When to Hire a Bookkeeper vs Do It Yourself

When you first start a small business, doing your own bookkeeping makes sense. After all, it saves money, gives you full visibility over your finances, and helps you learn the ins and outs of your new business.

But as your business grows, so does the paperwork. Bank reconciliations, VAT returns, payroll, and chasing receipts can easily eat up hours of your week. At some point, the question changes from “Can I do this myself?” to “Is this the best use of my time?”

At Eden Bookkeeping Solutions, we help small business owners find that balance — when it’s time to stop DIY bookkeeping and bring in a professional.

The Early Days — Why DIY Bookkeeping Works

In the first year or two of trading, managing your own bookkeeping can be practical and cost-effective.

Benefits of DIY Bookkeeping

• Cost savings: You keep expenses low when cash flow is tight.

• Understanding your numbers: Doing the books yourself helps you learn what money is coming in and out.

• Control: You see every transaction and can make quick financial decisions.

  
  

The Catch

DIY bookkeeping is fine — until it’s not. As your business grows, so does your admin workload. What started as 30 minutes a week can quickly become several hours. Mistakes become more likely, deadlines sneak up, and financial clarity slips away.

Signs It’s Time to Hire a Bookkeeper

If you’re seeing these red flags, it’s probably time to hand over the reins:

1. You’re Missing HMRC Deadlines

VAT, payroll, and CIS returns all come with strict deadlines. Missing them can mean fines — and stress you don’t need.

2. Your Books Don’t Match Your Bank

If reconciling your bank feed feels like solving a puzzle each month, it’s time to get expert help.

3. You’re Spending Evenings on Admin

Your evenings and weekends should be for family or growth planning, not chasing invoices or fixing errors.

4. You’re Unsure About Tax Rules

VAT thresholds, CIS deductions, or allowable expenses can be tricky. A bookkeeper keeps you

compliant and organised.

5. You Want Better Insights

A professional bookkeeper doesn’t just record data — they turn it into insight. You’ll actually understand your numbers and use them to make smarter business decisions.

What a Bookkeeper Actually Does

Many business owners underestimate what a good bookkeeper can do. It’s not just about entering data.

A professional bookkeeping service (like Eden Bookkeeping Solutions) helps you:

• Keep accurate, up-to-date financial records.

• Manage cash flow and plan ahead.

• Stay compliant with HMRC deadlines.

• Handle CIS, VAT, and payroll.

• Integrate cloud systems like Xero for automation and reporting.

In short, it’s like having your own virtual finance department — without the cost of hiring in-house staff.

The Cost of Hiring a Bookkeeper vs Doing It Yourself

It’s easy to see bookkeeping as a cost, but it’s more useful to think of it as an investment in time, accuracy, and peace of mind.

DIY Bookkeeping	Professional Bookkeeper
Free (but time-consuming)	Monthly fee, saves hours per week
Risk of missed deadlines	Guaranteed compliance
Limited financial insight	Clear reporting and cash flow forecasts
Reactive problem-solving	Proactive advice and planning

When you add up the time you spend doing your own books — and the opportunities you miss while doing it — outsourcing starts to look like good value.

Choosing the Right Bookkeeper

Look for a bookkeeper who:

• Understands your industry (e.g. construction and CIS compliance).

• Works with your software, like Xero or QuickBooks.

• Offers clear pricing and communicates proactively.

At Eden Bookkeeping Solutions, we work with small to medium businesses that want to grow sustainably — not just tick boxes. Our goal is to make your finances stress-free and support your ambitions.

FAQs

Q1: When should a small business hire a bookkeeper?

When bookkeeping tasks start eating into your time or you struggle to stay compliant, it’s time to outsource.

Q2: Can I do my own bookkeeping?

Yes, especially when starting out, but accuracy and efficiency often suffer as your business grows.

Q3: How much does a bookkeeper cost in the UK?

Typically between £25 and £45 per hour or fixed monthly packages, depending on transaction volume and services.

Q4: Do I still need an accountant if I have a bookkeeper?

Yes — a bookkeeper manages daily finances, while an accountant handles tax returns and strategic advice.

Q5: Is cloud bookkeeping worth it?

Absolutely. Tools like Xero automate repetitive tasks, give real-time insight, and make collaboration easier.