Outsource accounting denotes the organisational transfer of ongoing Accounting work to an external service provider within the scope permitted by law.
Basics
When outsourcing accounting, an external provider takes on tasks such as recording business transactions, Account assignment, creation of Booking entries and account reconciliations.
Organisational outsourcing concerns the execution of activities, but not the legal responsibility of the company.
Legal framework
The performance of ongoing bookkeeping work is regulated by law. External service providers may only perform activities within the permissible scope. Tax advice or legal representation is regulated separately.
Systematic classification
- External accounting
- Financial accounting service providers
- Accounting Services
- Double-entry bookkeeping
- Prepare year-end accounts
Outsourcing accounting is an organisational decision within external accounting.
Typical outsourcing tasks
- Live booking of business transactions
- Reconciliation of debtor and creditor accounts
- Maintenance of main and subsidiary ledgers
- Preparation of business evaluations
- Assistance with preparatory final works
Typical procedure
- Definition of responsibilities
- Provision of documents
- Recording and Booking
- Voting and plausibility check
- Provision of evaluations
Practical relevance
In practice, collaboration takes place on the basis of clearly defined processes and digital interfaces. Even when carried out externally, the company remains responsible for the regularity of its accounting.
Typical sources of error
- Unclear task definition
- Incomplete documents
- Missing process documentation
FAQ
Is outsourcing accounting the same as tax advice?
No. Outsourcing concerns ongoing bookkeeping tasks. Tax advice is regulated separately.
Conclusion
Outsourcing accounting means the organisational transfer of ongoing bookkeeping tasks to an external service provider. The responsibility for the regularity of the bookkeeping remains with the company.
Brasser Accounting Solutions GmbH is a specialised accounting service provider and part of a corporate group with Quint GmbH (tax consultancy/auditing) and Service Place Årjäng AB (Swedish tax office). BAS exclusively performs services according to § 6 No. 3 and 4 StBerG and does not provide tax or legal advice.
