Guide to Hiring a Virtual Tax Accountant in the Philippines

To hire a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines, first, decide what tasks you want to delegate. Next, choose if you need a part-time or full-time role. Then, create a clear job description. Finally, you can recruit on your own or work with an offshore staffing provider like MYCPE ONE.

This affordable method gives you access to skilled professionals who speak English. They can help with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and admin support.

How can Virtual Tax Accountant help CPAs?

A virtual tax accountant in the Philippines helps CPAs by taking on time-consuming admin and tax tasks. This frees up CPAs to focus on high-value services and client relationships. 

An outsourced virtual tax accountant can manage bookkeeping, tax preparation, data entry, and client follow-ups. They make sure your in-house team meets deadlines without burning out.

CPAs across the U.S. are overwhelmed with rising demand and shrinking staff. Over 42% of accounting firms are now turning down clients due to overload. 

Many CPAs in states like Texas, California, and New York use virtual help daily. This model supports local firms without needing to hire full-time staff.

Hiring VAs is cost-effective for small to mid-sized firms aiming to grow. It also improves turnaround time and boosts overall client satisfaction.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the best accounting tasks you can delegate:

1. Administrative Support

Email Management

Virtual tax accountants can manage your email inbox with precision and speed. They respond to routine queries and highlight urgent client messages for you.

For busy CPAs in cities like Chicago or Miami, missed emails can mean lost clients. If you hire offshore accountants, they can help you stay on top of communication and maintain client trust.

Appointment Scheduling

They also handle calendar management, booking meetings, and coordinating schedules. This helps you avoid double bookings and stay on track throughout your day.

No matter if you run a business in Atlanta or work alone in Denver, virtual tax accountants can help you manage your time. They keep your day running smoothly.

Data Entry

Data entry is another crucial support task that VAs can take over. They input financial data accurately into your accounting software, saving hours.

From QuickBooks to Xero, trained VAs minimize errors and boost efficiency. This gives CPAs more time to focus on tax strategy, planning, and client service.

2. Client Coordination

Client Onboarding

Slow onboarding can hurt your first impression and delay service delivery. A virtual tax accountant in the Philippines can prepare documents and schedule welcome calls.

They ensure that every new client receives prompt attention and a smooth onboarding experience, which is especially useful for CPAs in competitive markets.

Client Communication

You can lead strategic discussions while your virtual tax accountant manages routine communication. For example, a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines can send reminders, updates, and follow-ups.

They keep clients engaged, informed, and satisfied without draining your in-house resources. It’s a smart way to enhance service without hiring additional full-time staff.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Accurate and organized client data is key to long-term relationships. Your virtual tax accountant can update contact details, track interactions, and log communication history.

Strong backend support translates into better client service and firm growth. With the right VA, you stay organized, efficient, and client-focused year-round.

More than 40 firms have hired 80+ expert offshore team members through MYCPE ONE.

 

3. Bookkeeping and Accounting Tasks

Accounts Payable and Receivable

Managing invoices and tracking payments is time-consuming but essential. A virtual tax accountant in the Philippines can handle your invoicing process end-to-end.

They send invoices, follow up on payments, and reduce delays in cash flow. This means you receive your payment on time without having to chase clients yourself.

Bank Reconciliation

Reconciling bank statements is a tedious but vital task for CPAs. Your virtual tax accountant can match transactions and fix discrepancies accurately.

Expense Tracking

Tracking expenses manually can quickly become overwhelming. VAs can categorize transactions, flag unusual spending, and keep reports updated.

This allows for smarter budgeting and more strategic financial planning. It also helps you deliver clearer, data-backed advice to your clients.

How to Hire Virtual Tax Accountants From the Philippines

Now that you know how virtual tax accountants can help CPAs, let’s contemplate how you can hire for your firm. Here is a step-by-step process that will help you employ a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines.

Step 1: Determine the Tasks You Need to Delegate

Identifying which tasks to delegate is key to hiring the right virtual tax accountant. Outsourcing too many varied tasks to a specialist can lead to inefficiency.

List the Tasks that you do in a day

• Open a document or a notepad.
• Track all daily tasks.
• Include personal and work tasks.
• Conduct a task audit.
• Get a clear time overview.
• Audit tasks for one week.

Review Your List and Separate Your Tasks 

• Into the tasks you can automate.
• Into the tasks that will take extra time, research, or attention.
• Into the tasks you can delegate.

Read about some more best practices for hiring offshore accountants in Philippines.

Step 2: Decide if you want to Hire Freelance / Part-time / Full-Time Remote Employees

Start by choosing the type of hire that fits your firm's needs. This depends on workload, task complexity, and your long-term goals. 

When Freelancers or Part-Time VAs Work Best

Freelancers and part-timers are ideal for short bursts of help. This includes seasonal support during tax time or special projects.

If your workload is irregular or short-term, be flexible. You can easily find talent on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.

Hiring a part-time virtual tax accountant in the Philippines can boost efficiency without long-term commitments. They’re perfect when you need help, but not around the clock.

When to Hire Full-Time Remote Employees in the Philippines

A consistent workload needs a committed, full-time professional. This ensures smoother communication and higher long-term productivity.

Full-time hires bring stability and better team integration. Over time, they’re also more cost-effective than repeated freelance contracts.

Hiring a full-time virtual tax accountant in the Philippines gives your firm continuous accounting support. It’s a smart choice for CPAs in busy hubs like Dallas, San Diego, or Atlanta.

Full-Time Roles Are Ideal For:

• Core firm functions need full dedication.
• Tasks requiring constant supervision and structure.
• Teams that follow a fixed schedule, such as during U.S. tax hours.

Step 3: Create a Job Description to Attract the Right Candidates

Once you know the role and its work schedule, create a job description. This helps you attract the right candidates from the start.

• A job description should clearly include:
• The position you're hiring for.
• Required qualifications (education, skills, and experience).
• Daily responsibilities and role scope.
• What your firm offers in return.

If you're hiring a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines, highlight time zone alignment, software skills (like QuickBooks or Xero), and familiarity with U.S. tax codes.

Things to Consider While Making an Ad for Hiring a Virtual Tax Accountant in the Philippines

Start with a strong opening that highlights the role’s value. Mention benefits like increased productivity, expert support, and flexibility.

1. Job Description

• Position your virtual tax accountant in the Philippines as a proactive project manager.
• They’ll manage tasks like background checks, financial tracking, and project coordination.

2. Responsibilities

List specific duties such as:

• Managing client communications.
• Handling invoicing and bank reconciliations.
• Overseeing expense tracking and admin tasks.
• Coordinate with remote teams and ensure they meet deadlines.

3. Qualifications and Requirements

• Look for strong accounting knowledge and software skills. (QuickBooks, Xero)
• Highlight soft skills like communication, time management, and adaptability.

4. How to Apply

Make the application process simple and direct.

Provide an email or link to your website, and request a resume with a brief cover letter.

Alternate Step: Let MYCPE ONE Find Top Offshore Talent

Alternatively, you can skip the hiring hassle and let MYCPE ONE do the heavy lifting. For over 10 years, MYCPE ONE has helped CPA and accounting firms hire top offshore talent.

Why Offshore Accounting Works

Hiring a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines improves efficiency, reduces costs, and helps you focus on what matters.

Poor financial management is a major cause of failure for small and mid-sized firms, so expert offshore support is critical.

• Trusted by the Best in the Industry
• 3,000+ Team Members
• 40+ Offices in 5 Countries
• 250,000 Professional Network
• 45+ BDO Alliance Firms
• 40 of the Top 200 Accounting Firms

Before we jump into what you get with MYCPE ONE, hear from Kim Dollin, CPA, Managing Director at CBIZ.

Kim Dollin’s firm started with seven full-time offshore auditors hired through MYCPE ONE. Impressed with the results, she recommended MYCPE ONE to the Tax Department, expanding their offshore support. Kim has since become a strong advocate for both her onshore and offshore teams, emphasizing the value of collaboration and productivity.

Watch Kim share her MYCPE ONE journey and why she trusts them for building high-performing global teams. 

 

What You Get with MYCPE ONE

• Access to expert talent from India and the Philippines.
• Pre-vetted professionals trained in U.S. tax and accounting.
• Compliance-ready offshore staff.

Vetted Talent You Can Rely On

Our rigorous screening process ensures you get only the most qualified professionals. Whether you need a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines or a team of bookkeepers, we match talent to your needs.

Check the talent pool and our offices.

Commonly Asked Questions on Questions on Hiring a Virtual Tax Accountant in the Philippines

Before we learn about costs, bookkeeping, and accounting, let’s quickly look at MYCPE ONE's accounting outsourcing services.

Commonly Asked Questions 1: What is the Difference Between a Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant and an Accounting Virtual Assistant

A virtual accounting assistant can often work as both a bookkeeper and an accountant. They’re usually skilled in tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and other accounting software.

It’s common to expect that an accountant can handle bookkeeping tasks. That’s part of their training and experience.

However, a bookkeeping virtual assistant may not handle complex accounting work. Most bookkeepers focus on data entry, reconciliations, and routine financial tasks.

Commonly Asked Question 2: Cost to Hire a Virtual Tax Accountant in the Philippines

Source: Philippines Occupational Wages Survey

Offshoring is more than just cost savings. It’s a strategic move that gives firms access to a global talent pool, round-the-clock productivity, and the ability to scale operations

The cost of hiring a virtual accounting assistant depends on where you hire from. In the U.S., the monthly rate can range from $3,200 to $6,400, especially with employee-related expenses.

But there’s a smarter, more cost-effective option. You can save over 70% by hiring a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines.

The standard rates in the Philippines range from $640 to $1,920 per month, depending on experience, skill level, and job scope.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority:

• Accountants (including auditors) in the Insurance, Reinsurance, and Pension Funding sector earned PhP 48,982 (~ $880) monthly.
• In 2022, the average monthly wage for accounting and bookkeeping clerks across all industries was PhP 19,676 (~ $353).

Commonly Asked Question 3: Why Hire a Virtual Tax Accountant in the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the best countries to hire English-speaking accounting professionals.

English is an official language in the Philippines, introduced during the American occupation from 1898 to 1946.

All degrees, written exams, road signs, and official documents are in English, which facilitates communication.

Due to cultural alignment and language fluency, a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines can work seamlessly with U.S.-based CPA firms.

The country has a U.S.-influenced education system, producing accountants and bookkeepers who are skilled and globally competitive.

The Philippines offers a large pool of educated, English-speaking professionals ready to support your tax, audit, and back-office needs.

When you hire a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines, you tap into a trained and cost-efficient workforce.

What Sets MYCPE ONE Apart For Offshore Staffing?

Let us see what sets MYCPE ONE apart from the competition? MYCPE ONE prioritizes security, operational integrity, and integration with your in-house team. With over 10 years in offshore accounting, MYCPE ONE is a trusted partner for firms seeking reliable talent.

MYCPE ONE specializes in providing dedicated virtual tax accountants in the Philippines, serving firms across the US, UK, and Canada.

Our offshore staff works around the clock to support your accounting, tax, audit, and payroll functions.

Pre-Vetted Talent

There is a rigorous vetting process for virtual tax accountants in the Philippines, and only one is selected out of 20 applicants. Here is how the vetting process looks:

1. Resume Review & Talent Categorization (100%)

We carefully screen all applications, assessing qualifications and experience, then rank candidates from Level 0 to 8 based on skills.

2. Profile Shortlisting (63%)

Our expert recruiters narrow down profiles to identify the best-fit candidates.

3. Language & Communication Testing (25%)

Candidates undergo automated and expert evaluations on English reading, writing, pronunciation, clarity, and fluency.

4. Maths, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Tests (18%)

Every candidate completes rigorous tests to assess critical thinking and numerical skills.

5. HR Interview (9%)

Final video interviews evaluate candidates’ preferences and cultural fit with your firm.

6. Technical Assessment & Background Checks (7%)

We conduct detailed accounting, tax, and audit tests alongside financial, criminal, and reference verifications.

7. Manager Interview (5%)

A senior manager with over 5 years’ experience conducts the final interview to ensure perfect alignment with your firm’s needs.

5D Approachfor Talent Acquisition, Growth, Learning, and Retention

1. Diligence in Talent Acquisition

We screen 20 candidates to find that one exceptional hire. Our rigorous process ensures every team member we onboard is a rockstar in skills, mindset, and attitude.

2. Depth of Knowledge

Candidates face 15+ rounds of assessments, from tech savviness and timezone agility to communication finesse and culture fit.

3. Domain Specialization

We know your pain points, language, and rhythm. That’s why our virtual tax accountant in the Philippines aligns with your exact needs from day one.

4. Demographic Diversity

With 18 offices across four countries (15 in Tier-2 or smaller cities), we bring jobs to the talent, not the other way around.

5. Dynamic & Delightful Work Environment

With clear guidelines, minimal hierarchy, and maximum opportunity, MYCPE ONE is where accounting professionals grow, lead, and deliver impact.

This is how the outsourcing journey of a small firm looks!

Conclusion

Hiring a virtual tax accountant in the Philippines is a strategic move for growth-focused accounting firms. Whether you're a solo CPA or managing a mid-sized practice, the right VTA can streamline operations, boost productivity, and significantly cut costs. With MYCPE ONE, you gain access to pre-vetted, highly skilled professionals who align with U.S. accounting standards and your firm’s culture. From tax prep to client communication, VTAs offer reliable support that scales with your needs.

FAQs

About the Author

CA Nemin Vora

Nemin Vora is a Chartered Accountant (equivalent to US CPA) and Tax Attorney, serving as the Director of Client Relations at MYCPE ONE. With over 7 years of experience working with Big 4s and public accounting firms across North America, he's the person you want to talk to when you're thinking about taking your accounting firm global. Nemin is a seasoned leader and a dynamic content creator, weaving stories and insights on tax, leadership, and life that resonate with a wide audience. This creative outlet showcases not only his depth of knowledge but also his ability to connect and inspire. He consults and speaks on various topics, including Building Remote Teams, Remote Working, Offshore Staffing, Strategic Planning, Scalability of Accounting Practice, Cloud Accounting, Practice Management, and AI in Accounting. Outside of work, Nemin is a learner at heart, an actor on the stage, and a tech enthusiast.