Bench Accounting Shutdown: What It Means for Ecommerce Brands and How to Move Forward

The abrupt closure of Bench Accounting has sent shockwaves through the eCommerce and small business communities, leaving many scrambling to find reliable alternatives to manage their bookkeeping needs. The shutdown, announced on December 27, 2024, blindsided customers just before the critical year-end period, highlighting the importance of stable and transparent financial service providers.

The Fallout: What Happened to Bench?

Bench, once touted as North America's largest bookkeeping service for small businesses, announced its closure amidst financial turmoil, leaving customers with little warning. The situation took a complicated turn when Bench was acquired by Employer.com, a company primarily focused on workforce management solutions, only for the announcement to be briefly rescinded before being reinstated.

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The chaos has caused panic among businesses that relied on Bench’s accounting solutions. With over 11,000 clients left in limbo, securing financial data and identifying a new bookkeeping provider has become an urgent priority.

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Lessons Learned 

This disruption underscores the importance of choosing a bookkeeping solution that is not only reliable but also future-proof. 

Here are the critical lessons:

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• Data Ownership: Always ensure that your financial data can be easily exported and migrated.
• Provider Stability: Evaluate the financial health and reputation of any accounting provider.
• Real-Time Reporting: Look for solutions offering real-time insights to help you make agile business decisions.

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How ConnectBooks Can Help

As an ecommerce business, your financial health is paramount. ConnectBooks offers an ideal solution to seamlessly transition from Bench while enhancing your bookkeeping capabilities. Here’s how:

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1. Accurate Financial Insights

ConnectBooks integrates directly with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and other eCommerce marketplaces, providing clear, real-time financial dashboards. You’ll no longer need to rely on cumbersome processes or risk sudden disruptions.

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2. Comprehensive Services

From bookkeeping to tax preparation support, ConnectBooks offers a full suite of services designed for eCommerce sellers. Our platform ensures your books are accurate and up to date, even during high-pressure periods like year-end and tax season.

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3. Reliability and Transparency

ConnectBooks prides itself on a stable and transparent approach. We are committed to providing consistent and dependable service for our clients.

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What’s Next?

If you’re a Bench customer, act quickly to secure your financial data. Export everything you can before the March 7, 2025, deadline. Then, evaluate alternatives that meet your business needs.

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Special Offer for Bench Customers

To help ease the transition, ConnectBooks is offering an extended free trial for all former Bench clients. Enjoy a full 60-days to explore all the features that ConnectBooks has to offer. Just reach out on Connectbooks.com.

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