A note before you read: ABFI is one of the alternatives here, and we wrote this page. Facts about Merritt come from a named, dated review.
Who Merritt is good for
Fit Small Business reports that Merritt charges one flat monthly rate regardless of business size or transaction volume, and describes a bookkeeping-only scope [1]. For a sole proprietor or very small business that wants clean monthly books at a known price, that simplicity is exactly the point.
Why businesses look for an alternative
- They need more than bookkeeping: someone to pay bills, invoice customers, run payroll or report by job, client or channel.
- They want a reviewed close and someone to talk the numbers through with.
- The business got more complex: inventory, several entities, employees.
That's growth, not a problem with Merritt. A flat-rate service is built for simple books.
The alternatives, by who they fit
| If you want... | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Similar basics inside QuickBooks | QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping | Intuit's own service [2] |
| Bookkeeping plus payroll and advisory add-ons | Bookkeeper360 | QuickBooks Online or Xero [3] |
| A startup-focused provider | Pilot | Bookkeeping, tax and CFO for startups [4] |
| An accounting department that runs AP, AR and the close | ABFI Accounting | Locked close, controller review, CFO help available [5] |
See also: Bench alternatives, QuickBooks Live alternatives and the full outsourced bookkeeping list.
Merritt and ABFI side by side
| Merritt Bookkeeping | ABFI Accounting | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | One flat monthly rate, per reviewer [1] | From $850 a month, based on the work [5] |
| Bookkeeping and reconciliation | Yes [1] | Yes |
| AP, AR and payroll | Not included, per reviewer [1] | From the Managed tier (bookkeeping and payroll) |
| Reviewed, locked monthly close | Check with Merritt | Yes, with controller review |
| Industry reporting | Check with Merritt | Yes |
| Taxes | Not included, per reviewer [1] | Not offered; clean handoff to your CPA |
If you only need the basics, Merritt's flat rate is hard to beat and you should probably stay. ABFI is for when the business needs an accounting function, not just bookkeeping. More on that line: app-style bookkeeping vs an outsourced accounting department and how much a bookkeeper costs.
How to switch
- Pick a switch date after a closed month.
- Make sure the accounting file is in your name and invite the new provider. See how to give your bookkeeper access safely.
- Export any reports and documents held by the provider.
- List what the new provider takes on that Merritt didn't do (bills, invoices, payroll) and set a start date for each.
- Check the last reconciliations first.
More: switching bookkeepers mid-year.
Keep reading
Sources
- Fit Small Business, "Merritt Bookkeeping Review", fitsmallbusiness.com/merritt-bookkeeping-review. Checked November 6, 2026.
- Intuit, QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping, quickbooks.intuit.com/live. Checked November 6, 2026.
- Bookkeeper360, company website, www.bookkeeper360.com. Checked November 6, 2026.
- Pilot, company website, pilot.com. Checked November 6, 2026.
- ABFI Accounting, Pricing, www.abfiaccounting.com/pricing. Checked November 6, 2026.
Questions owners ask
What does Merritt Bookkeeping include?
Monthly bookkeeping at one flat rate, according to Fit Small Business, with a bookkeeping-only scope.
When should I move on from a flat-rate bookkeeping service?
When you need bills paid, invoices sent, payroll run, industry reports or a reviewed close, usually as the business adds staff, inventory or entities.
What's the best Merritt alternative?
QuickBooks Live for similar basics inside QuickBooks, Bookkeeper360 for add-ons, Pilot for startups, ABFI for an accounting department.
Is ABFI more expensive than Merritt?
Yes. ABFI includes much more scope and suits more complex businesses.
Can I switch mid-year?
Yes. Switch after a closed month and have the new provider check the last reconciliations.
Outgrown the basics?
ABFI's complimentary Business Accounting Diagnostic reviews your books and tells you honestly whether you need more than bookkeeping yet.