Accounting Outsourcing Durban is for businesses handing all or part of the finance function to an outside firm rather than employing the people internally. Bookkeeping, creditors, payroll, reporting and compliance, run by a team you do not manage.
The usual triggers are a bookkeeper resigning, a business outgrowing one person, or an owner realising they are the internal control.
Which functions you want to hand over, your transaction volumes and your current software. Firms will quote a monthly fee.
Get Quotes From Accountants in DurbanWhat Can Be Outsourced
Outsourcing is not all or nothing. Most Durban businesses start with one or two functions.
| Function | Commonly outsourced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping and reconciliations | Yes | The usual starting point |
| Creditors processing | Yes | Keep payment authorisation in-house |
| Debtors and collections | Sometimes | Works where invoicing is systematic |
| Payroll | Yes | Confidentiality is often the reason |
| VAT and tax submissions | Yes | Needs a registered tax practitioner |
| Management reporting | Yes | Needs clean underlying data |
| Financial director role | Yes, part-time | Days per month rather than full-time |
| Payment release | No | Keep this inside the business |
Keep authorisation and payment release in-house. Outsourcing the capturing is sensible, outsourcing the ability to move money is not.
The Real Cost Comparison
Compare total employment cost, not salary against fee.
| Cost item | In-house bookkeeper | Outsourced |
|---|---|---|
| Salary or fee | R18,000 - R26,000 | R3,500 - R18,000 |
| UIF, leave, 13th cheque | Roughly 15 - 20% on top | None |
| Software licences | R500 - R2,500 per month | Usually included |
| Workspace and equipment | Your cost | None |
| Cover during leave | You absorb it | Firm's responsibility |
| Technical review | External accountant still needed | Included |
| Single point of failure | One person | A team |
Transition
- Professional clearance. The new firm writes to the old one. Settle outstanding fees so records are released without argument.
- Data migration. Trial balance, ledgers, fixed asset register, payroll history and open debtor and creditor balances.
- Run one month in parallel. Catches missing balances before the old firm disengages.
- Agree the reporting calendar. Deadlines for submissions and management packs, in writing.
- Fix access and authorisation. Who can view, who can process, who can release payments.
Budget six to eight weeks for a clean handover. For the full list of services firms can take on, see Accountants Durban.
Accounting Outsourcing Durban Prices
Indicative monthly fees, excluding VAT, by function.
| Function outsourced | Indicative monthly fee | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping only | R1,800 - R9,000 | Transaction volume |
| Bookkeeping plus VAT | R2,800 - R12,000 | Volume and VAT frequency |
| Creditors processing | R2,500 - R12,000 | Invoice volume |
| Debtors and collections | R3,500 - R15,000 | Number of accounts |
| Payroll | R850 - R6,000 | Headcount, from about R90 per payslip |
| Full finance function, SME | R12,000 - R35,000 | All of the above plus reporting |
| Outsourced FD on top | R12,000 - R35,000 | Part-time, retainer |
| Implementation and migration | R8,000 - R45,000 once-off | Software, clean-up, handover |
Indicative Durban ranges, not a quotation. Volume drives the fee more than turnover does. Ask firms to price against your actual monthly transaction count.
Send your volumes and get fixed monthly fees back from several firms.
Compare Outsourcing ProvidersFrequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to outsource accounting in Durban?
Bookkeeping alone typically runs R1,800 to R9,000 a month excluding VAT. A full outsourced finance function for an SME usually lands between R12,000 and R35,000, before any part-time FD input.
Is outsourcing cheaper than hiring?
Usually below about R20 million turnover. A bookkeeper on R22,000 a month costs closer to R28,000 once UIF, leave, workspace, software and supervision are counted, and you still need an external accountant for the year-end.
What should I keep in-house?
Approval and payment release. The outsourced team should prepare payment batches, but someone inside the business should authorise and release them.
How long does the transition take?
Six to eight weeks for a typical SME: professional clearance, data migration, a parallel month and then full handover. Rushing it in two weeks is how balances get lost.
What happens to my data if I leave?
Your accounting records belong to you. Agree in the engagement letter that you get a full data export and the file in a usable format on termination, and that you hold your own software licence where possible.
Related Accounting Services in Durban
Accountants Durban is a free quote-comparison service. The accounting, tax and audit work is carried out by the independent firms and practitioners that quote you, and your engagement is with the firm you appoint. Ask each firm for its registration details, professional body membership and a written engagement letter before appointing anyone.
Accounting Outsourcing Durban. Compare outsourcing proposals from accounting firms covering Durban.
Get 5 QuotesGet Accounting Outsourcing Durban Quotes
Tell us which functions to hand over and your volumes, and firms will quote directly.
Free to use, no obligation. Your request goes to LEADERR APPROVED accounting firms and practitioners covering Durban, who quote you directly.
Client Reviews
Powered by leaderr
