Are remote bookkeepers still available as businesses transition off the pandemic and push return-to-work policies? The answer is a resounding “yes.” While accounting has probably been one of the most conservative industries, aside from lawyers, accounting work has become incredibly digital. And that means accounting and bookkeeping work can be performed just about anywhere there is an Internet connection, the right accounting software tools, and reliable file sharing and storage.
Pandemic-Tested & Functional
Given the fact that everyone in service industries had to deal with separation and remote work, remote bookkeeping really became practiced on a regular basis. That proved, with the right tools and cloud system setup, accounting work could be handled competently, accurately and timely. Now, even though many businesses are returning to the office, bookkeeping work with remote support still remains a very viable tool, especially when companies find themselves in a pinch to handle a spike in workload and insufficient staff on-hand to address the surge.
Global Support Awareness
The other big element that became practical during the pandemic was the fact that with the cloud, remote bookkeeping could not only be handled competently by highly-skilled support, it could be addressed 24/7. By leveraging labor resources around the world, work could be handled faster with more shifts in the day than a typical 8-hour shift. That in turn doubled or tripled the effective speed of bookkeeping production, driving reports and completing product faster for companies under time crunches. Either clients could address tight deadlines better or they could increase capacity and get more done. It was a win-win situation that is still available today. In fact, going back to a 100 percent office model would likely reduce productivity in bookkeeping for most clients today. It was that effective.
There is Plenty of Skill Coming Online
In terms of a shortage of skilled labor available for remote work, there is no shortage. In fact, in 2023, some 63 percent of new professionals in the accounting world are actively looking for hybrid work versus traditional office roles, and as much as 47 percent wish to work 100 percent remote. They have the same skills at least as in-office accounting staff, and given their remote experience, are probably far better with computer work, digital format, cloud systems, and working on the Internet in general. In short, there is no remote bookkeeper shortage going into 2024. Instead, plenty of fully-trained candidates are ready to lend a hand.