When Should a Marketing Agency Hire a Bookkeeper?

When Should a Marketing Agency Hire a Bookkeeper?

Running a marketing agency can feel like a juggling act—clients, campaigns, contractors, ad platforms... and somewhere in the chaos, your books. At first, doing it yourself makes sense. But at some point, DIY bookkeeping stops saving money and starts costing you clarity, time, and peace of mind.

So when exactly should you bring in a bookkeeper? Let’s break it down.

In the Beginning, It’s Fine to Wing It

When you’re just getting started, QuickBooks or Xero plus some weekend hustle might do the trick. You’re likely billing a few clients, spending on software, and paying yourself inconsistently. That’s manageable.

But as your agency grows, your finances get messier—fast.

Signs You’re Outgrowing DIY Bookkeeping

There’s no exact dollar amount or headcount, but here are some clear indicators:

• You’re not sure where your money’s going. Revenue’s up, but your profit feels the same—or worse.

• You’re behind on taxes or unsure what you owe. Quarterly estimates? 1099s? Sales tax? It piles up.

• You’re spending too much time in spreadsheets. That’s time not spent growing your business.

• You’re managing multiple income streams and expenses. Client retainers, ad spend, contractors, tools—it’s all blending together.

What a Bookkeeper Actually Brings to the Table

It’s not just about tracking expenses. A good bookkeeper gives you:

• Accurate, timely financials so you actually understand how the business is performing

• A proper chart of accounts built around your agency model (ad spend, contractor costs, recurring revenue, etc.)

• Peace of mind at tax time

• Clear visibility into cash flow so you can make smarter hiring or investment decisions

So When Is the Right Time to Hire One?

If any of these apply, it’s time:

• You’re consistently making over $20k/month

• You have more than 5 active clients

• You’ve got contractors or employees to pay

• You want to scale, but you don’t trust your numbers

The earlier you bring in support, the easier it is to build clean systems instead of constantly catching up.

Why RevLine Partners?

At RevLine, we specialize in bookkeeping for digital marketing agencies. That means we get how ad spend, ROAS, and client churn tie into your financial picture—and we don’t waste your time explaining what a funnel is. We keep your books clean and your numbers clear, so you can grow with confidence.

Let’s Talk

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start making data-backed decisions, book a free call. We’ll see if RevLine is a good fit—no pressure.