Most efficient way to manage GST compliance and a/cs for a new LLP

Hi All,

I recently started a consulting firm registered as an LLP based out of Chennai and I am the only person managing the show. I am trying to find efficient ways to organize the compliance and accounting part of the business. This need has come up due to the following reasons;

1. At my present state of operations, I dont require a full time employee. So my alternatives have been Chennai based CAs and outsourced accounting service providers. However they are outside my social circles. I am unable to assess quality of service outcomes and the going rates for such services.

2. On working hours I spend my entire time on work. However, Its easy for me to find time (say 10 hours per week) to organize my accounting, GST filing, MCA compliances etc

Given the above, I am deliberating between the following;

1. To appoint an outsourced accounting service provider

2. To make use of integrated platforms like Zoho books

I am mentally biased towards a good accounting and complaince platform. However, I dont want to spend unnecessary time if compliance and accounting takes more than 10 hours every week. Let me also list down the kind of business transactions I might enter in best case

1. At best 5 - 10 invoives every month. Clients mostly out of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore

2. Dont have much expenses, but will record following expense head monthly - drivers expense, car rentals, maintenance, maid expenses, subscripttion to softwares/software platforms and publications, travel -air/train among others. No salary to any employee apart from partners salary, interest on capital contribution by partners etc

Look forward to hear valuable thoughts from the forum

Regards

Jose

Hi Jose! For a small LLP with light transaction volume and limited expenses like yours, here’s a practical take on managing GST and accounting efficiently:

1. Using Integrated Accounting + GST Software (Recommended)

Platforms like Zoho Books, QuickBooks, Tally ERP 9 (with GST module), or ClearTax GST are designed for exactly this scale.
They allow you to:
- Create/manage invoices easily.
- Track expenses with predefined heads.
- Auto-generate GST returns (GSTR-1, GSTR-3B) with minimal manual input.
- Integrate bank feeds for auto reconciliation.
- Maintain records for MCA compliances (to an extent).
- Generate reports for tax and MCA filing.
Time requirement: With a simple workflow, you can manage it in 2-4 hours per week after initial setup.
Cost: Usually a monthly subscripttion of ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 depending on features.

2. Outsourcing to CA/Accounting Service

Pros:
- You get expert oversight; less worry about compliance errors.
- Saves your time fully.
Cons:
- Quality and pricing vary widely.
- You need to find and vet trustworthy providers.
- Usually costs ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per month for a small LLP.
- Communication and turnaround time may delay things.

What I Suggest:

Start with a cloud-based software like Zoho Books or ClearTax GST.
Set it up yourself or with minimal CA help initially (just a few hours).
Since you only have 5-10 invoices and limited expenses, this should be quite manageable.
You retain control, transparency, and real-time access.
As business grows, or if GST/compliance becomes complex, you can selectively outsource specific tasks (like audit or MCA annual filings).