Finding Virtual Accountants: Everything You Need to Know

Managing business finances is not always easy. For many small business owners, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of chasing invoices, paying bills, running payroll, and preparing for tax deadlines. On top of that, there’s the stress of making sure everything is correct and compliant with government rules.

This is where virtual accountants step in. They’re professional accountants who work with you remotely, handling everything from bookkeeping and payroll to tax preparation and financial advice. With today’s technology, you don’t need someone sitting in your office to manage your accounts — you just need the right partner who can work virtually.

To guide us through this topic, we’ll lean on the wisdom of Layla Taylor, who has been helping Australian businesses for more than 35 years. Layla has seen the industry change from paper-based bookkeeping to cloud accounting and virtual services. Through her experience, she knows exactly what business owners should look for when finding a virtual accountant.

Layla’s Experience: Why Virtual Accounting Matters

“When I first started in accounting,” Layla recalls, “everything was manual. Clients used to walk into my office with boxes of receipts, and I would spend hours sorting through them. Mistakes were common, and business owners often felt stressed about not knowing where they stood financially.”

But over the years, technology transformed accounting. Cloud software like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and MYOB made it possible to manage finances from anywhere. And with that shift came the rise of virtual accountants.

Layla explains:
“I’ve worked with many small business owners who felt stuck. They wanted to focus on running their café, shop, or trade business, but their time was swallowed up by paperwork. Once they moved to virtual accounting, their stress reduced dramatically. They finally had accurate reports, timely payroll, and peace of mind knowing everything was handled professionally.”

What Is a Virtual Accountant?

A virtual accountant is a qualified accounting professional who provides services online, instead of being physically present in your office. They use secure digital tools and cloud-based accounting software to manage your financial tasks remotely.

Common services they offer include:

• Bookkeeping – Recording daily transactions, expenses, and income.

• Payroll – Making sure staff get paid correctly and on time.

• Superannuation processing – Ensuring contributions are made accurately.

• Tax preparation and BAS lodgements – Staying compliant with the ATO.

• Financial reporting – Giving you clear reports to understand cash flow and profits.

• Budgeting and forecasting – Helping you plan ahead.

In short, they handle the “numbers side” of your business so you can focus on growth and customers.

If managing your books is taking up too much of your time, let Globus Prosourcing take the stress off your plate. As a trusted bookkeeping services provider, we ensure your financial records are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant. Focus on growing your business while we take care of the numbers behind the scenes.

Why Businesses Choose Virtual Accountants

Layla has worked with hundreds of business owners and says the reasons for choosing virtual accountants usually come down to three main things:

1. Saving Time
   “Time is precious for small business owners. A café owner shouldn’t spend evenings doing bookkeeping — they should be resting or planning the next day’s menu,” Layla explains.

2. Accuracy and Compliance
   Virtual accountants stay updated with tax laws and use software that reduces mistakes. This prevents costly errors and avoids penalties.

3. Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness
   Instead of hiring a full-time in-house accountant, businesses can pay only for the services they need. Virtual services scale with the business, making them budget-friendly.

Where Can You Find Virtual Accountants?

Here are some of the best places Layla recommends:

1. Accounting Firms Offering Virtual Services

Many traditional firms now provide remote accounting support. These firms are reliable because they have certified accountants and years of experience.

Layla’s Tip: Choose a firm that has worked with businesses like yours. For example, if you run a small retail shop, find a firm that understands retail cash flow and inventory challenges.

2. Cloud Accounting Platforms

Tools like Xero, QuickBooks Online, and MYOB often have networks of certified advisors. Through these platforms, you can find accountants who are trained to use the software and can manage your books seamlessly online.

Layla’s Story:
“One of my clients, a small landscaping business, found a QuickBooks-certified accountant who handled everything online. The owner could check his finances on his phone between jobs, and he never missed a BAS deadline again.”

3. Freelance Virtual Accountants

Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or LinkedIn list accountants who work independently. This can be cost-effective, especially for very small businesses.

Layla’s Warning:
“Always check their qualifications. Make sure they’re registered tax agents or certified accountants. Look at reviews and ask for references. Your finances are too important to leave to chance.”

4. Referrals from Other Business Owners

Sometimes the best way to find a trustworthy accountant is by asking people you know. Business networks, local chambers of commerce, or even friends in business can recommend reliable virtual accountants.

Layla’s Note:
“Most of my clients over the years have come from referrals. When someone you trust recommends an accountant, it usually means they’re dependable.”

5. Online Business Communities

Facebook groups, industry forums, and Reddit business communities often discuss virtual accountants. Business owners share who they use and their experiences, which can be very helpful when searching.

What to Look for in a Virtual Accountant

Not all accountants are the same. According to Layla, here’s what you should check before hiring:

• Qualifications: Look for a CPA (Certified Practising Accountant), CA (Chartered Accountant), or registered tax agent.

• Experience: Do they understand your type of business? A tradie’s needs are different from an online store.

• Software knowledge: Make sure they’re skilled in tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB.

• Clear communication: They should explain things in simple words, not jargon.

• Security: Your financial data must be handled securely with reliable platforms.

• Flexibility: Can they grow with your business?

Real-Life Benefits of Virtual Accounting

Layla loves sharing client stories to show the real impact of virtual accountants:

• The Café Owner: She used to stay up late doing payroll manually. After moving to Xero with a virtual accountant, payroll was automatic, and superannuation contributions were handled without stress.

• The Retail Shop: The owner struggled with cash flow. Her virtual accountant gave her monthly reports and showed her how to reduce expenses, saving her thousands each year.

• The Trade Business: A plumber on the go used QuickBooks to track invoices. His virtual accountant managed BAS and tax lodgements, so he never worried about missing deadlines.

“These business owners finally had peace of mind,” Layla says. “That’s the true value of a virtual accountant — less stress and more confidence.”

Conclusion

Finding the right virtual accountant can transform your business. Instead of drowning in paperwork, you’ll have accurate books, timely reports, and clear advice — all handled remotely by a trusted professional.

Layla’s advice after 35 years of experience is simple:

• Look for proper qualifications.

• Choose someone experienced in your industry.

• Make sure they know software like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB.

• Ask for referrals and check reviews.

• Find an accountant who explains things simply and works with you, not just for you.

As Layla beautifully puts it:

“A good virtual accountant is not just someone who balances your books. They are a partner who gives you peace of mind, saves you time, and helps your business grow. Once you find the right one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.”

So if you’ve been struggling with finances, maybe it’s time to explore virtual accounting. With the right support, you can focus on what you love most — running and growing your business — while leaving the numbers in safe hands.