Do you need a full-time controller for your Saint Petersburg company? Many owners receive the same level of control at a reduced cost from Outsourced Controller Services. You enjoy the benefits of having professionals manage your books without paying a six-figure salary. Outsourced Accounting Saint Petersburg Services can help small businesses access expert financial support while keeping costs under control. The best option depends on your business size, budget, and goals. With sales, employees, and spreadsheets to manage, many owners struggle to balance everything. At Titan Tax Solutions, we help small businesses compare outsourced and in-house accounting options. This guide offers a straightforward comparison to help you make an informed decision. Contact our team to schedule a consultation.

What a Controller Actually Does

A controller takes control of the accuracy of your financial records. Imagine that this person is your numbers’ guardian. A bookkeeper records transactions. They are reviewed by a controller, the books are closed, and accurate reports are created that you can trust. Those reports are then used by a CFO to inform strategy.

Core duties include:

• Closing and account reconciliations monthly
• Reporting financial statements and cash flow reports
• Financial planning and risk management systems
• Legal assistance with tax filing and tax audits

The True Cost of an In-House Controller

Full-time controllers are likely to make a six-figure income. This can be in the range of 25% to 40% more for benefits and payroll taxes. Include software, training, and hiring time, and the cost skyrockets. There aren’t enough jobs for a controller in many small companies to keep him or her busy the whole week. Risk matters too. Your books stop moving if one controller dies or becomes ill. An inadequate hire can run up to months of clean-up. That one point of failure is a concern for many owners.

How an Outsourced Controller Works

An outsourced controller works as part of your team, but not on your payroll. Hours and tasks are paid for as needed. A team is behind you with a primary contact, so there is no time off. The majority of work is done using secure cloud platforms, video meetings, and phone calls. Small businesses can expect to pay a few thousand dollars per month for fees. That number is typically a lot less expensive than a loaded salary. Support can be increased or decreased throughout busy or slow seasons.

Side-by-Side: Cost, Coverage, and Control

There are five factors to consider when deciding to use an outsourced controller vs. an in-house controller:

• Cost: Outsourcing is a flexible monthly fee. In-house is a guaranteed salary plus benefits.
• Know-how: Outsourced groups have diverse industry experience. One person with one background, one person with one set of experiences.
• Availability: Outsourced coverage is maintained during vacations and turnover. In-house coverage comes to an end when your controller walks out the door.
• Scalability: Outsourced support increases as you scale. A new employee is required for an in-house position.
• Presence: A controller that is located in your office. An outsourced controller is a job that is done from afar.

Neither is always successful. It’s up to you to choose your stage and complexity.

Which Option Fits Your Business Stage

You are unlikely to have to hire a full-time controller for your startup or small business. It can be done in a few hours per month by an expert. For growing companies with more than one location or entity, more might be needed. If you are a large company that needs to deal with a lot of business every day, you might want to hire a person straight from the dealership. A blended model also works pretty well. Maintain a bookkeeper to record daily bookkeeping. Have an outsourced accounting Saint Petersburg perform monthly close and review of work. The support and expert oversight you receive is daily, and you’re not paying a top-dollar salary.

What Saint Petersburg Small Businesses Should Know

Outsourced Controller Services are great for local businesses because Tampa Bay is a fast-moving region. Clean numbers are required for all teams, including hospitality, healthcare, real estate, tech, and nonprofit. There is no personal income tax in Florida. You’re still required to pay sales tax, do payroll, and file local business tax reports. Storms are another worry. Cloud-based books help maintain access to financial records during a hurricane. At Titan Tax Solutions, we provide reliable outsourced accounting services to businesses in St. Petersburg, FL, and across Tampa Bay, including Pinellas County. We also support clients remotely throughout the country, helping businesses maintain organized financial records and dependable accounting support.

How Titan Tax Solutions Helps

When it comes to our clients, Titan Tax Solutions has over 30 years of experience and a proven track record. Clear pricing, quick delivery, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee are provided. We provide small business controller services that provide solid and accurate reporting. They are used in conjunction with full-service accounting, tax planning, and tax preparation. Need strategy too? Our fractional CFO services bring leadership at a fraction of the price. We inspect your current setup first, and you only have to invest in what you need. One team for your books, one team for your taxes, and one team for your growth plan.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

When considering hiring a controller, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have enough finance work to fill a full-time week?
• Can I pay 100% of salary and benefits, and software?
• What happens to my books if this person leaves?
• Do I require support or oversight daily or every month?

If both above are a negative, it’s probably better to outsource.

Choose the Right Financial Partner

Outsourced Controller Services provide the same level of management to a small business – but without the budget of a full-time employee. For bigger and busier companies, hiring in-house is still worth it. Titan Tax Solutions can give you real numbers to help you compare both options. We then create a plan that is affordable to you. This post provides general information, not personal financial advice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does an outsourced controller do?

An outsourced controller will review your books, perform the monthly close, and create financial reports. They also enhance internal controls and facilitate budgeting and tax filing.

2. What is the cost of hiring a controller?

The cost is dependent on your size, volume, and scope. A number of small companies charge a percentage-based monthly fee. Request a definite, line-by-line price quotation.

3. When is it time for a small business to hire a controller?

Take it into account if the work on money occupies an entire week. Hefty transaction volume, a lot of entities, or a big team can also warrant the price.

4. What does the difference between a controller and a bookkeeper mean?

A bookkeeper keeps a daily record of transactions. A controller evaluates that work, seals the books, and generates reports. The controller also makes provisions to avoid mistakes and bogus transactions.

5. Will I be able to use an outsourced controller with my current bookkeeper?

Yes. Many companies have a bookkeeper to do their work on a daily basis. The work is checked by the controller, problems are resolved, and the monthly close is directed.

Talk to Our Experts Today

Would you like to find out what you can? Give Titan Tax Solutions a call today at (248) 524-5240. Let’s help you choose the right business to fit you!