Short answer
An outsourced financial controller owns the accuracy of your ecommerce numbers: the monthly close, balance sheet reconciliations, stock and cost of goods accuracy, and the controls that stop errors reaching the management accounts.
E-commerce accountants
Outsourced financial controller ecommerce
Outsourced financial controller for ecommerce: month end close, controls, stock accuracy and reporting quality, without hiring a full time controller.
Short answer
An outsourced financial controller owns the accuracy of your ecommerce numbers: the monthly close, balance sheet reconciliations, stock and cost of goods accuracy, and the controls that stop errors reaching the management accounts.
Written and reviewed by Waqas Sagar Member of ICAEW, Fellow of ACCA, Fellow of AAT, a double graduate and entrepreneur at heart, helping startups grow and serving thousands of businesses nationwide with an excellent team. Published by LimitedCompany.Accountants, 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Reviewed 12 September 2026 against 2026/27 UK rates and current Companies House and HMRC guidance.
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An outsourced financial controller owns the accuracy of your ecommerce numbers: the monthly close, balance sheet reconciliations, stock and cost of goods accuracy, and the controls that stop errors reaching the management accounts.
01
The close, owned by someone
02
Stock accuracy
03
Where the controller sits
The close, owned by someone
A defined timetable, reconciliations for every balance sheet account, accruals and prepayments, stock agreed to system and to purchases, and a review before anything is issued. This is the layer most growing brands lack, which is why their numbers keep changing after the event.
Stock accuracy
In ecommerce, stock is usually the largest balance sheet number and the least accurate. The controller reconciles system stock to warehouse and FBA reports, investigates shrinkage and makes sure cost of goods reflects landed cost.
Where the controller sits
Above your bookkeeper and below the finance director. Many clients buy the controller layer alone; others take the full function.
Before you act
Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the current UK position and current HMRC and Companies House guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own business.
Local help
Talk to a limited company accountant near you
We work with company directors across London and Surrey from our office at 12 London Road, Morden, London SM4 5BQ. Pick your area, or send the form below and we will call you back.
Frequently asked
Outsourced financial controller ecommerce: questions directors ask
Can we buy just this layer?
Yes, it is often the first upgrade from basic bookkeeping.
How long does a close take?
We work to ten to fifteen working days from month end.
Do you do stock counts?
We design the count and reconcile the results; the physical count is yours or your 3PL's.
How should marketplace payouts be reconciled for outsourced financial controller ecommerce?
Start with gross orders and reconcile through refunds, marketplace taxes, selling fees, advertising, fulfilment charges, reserves and currency differences to the net bank deposit. The settlement report, not the bank receipt alone, is the accounting source.
How do marketplace fees affect profit for outsourced financial controller ecommerce?
Selling, payment, fulfilment and advertising fees should be separated so contribution margin is visible by channel. This helps distinguish high revenue from profitable revenue and supports better pricing, stock and advertising decisions.
What records are needed for outsourced financial controller ecommerce?
Keep bank statements, sales and platform reports, purchase invoices, payroll records, VAT workings, finance agreements and Companies House correspondence. We confirm the exact list at onboarding and identify gaps before a filing deadline becomes urgent.
How much does help with outsourced financial controller ecommerce cost?
The fee depends on transaction volume, record quality, VAT and payroll requirements, historic catch-up and the level of reporting needed. We agree a fixed scope and price before technical work starts, with published packages available on our fees page.
Can you take over outsourced financial controller ecommerce from another accountant?
Yes. We request professional clearance, collect the prior records and authorities, check the next Companies House and HMRC deadlines, and give you one clear handover list. The process is normally completed remotely.
Can outsourced financial controller ecommerce be handled online?
Yes. We work through secure cloud records, scheduled reviews and digital approvals, while keeping a named team available by phone, video call and email. Clients can also visit our Morden office by appointment.
Which accounting software works best for outsourced financial controller ecommerce?
We regularly work with Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, Sage and connected sales or expense apps. The right setup depends on transaction volume, integrations and the reports you need, not simply the software brand.
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What Our Clients Say
“I've been working with Accotax since January 2024, and their support has grown alongside my business needs. My personal allocated manager, Umer, provides tailored services for both of my companies, adapting as I expand and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and always clear in their communication. Their help with accounts, VAT, payrolls, pensions and compliance gives me real confidence and peace of mind.”
“We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we're really glad we did. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing, professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.”
“Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them because of their professionalism. In the last couple of years I have been working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process, explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow.”
Included approach
Organised, explained, on schedule.
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