Hire Bookkeepers in the Philippines (2026 Guide)
Author: Martin English
Founder – Smart Outsourcing Solution
Last Updated: 09 March 2026
Reading Time: 8 minutes
Quick Answer
Companies hire bookkeepers in the Philippines to manage financial records, accounts payable, and reconciliations at a significantly lower cost than hiring locally.
Typical bookkeeper salaries in the Philippines range from $900 to $1,800 per month, with total employer costs typically between $1,200 and $2,300 per employee, depending on experience and employment structure.
Many international companies hire Filipino bookkeepers through an Employer of Record (EOR), enabling employment in the Philippines without establishing a local entity.
The Philippines is a top destination for offshore bookkeeping due to strong accounting education, English proficiency, and a large pool of finance professionals.
TL;DR
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Bookkeeper salaries typically range from $900–$1,800 per month.
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Offshore bookkeepers work with Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, and other accounting platforms.
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Companies can hire through EOR, staffing providers, or outsourced accounting firms.
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Hiring timelines usually take 2–4 weeks.
Key Takeaways
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The Philippines produces thousands of accounting and finance graduates annually.
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Offshore bookkeeping teams reduce finance operational costs by 50–70%.
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Filipino finance professionals support SMEs, startups, and accounting firms globally.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper maintains accurate financial records and supports day-to-day accounting operations.
Typical responsibilities:
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Recording financial transactions
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Managing accounts payable and receivable
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Reconciling bank accounts
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Preparing financial reports
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Maintaining accounting software records
Bookkeepers often work with accountants or finance managers to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Typical Tasks Handled by Offshore Bookkeepers
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Transaction Recording | Enter daily financial transactions |
| Accounts Payable | Manage supplier invoices and payments |
| Accounts Receivable | Handle customer invoicing and collections |
| Bank Reconciliation | Match financial records with bank statements |
| Financial Reporting | Prepare monthly financial summaries |
| Expense Tracking | Monitor company expenses |
| Payroll Support | Assist with payroll processing |
Advanced bookkeepers may assist with budgeting, financial analysis, and audit support.
Cost to Hire Bookkeepers in the Philippines
| Role | Monthly Salary | Estimated Total Employer Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Bookkeeper | $900 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Mid-Level Bookkeeper | $1,200 – $1,600 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Senior Bookkeeper | $1,600 – $2,200 | $2,000 – $2,300 |
Total employer costs typically include: salary, statutory contributions, 13th month pay, paid leave, and payroll administration.
Salary Comparison: Philippines vs Western Markets
| Location | Average Bookkeeper Salary |
|---|---|
| United States | $4,200 |
| United Kingdom | $3,500 |
| Australia | $3,700 |
| Philippines | $1,200 |
Hiring bookkeepers in the Philippines reduces costs while maintaining quality finance processes.
Build Your Offshore Finance Team
Smart Outsourcing Solution helps international companies recruit and onboard bookkeepers within 2–4 weeks.
Example team structure:
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1 Senior Accountant
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2 Bookkeepers
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1 Accounts Payable Specialist
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1 Payroll Coordinator
This team can manage daily accounting operations, reconciliations, and reporting.
Which Companies Hire Offshore Bookkeepers?
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Startups and SaaS companies
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Accounting and finance firms
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E-commerce businesses
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Professional services firms
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SMEs expanding globally
Philippines vs Other Offshore Bookkeeping Locations
| Location | Average Salary | English Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | $1,200 | Very High | SME bookkeeping |
| India | $1,000 | Medium | High-volume finance work |
| Eastern Europe | $3,000 | High | EU accounting |
| Latin America | $2,200 | High | US nearshore finance teams |
The Philippines is preferred due to English proficiency, accounting education, and cultural alignment.
Tools Commonly Used by Offshore Bookkeepers
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Xero | Cloud accounting platform |
| QuickBooks | Financial management software |
| NetSuite | ERP and reporting |
| Zoho Books | SME accounting |
| Bill.com | Accounts payable automation |
Many Filipino bookkeepers are trained across multiple international accounting platforms.
Why the Philippines Has Strong Finance Talent
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Over 200,000 accounting and business graduates annually
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Skilled in international accounting standards and cloud-based platforms
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Experienced in supporting US, UK, and Australian clients
How Companies Hire Bookkeepers in the Philippines
1. Employer of Record (EOR)
Manages employment contracts, payroll, statutory contributions, and HR compliance. Enables hiring without a local entity.
2. Offshore Staffing Providers
Recruit bookkeepers while the client company manages day-to-day operations.
3. Outsourced Accounting Firms
Full-service bookkeeping outsourced to professional finance firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire bookkeepers in the Philippines?
$900 to $1,800 per month depending on experience.
Can foreign companies hire bookkeepers in the Philippines?
Yes, via an Employer of Record or by establishing a local entity.
What accounting software do Filipino bookkeepers use?
Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, Zoho Books.
Can offshore bookkeepers work with international accounting standards?
Yes, supporting US, UK, and Australian clients.
How quickly can companies hire offshore bookkeepers?
Typically within 2–4 weeks.
Do offshore bookkeepers prepare financial reports?
Yes, including reconciliations and summaries for accountants.
What industries hire offshore bookkeepers?
Startups, SMEs, e-commerce businesses, and accounting firms.
Related Offshore Roles Companies Hire in the Philippines
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Accountants
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Finance Analysts
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Accounts Payable Specialists
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Virtual Assistants
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Payroll Specialists
Hire Bookkeepers in the Philippines
Smart Outsourcing Solution helps international companies recruit, hire, and manage offshore finance teams through a compliant Employer of Record model.
SOS supports hiring across:
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Finance and accounting
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Customer support
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Sales development
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Technology
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AI data services
Book a consultation to discuss building your offshore finance team.
