At RizFin, we provide outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland for SMEs who want to stay organised, compliant, and confident in their numbers — without the cost and hassle of managing bookkeeping in-house.
While many still picture a bookkeeper sitting at a desk two days a week, we’re seeing a clear shift: more business owners are realising that outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland can offer the same personal touch, but with greater flexibility, efficiency, and value.
The Numbers: Outsourced Bookkeeping Services in Ireland for SMEs
Ireland has over 275,000 SMEs, accounting for 99.8% of all active enterprises, 68.4% of employment, 42.8% of turnover, and 39.6% of Gross Value Added (GVA) in the business economy (CSO, 2022).
These SMEs are the heartbeat of our economy — but there’s no official public figure on how many outsource their bookkeeping.
Across Europe, the picture is much clearer:
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51% of companies outsource financial services
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61% outsource tax-related functions
(CBI – Finance & Accounting Market Potential)
Given similar challenges — rising costs, increasing compliance demands, and widespread adoption of cloud accounting — it’s reasonable to expect that Ireland is following suit.
Why Irish SMEs Are Switching to Outsourced Bookkeeping Services
From our work with clients, here’s why outsourcing is on the rise:
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Lower Overheads – No payroll taxes, holiday pay, or office space needed.
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Expert Support – Access to trained professionals who work with multiple businesses and stay up to date with legislation and software.
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Scalable Service – Whether you need a few hours a month or full weekly support, you can adjust as your business changes.
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Better Use of Time – Owners and managers can focus on growth instead of chasing receipts and reconciling accounts.
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Cloud-Based Collaboration – Real-time visibility of your numbers from anywhere, at any time.
For many, outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland isn’t just about lowering costs — it’s about accessing expert skills on demand.
What Outsourced Bookkeeping Really Means for Your Business
Outsourced bookkeeping isn’t the same as hiring someone to sit in your office two days a week handling every bit of admin.
When you choose outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland with RizFin, you get a streamlined, digital-first approach that works from anywhere. Our focus is on bookkeeping in its truest form:
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Recording and reconciling transactions accurately.
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Processing supplier invoices and customer receipts.
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Managing bank and credit card reconciliations.
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Tracking VAT and ensuring compliance.
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Preparing clear, organised records so your accountant or auditor can step straight in when needed — with no missing documents or messy spreadsheets.
We also offer virtual admin services in Ireland for businesses who need more back-office support — handled remotely and priced separately to keep your bookkeeping costs lean.
In-House vs Outsourced: The Cost Reality for Irish SMEs
This table breaks down the real costs of hiring in-house versus choosing outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland, so you can make a decision based on facts, not assumptions.
| Cost Item | In-House Bookkeeper (Part-Time) | RizFin – Bookkeeping Only (ex VAT / inc VAT) | RizFin – Virtual Admin Only (ex VAT / inc VAT) | RizFin – Combined Bookkeeping + Admin (ex VAT / inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base pay / Service fee | €25/hour × 8 hrs/week = €867/month | Steady Start – €150 / €184.50 (≤50 txns) Smooth Sailing – €275 / €338.25 (≤100 txns) Full Steam – €550 / €676.50 (≤200 txns) |
Admin Lite (3 hrs/week) – €240 / €295.20 Admin Support (5 hrs/week) – €400 / €492.00 Admin Plus (6 hrs/week) – €480 / €590.40 |
Steady Start + Admin Lite – €390 / €479.70 Smooth Sailing + Admin Support – €675 / €831.75 Full Steam + Admin Plus – €1,030 / €1,264.90 |
| Employer PRSI | ~€96/month | — | — | — |
| Holiday pay | Equivalent of ~€72/month | — | — | — |
| Training & software | ~€42–€83/month | Included | Included | Included |
| Office space / equipment | ~€42–€125/month | — | — | — |
| Cover for absence | Often extra cost | Included | Included | Included |
| Total monthly cost | ~€1,120–€1,240 | €150–€550 €184.50–€676.50 |
€240–€480 €295.20–€590.40 |
€390–€1,030 €479.70–€1,264.90 |
Making Sense of the Numbers
This isn’t just about being cheaper — it’s about flexibility and specialisation.
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With an in-house bookkeeper, you’re locked into a fixed 8 hours/week plus employer costs, no matter the workload.
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With RizFin, you choose exactly what you need — bookkeeping only, virtual admin only, or both — and adjust it month-to-month.
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VAT-registered? Focus on the ex VAT numbers (you can reclaim VAT). Not VAT-registered? The inc VAT column shows the true, still-competitive cost.
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Even at the top combined tier, RizFin matches or beats the in-house monthly cost — with no payroll headaches, no holiday cover gaps, and no wasted hours.
This comparison table shows how outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland can give you more flexibility than hiring in-house, while often saving money too.
The Takeaway for Irish SMEs
While we don’t yet have official Irish figures, European data and our client experience show a steady rise in outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland as a smart business choice. For many SMEs, it’s no longer just about saving money — it’s a strategy for better financial clarity, more flexibility, and peace of mind.
At RizFin, we deliver structured, reliable bookkeeping services for Irish SMEs — freeing up your time, keeping you compliant, and supporting your growth, all while feeling like we’re right there in the office with you.
📞 Ready to explore outsourced bookkeeping services in Ireland that’s flexible, cost-effective, and tailored to your business?
Contact RizFin today for a friendly, no-obligation chat about your business needs.
