As businesses in Australia scale and evolve, maintaining accurate financial records becomes even more crucial.

But for many small to medium enterprises (SMEs), the cost of hiring in-house bookkeepers—especially those skilled in accounting software like QuickBooks—can be substantial.

That’s why more and more Australian businesses are turning to the Philippines for professional, cost-effective bookkeeping support.

In this article, we explore the compelling reasons why Australian companies should hire QuickBooks bookkeepers in the Philippines, particularly under an Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement.

We’ll also highlight how partnering with an innovative accounting firm like Davao Accountants can simplify the process and provide long-term value.

The Demand for Skilled Bookkeepers in Australia

Australian SMEs face an increasing need for competent bookkeepers who can:

• Maintain accurate financial records

• Reconcile bank statements

• Process payroll

• Prepare BAS (Business Activity Statements)

• Manage invoices and accounts payable/receivable

• Generate monthly reports

QuickBooks has become a go-to accounting solution in Australia, known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features.

However, the local demand for experienced QuickBooks users often outpaces supply—leading to high salaries and stiff competition in the labor market.

Why the Philippines is the Ideal Bookkeeping Hub

The Philippines has long been recognized as a global leader in business process outsourcing (BPO), offering skilled professionals at a fraction of the cost of local hires in Australia. Here’s why it’s the ideal destination for bookkeeping talent:

1. High English Proficiency and Strong Accounting Education

Filipinos rank among the top English speakers in Asia, ensuring smooth communication with Australian clients.

Moreover, the country produces thousands of accounting and finance graduates annually—many of whom are trained in international accounting standards and software like QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB.

2. Time Zone Compatibility with Australia

The Philippines’ time zone is just two to three hours behind major Australian cities. This means Filipino bookkeepers can work in real time with Australian businesses, providing same-day turnaround and seamless collaboration.

3. Cost-Efficiency Without Sacrificing Quality

Hiring a full-time bookkeeper in Australia can cost upwards of AUD 60,000 annually. In contrast, businesses can hire a qualified Filipino QuickBooks bookkeeper for less than half that amount—without compromising the quality of work.

What is an Employer of Record (EOR) and Why It Matters?

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on behalf of another company.

When Australian businesses hire Filipino bookkeepers through an EOR, they:

• Avoid setting up a local entity in the Philippines

• Stay compliant with local employment laws

• Simplify payroll, benefits, and tax administration

• Retain full control over the bookkeeper’s day-to-day tasks

This arrangement gives businesses the flexibility and convenience of remote hiring, while ensuring the legal and HR aspects are handled by experts.

Advantages of Hiring QuickBooks Bookkeepers in the Philippines Under an EOR Arrangement

1. Zero Need for Local Incorporation

Setting up a company in the Philippines involves legal, tax, and compliance obligations. With an EOR like Davao Accountants, Australian companies can legally employ Filipino workers without registering a business entity in the country.

2. Full Legal and HR Compliance

Labor laws in the Philippines can be intricate and constantly evolving. The EOR ensures that employment contracts, payroll, statutory benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG), and taxes are all managed in accordance with local regulations.

3. Faster Onboarding

Through an EOR, the hiring process becomes fast and efficient. Davao Accountants can onboard a new QuickBooks bookkeeper within days, not weeks—so businesses can hit the ground running.

4. Scalability Without the HR Burden

Whether you need one bookkeeper or an entire finance team, an EOR makes it easy to scale your workforce based on your needs—without expanding your internal HR department or worrying about compliance issues.

5. Enhanced Employee Experience

Under the EOR model, Filipino bookkeepers are treated as full-time employees, receiving proper benefits, job security, and career development. This leads to higher retention, better performance, and stronger loyalty—all of which benefit the Australian employer.

Why Davao Accountants is the Ideal EOR Partner for Australian Businesses?

Davao Accountants is a full-service accounting firm based in Davao City, Philippines, specializing in Employer of Record (EOR) services and remote staffing solutions for foreign companies.

Here’s why Australian businesses choose Davao Accountants:

Expertise in Accounting and Compliance

Unlike generic HR outsourcing providers, Davao Accountants is a specialized accounting firm. This means you’re working with a team that understands QuickBooks, Australian accounting principles, and Philippine compliance standards.

Customized Solutions for SMEs

We recognize that every business is different. That’s why we offer tailored staffing models—whether you need a part-time bookkeeper or a full-time remote accounting team.

Streamlined Payroll and Benefits Administration

We take care of everything—salary payments, payslips, leave tracking, social security contributions, and even group HMO (health coverage) plans—ensuring your bookkeeper stays motivated and secure.

Transparent Pricing and Communication

With our cloud-based client portal, Australian businesses have full visibility over payroll costs, attendance, and employee performance. We believe in complete transparency and proactive communication.

What Can a Filipino QuickBooks Bookkeeper Do for Your Australian Business?

A full-time QuickBooks bookkeeper in the Philippines can handle a wide range of tasks, including:

• Daily transaction recording

• Bank and credit card reconciliation

• Payroll processing

• Monthly financial statements

• GST and BAS preparation

• Budgeting and cash flow reports

• Accounts receivable and payable

• QuickBooks setup and maintenance

• Coordination with your Australian accountant or tax advisor

This allows your local team to focus on core business operations, while your offshore bookkeeper ensures that your financial data is accurate and up to date.

How the Hiring Process Works

With Davao Accountants as your EOR, hiring a Filipino QuickBooks bookkeeper is simple and straightforward:

1. Define Your Needs

We discuss your business requirements—work hours, responsibilities, and ideal qualifications.

2. Candidate Matching

We pre-screen and present qualified QuickBooks bookkeepers who meet your criteria.

3. You Select the Bookkeeper

You interview and choose the best fit for your team.

4. We Handle Onboarding

Davao Accountants signs the employment contract, registers the employee with relevant government agencies, and manages onboarding.

5. Ongoing Support

We manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR admin, while you manage the bookkeeper’s day-to-day output.

Real Results: Case Study Snapshot

An Australian e-commerce company with operations in Sydney needed help reconciling daily sales and preparing BAS reports. They hired a QuickBooks-certified bookkeeper from Davao through our EOR service.

Within two weeks, the bookkeeper had:

• Cleaned up months of backlogs

• Automated transaction categorization in QuickBooks Online

• Set up weekly financial reporting for better cash flow visibility

• Helped reduce the company’s local bookkeeping costs by over 60%

The business owner now has peace of mind, knowing compliance is handled and accurate reports are always available.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a QuickBooks bookkeeper in the Philippines is a strategic move for Australian businesses seeking reliable, cost-effective bookkeeping solutions.

With the support of a trusted Employer of Record like Davao Accountants, you can expand your team quickly, stay compliant with local laws, and reduce costs—all while benefiting from world-class accounting talent.

If you’re ready to delegate your bookkeeping to a dedicated professional, without the hassle of local hiring, partner with Davao Accountants today.

To learn more, please contact us to book an initial consultation.