. Automation can help, too.
✅ 3. Storing Receipts and Documentation
Keeping digital copies of receipts and linking them to transactions is a good DIY task. Apps like Dext or Hubdoc can simplify this.
✅ 4. Reconciling Bank Accounts (If You’re Comfortable)
If you’re detail-oriented and consistent, monthly reconciliations can be done yourself. But if you’re skipping steps or guessing your way through—this might be one to outsource.
✅ 5. Basic Financial Reports
Running basic Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reports is possible with most accounting software. Understanding them, however, is where a coach or advisor can be helpful.
What You Should Consider Outsourcing
Even the most driven DIYers benefit from outsourcing certain parts of the bookkeeping process. Here’s what we recommend handing off:
❌ 1. Initial Setup of Your Accounting System
If you don’t start with the right chart of accounts and settings, you’re setting yourself up for confusion and cleanup down the road. A professional can help set your system up correctly from day one.
❌ 2. Payroll Processing
Payroll is heavily regulated and time-sensitive. Mistakes can lead to penalties or unhappy employees. It’s one of the most commonly outsourced functions for a reason.
❌ 3. Tax-Ready Financials and Year-End Prep
You want your books to be clean and accurate before handing them off to your tax preparer. Outsourcing monthly or quarterly reviews (or at least a year-end cleanup) ensures you won’t overpay—or miss deductions.
❌ 4. Sales Tax Filing
Sales tax compliance is a minefield, especially with multi-state or eCommerce businesses. A pro can help you avoid costly missteps.
❌ 5. Catch-Up and Cleanup Work
If your books are behind (or you’re unsure how accurate they are), it’s best to let an expert clean things up so you can move forward with confidence.
Finding Your Sweet Spot: DIY + Expert Support
The truth is, you don’t have to choose either DIY or outsourcing. With Your Bookkeeper On Call, you get the best of both worlds:
- 💡 DIY Bookkeeping Coaching – Want to learn how to manage your books the right way? We’ll walk you through the tools, workflows, and reports so you’re not left guessing.
- 👩💻 Live, On-Demand Support – Hit a wall? Have a quick question? Need a second set of eyes? We’re available when you need us—without the overhead of a full-time bookkeeper.
- 🧹 Cleanup, Setup, and Review Services – Whether you’re just getting started or need to fix what’s already there, we’ll help you get your books back on track.
Final Thought: Know When to DIY—and When to Delegate
Bookkeeping is the financial foundation of your business. Done right, it gives you clarity, confidence, and control. But it’s okay to admit when you’re out of your depth—or when your time is better spent running your business, not buried in spreadsheets.
So ask yourself:
Is DIY bookkeeping saving you time and money—or costing you both?
When you’re ready for support, Your Bookkeeper On Call is here with flexible solutions that fit your business and your budget. Whether you’re a hands-on entrepreneur or ready to offload the books entirely, we’ve got your back.
👉 Ready to get started? Contact us here or schedule a free consultation today.
