Running your own business often means doing all the things — marketing, sales, operations, and yes, even bookkeeping. DIY bookkeeping can be empowering at first. It helps you understand your finances, manage your cash flow, and stay connected to your numbers.
But as your business grows, the time will come when managing your books starts to feel less like a smart business move and more like a burden.
So how do you know when it’s time to move from DIY bookkeeping to hiring help?
At Your Bookkeeper On Call, we work with entrepreneurs and small business owners just like you — whether you’re doing it yourself or ready to hand it off. Below are five signs that it’s time to bring in a pro, and how it can actually save you time and money.
1. You’re Spending Too Much Time on Bookkeeping
Time is one of your most valuable resources. If you’re spending more than a few hours a week trying to reconcile accounts, track expenses, or fix QuickBooks errors, it might be time to ask:
What’s my hourly rate worth?
If you’re losing billable hours or time that could be spent on growing your business, outsourcing your bookkeeping makes sense.
📌 Tip: Track how many hours per month you’re spending on your books. Multiply that by your hourly rate. If it costs more than a bookkeeper’s fee, it’s time to delegate.
2. You’re Behind on Your Books or Tax Deadlines
Let’s be honest — bookkeeping isn’t always fun. If you’ve found yourself procrastinating or you’re behind on reconciling accounts, issuing invoices, or preparing for tax season, you’re not alone.
But the longer you wait, the messier (and more expensive) it can get.
🧾 Signs it’s time to hire bookkeeping help:
- You’re months behind on categorizing expenses
- Tax season feels overwhelming every year
- You’re not confident your books are accurate
A professional bookkeeper or coach can help you catch up, clean up, and stay current — without the panic.
3. You’re Unsure About Your Financial Reports
Do you look at your Profit & Loss report and wonder, “What am I looking at?”
Or worse — do you avoid your financial reports altogether?
One of the biggest drawbacks of DIY bookkeeping is not knowing what your numbers actually mean. Understanding your reports helps you make smarter decisions — like when to hire, invest, or cut back.
With professional bookkeeping help, you’ll:
- Get clear, accurate financial reports
- Understand your numbers and what they mean
- Make confident, informed business decisions
Whether you want coaching to learn how to read your reports or full-service support, Your Bookkeeper On Call has your back.
4. Your Business Is Growing (and Getting More Complex)
Growth is a great problem to have — but it also means your finances are getting more complicated. More clients, more expenses, new revenue streams, inventory, contractors, or team members… it all adds up.
🚩 DIY bookkeeping starts to break down when:
- You need to separate personal and business finances
- You’re managing payroll or subcontractors
- You’re dealing with sales tax in multiple states
This is when DIY can turn into “do-it-wrong,” costing you time, stress, and even tax penalties.
Bringing in a professional ensures that your bookkeeping grows with your business — not against it.
5. You’re Ready to Focus on Your Zone of Genius
You didn’t start your business to become a bookkeeper (unless you’re us 😉). If managing your books is draining your energy or confidence, it’s okay to let go.
🎯 Hiring help allows you to:
- Reclaim your time
- Reduce stress
- Focus on what you do best
Whether you want to hand everything off or just get coached through the tough spots, Your Bookkeeper On Call offers flexible, affordable solutions for small business owners who are ready to grow — without going it alone.
🧮 DIY Isn’t Forever — And That’s Okay
There’s no shame in starting out with DIY bookkeeping. In fact, we encourage it for many new business owners! It helps you stay lean and learn the basics. But knowing when to transition to professional bookkeeping help is a smart step in your growth journey.
At Your Bookkeeper On Call, we offer:
✅ On-demand bookkeeping and accounting services
✅ Live 1:1 coaching and support for DIYers
✅ Affordable, personalized help when you need it most
💬 Ready to stop stressing about your books?
Schedule a free discovery call with us today and let’s talk about the right next step for your business.
👉 [Insert link to schedule a call or services page]
📌 Remember:
Outsourcing your bookkeeping isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign that your business is growing — and you’re making smart, CEO-level decisions.
