FreshBooks Bookkeeping Alternative — Service vs. Software
FreshBooks is invoicing software. We're a full-service bookkeeping team. You focus on your business — we handle every transaction, every reconciliation, every HST filing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
FreshBooks vs.
a real bookkeeper.
| Feature | Outsource Bookkeeping | FreshBooks |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $500/month | $17–$55/month (software) |
| Who does the work | Our team | You |
| Primary purpose | Full bookkeeping service | Invoicing & time tracking |
| HST/GST filing | ✓ Included | You file yourself |
| Bank reconciliation | ✓ Done for you | You reconcile |
| CPA-ready reports | ✓ By the 10th | Basic reports only |
| Payroll | ✓ Included | Not available |
| Catch-up bookkeeping | ✓ Available | Not included |
| CRA support | ✓ Included | None |
| Dedicated bookkeeper | ✓ Yes | No |
| Free consultation | ✓ Yes | No |
Why Businesses Go Beyond FreshBooks
Invoicing software
isn't bookkeeping.
FreshBooks is for invoicing — not bookkeeping
FreshBooks excels at creating invoices and tracking time. But full-cycle bookkeeping — reconciliation, HST filing, financial statements — is still entirely your responsibility.
You still do all the reconciliation
Even with FreshBooks, matching every transaction to your bank statements is your job. Missed entries and unmatched transactions silently accumulate until tax time.
HST filing is not automatic
FreshBooks calculates HST on invoices but does not file with CRA. Every quarter, the filing obligation is yours — late filing penalties start immediately.
No CPA-ready financial statements
FreshBooks produces basic profit summaries but not the structured financial statements your accountant or lender needs — Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, and proper P&L formatting.
Payroll isn't in the package
If you have employees, FreshBooks doesn't handle Canadian payroll deductions, CPP, EI remittances, or ROEs. Payroll compliance is entirely separate.
Year-end cleanup costs you more
When your books aren't professionally maintained all year, your CPA spends extra hours cleaning them up. That cleanup bill often exceeds what a monthly bookkeeper would have cost.
Who This Is For
Perfect for freelancers
ready to grow.
FreshBooks is ideal when you start out. When your business grows and bookkeeping becomes a burden, we step in and handle everything — so you can keep using FreshBooks for invoicing if you like.
FAQ
Common questions
answered honestly.
Stop doing your own bookkeeping.
Get a quote today.
$500/month flat. CPA-ready by the 10th. HST filed. All provinces. No contracts.
Get a quote →