--- title: "Guides, templates and data" description: "Guides, templates, checklists and data on bookkeeping, invoicing, accounts receivable, reconciliation and outsourcing." url: https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/ updated: 2026-09-11 publisher: LedgerBPO (SS Support Network LLC) language: en-US --- # Guides, templates and data LedgerBPO’s bookkeeping resources are answer-first guides, templates, checklists and data on bookkeeping, invoicing, accounts receivable, reconciliation, payroll rules and outsourcing, written by our finance leads and reviewed before publication. Every guide cites its sources and shows the date it was last updated. - 24 guides at launch - Sources cited - Updated quarterly Updated September 2026 - [Free calculators](https://ledgerbpo.com/tools/) - [Glossary](https://ledgerbpo.com/glossary/) - [Research and data](https://ledgerbpo.com/research/) - [Case studies](https://ledgerbpo.com/case-studies/) - [Comparisons](https://ledgerbpo.com/compare/) - [Compliance Desk](https://ledgerbpo.com/compliance-desk/) ## Order-to-cash Template Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [12 dunning email templates that get invoices paid (copy and paste)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/12-dunning-email-templates-that-get-invoices-paid-copy-and-paste/) Twelve copy-and-paste dunning email templates, from a pre-due nudge to a final notice, with the cadence, tone and legal notes that keep customers paying. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) Data Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [DSO benchmarks by industry (2026 data)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/dso-benchmarks-by-industry-2026-data/) Days sales outstanding by industry in 2026, read from Hackett, Atradius, Dun & Bradstreet and Federal Reserve data, with a benchmark table and fixes. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) ## Industries Guide Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [Amazon FBA bookkeeping: settlements, fees, inventory and sales tax](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/amazon-fba-bookkeeping-settlements-fees-inventory-and-sales-tax/) How to book Amazon FBA settlements, split fees, track inventory and handle marketplace facilitator sales tax so your books match Seller Central. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) ## Reporting Template Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [13-week cash-flow forecast template and how to use it](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/13-week-cash-flow-forecast-template-and-how-to-use-it/) A 13-week cash-flow forecast template with weekly columns for opening cash, receipts, disbursements and closing cash, and how to build and update it. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) ## For accounting firms Comparison Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [Botkeeper alternatives for accounting firms after the 2026 shutdown](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/botkeeper-alternatives-for-accounting-firms-after-the-2026-shutdown/) Botkeeper closed in February 2026. Compare dedicated-staff and offshore alternatives for accounting firms, with a migration checklist and cost benchmarks. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) Explainer Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [How offshore accounting works for CPA firms (and IRS §7216 consent explained)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/how-offshore-accounting-works-for-cpa-firms-and-irs-7216-consent-explained/) How offshore accounting works for CPA firms: the pod model, what stays with your firm, IRS section 7216 consent, AICPA and FTC rules, review and cost. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) Template Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [IRS Section 7216 consent: templates and rules for offshore tax preparation](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/irs-section-7216-consent-templates-and-rules-for-offshore-tax-preparation/) IRS 7216 consent template structure for offshore tax preparation: the mandatory statements, format rules, timing and penalties under Rev. Proc. 2013-14. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) ## Costs & comparisons Comparison Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [Bench alternatives in 2026: what to do if your bookkeeping provider shuts down](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/bench-alternatives-in-2026-what-to-do-if-your-bookkeeping-provider-shuts-down/) Bench alternatives compared for 2026 with prices, plus a step-by-step plan to protect your books, bank access and tax filings if a provider closes. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) Data guide Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [How much does outsourced bookkeeping cost in 2026? (US, UK, Canada, Australia)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/how-much-does-outsourced-bookkeeping-cost-in-2026-us-uk-canada-australia/) Outsourced bookkeeping cost in 2026 for the US, UK, Canada and Australia: monthly fee ranges, hourly rates, what moves the price and how to compare quotes. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) Calculator guide Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [The real cost of an in-house bookkeeper vs a dedicated remote accountant](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/the-real-cost-of-an-in-house-bookkeeper-vs-a-dedicated-remote-accountant/) What an in-house bookkeeper really costs once payroll taxes, benefits, software and cover are added, compared line by line with a remote accountant. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) ## Bookkeeping Explainer Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [Catch-up bookkeeping: how many months behind is too many?](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/catch-up-bookkeeping-how-many-months-behind-is-too-many/) How far behind on bookkeeping is too far, what breaks at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, what catch-up costs per back month, and how to get current again. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) Template Sep 10, 2026 4 min read ### [Chart of accounts design for small business (with 12 industry templates)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/chart-of-accounts-design-for-small-business-with-12-industry-templates/) How to design a chart of accounts template for a small business: numbering, account types, naming rules and 12 industry outlines, construction to retail. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) Explainer Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [Cash vs accrual bookkeeping: which one does your business need?](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/cash-vs-accrual-bookkeeping-which-one-does-your-business-need/) Cash vs accrual accounting explained with a worked example, who may use each method for tax in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, and how to choose. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) How-to Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [How to migrate from Bench to QuickBooks Online, step by step](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/how-to-migrate-from-bench-to-quickbooks-online-step-by-step/) Step-by-step guide to moving books from Bench to QuickBooks Online: what to export, file formats QuickBooks accepts, opening balances and reconciliation. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) ## Questions Explainer Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [Bookkeeper vs accountant vs CPA vs controller vs CFO: who does what](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/bookkeeper-vs-accountant-vs-cpa-vs-controller-vs-cfo-who-does-what/) Bookkeeper vs accountant vs CPA vs controller vs CFO: what each role does, its credential, US median pay, and which one a small business needs first. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) ## Outsourcing Checklist Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [How to evaluate an accounting outsourcing provider: the 40-point RFP checklist](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/how-to-evaluate-an-accounting-outsourcing-provider-the-40-point-rfp-checklist/) A 40-point accounting outsourcing RFP checklist covering security, people, process, software, pricing and references, with what a good answer looks like. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) ## Reconciliation & close How-to Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [How to close the books in 5 business days](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/how-to-close-the-books-in-5-business-days/) A day-by-day plan to close the books in five business days: pre-close prep, reconciliations, accruals, review and reporting, plus a close calendar. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) Template Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [Month-end close checklist (free template)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/month-end-close-checklist-free-template/) A free month-end close checklist with 30 tasks, owners and day targets, from bank reconciliation to sign-off, plus how to shorten the close each month. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) Checklist Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [Year-end close checklist for small businesses](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/year-end-close-checklist-for-small-businesses/) Year-end close checklist for small businesses: reconciliations, accruals, fixed assets, payroll slips and 1099, W-2, P60, T4 and STP deadlines by country. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) Explainer Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [What is account reconciliation? Types, examples and a monthly checklist](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/what-is-account-reconciliation-types-examples-and-a-monthly-checklist/) Account reconciliation explained in plain terms: what it is, the seven types every business needs, a worked bank example and a monthly checklist to copy. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) How-to Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [Stripe, Shopify and Amazon payout reconciliation: the complete guide](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/stripe-shopify-and-amazon-payout-reconciliation-the-complete-guide/) How to reconcile Stripe, Shopify and Amazon payouts in QuickBooks Online or Xero with a clearing account, plus fees, refunds, disputes and reserves. [Issabela Masters](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/issabela-masters/) ## Software Comparison Sep 10, 2026 3 min read ### [QuickBooks Online vs Xero for small business (2026)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/quickbooks-online-vs-xero-for-small-business-2026/) QuickBooks Online vs Xero compared for small business in 2026: plans, user limits, invoicing, bank feeds, inventory, payroll and how to choose. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) ## Payroll & statutory Explainer Sep 10, 2026 2 min read ### [Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: what the April 2026 and 2027 thresholds mean for your bookkeeping](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/making-tax-digital-for-income-tax-what-the-april-2026-and-2027-thresholds-mean-f/) Making Tax Digital for Income Tax for sole traders and landlords: the £50,000, £30,000 and £20,000 thresholds, quarterly updates, penalties and software. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) ## Research Data Sep 10, 2026 5 min read ### [State of Outsourced Bookkeeping 2026 (first-party report)](https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/state-of-outsourced-bookkeeping-2026-first-party-report/) State of outsourced bookkeeping 2026: market size, what US, UK, Canadian and Australian businesses pay, provider shutdowns, demand drivers, buyer checks. [Nimra Khalid](https://ledgerbpo.com/team/nimra-khalid/) ## The Close: one useful note a month Closing faster, collecting sooner, and what changed in MTD, BAS, GST/HST or section 7216 that month. No pitches, unsubscribe any time. More guides are published every month; the full plan runs to 405 titles. Subscribe by [RSS](https://ledgerbpo.com/rss.xml). Next step ## Books closed. Invoices paid. Every month. Tell us what is going on with your books or billing. You will hear from a named person within 1 business day, with a custom quote and a plan for the first close. - Reply from a named person within 1 business day - No setup fee, month-to-month - Your software, your data, no lock-in Start with a custom quote [Get a custom quote](https://ledgerbpo.com/get-a-quote/) [Book a 20-minute call](https://ledgerbpo.com/book-a-call/) Or call [+1-657-777-0006](tel:+16577770006) during US, UK or Australian business hours. --- Source: https://ledgerbpo.com/resources/ · Contact: https://ledgerbpo.com/contact/ · Full site map for agents: https://ledgerbpo.com/llms.txt