Bench Accounting’s unexpected closure on December 27, 2024, left more than 35,000 small businesses locked out of their financial data right before year-end. The event exposed how much risk comes with relying entirely on a single provider. Many companies are now searching for services that offer better control and more flexibility. One option gaining attention is BruntWork, which uses accounting virtual assistants to give businesses an alternative.
What Happened at Bench
Bench had been struggling financially for a while. Even after raising over $100 million, it could not make the numbers work. Its business model combined human bookkeepers with custom-built software, but that combination made it hard to adjust to customer needs. The system lacked some basic functions, like accrual accounting and real-time payables, which made it less useful to many clients.
Its software did not connect well with other platforms, and moving data out took time and effort. The timing of the closure, days before the end of the year, made things even harder. Clients were told they had until March 7, 2025, to download their records, but many ran into delays and confusion. The entire experience made a strong case for having control over financial information rather than letting a single company manage everything.
How BruntWork Works Differently
BruntWork offers a setup built around remote accounting teams. These assistants use tools like Xero and QuickBooks and work across multiple time zones, which helps clients avoid service delays. Data stays with the business, so if something goes wrong on BruntWork’s side, clients do not lose access.
CEO Winston Ong explains, “When all services run through one point, failure can take everything down. Our teams are spread out and backed up so that nothing grinds to a halt.”
BruntWork also keeps prices lower by hiring skilled professionals worldwide. Clients can cut staffing costs by up to 70% without lowering the quality of work. Assistants are trained to use modern accounting software and are familiar with current workflows.
Some experts are cautious. They point out that remote teams might miss details tied to local tax laws. One consultant says, “While these assistants handle daily work well, they may lack context for more complex advice.” Ong responds, “BruntWork focuses on strong communication between assistants and clients and trains staff to understand real accounting problems, not just software tasks.”
Smart Tools Paired With Human Input
BruntWork uses AI to handle repetitive tasks like data entry, letting people on its team focus on work that requires judgment and attention. This balance helps keep work accurate and efficient.
Ong explains, “Financial strength comes from combining AI precision with human judgment that understands local tax codes and business contexts.”
This setup helps BruntWork work with more clients without lowering the quality of service. The system is built to handle pressure and can handle reporting, data checks, and other tasks quickly, even during busy periods.
It also uses tools that help predict what clients may need next. This lets businesses plan ahead instead of reacting at the last minute. That kind of preparation makes it easier to handle changes in tax rules or business conditions without scrambling.
Helping Companies Stay Steady
Bench’s collapse showed how risky it can be to rely entirely on one company for something as important as financial operations. BruntWork recommends storing daily backups in multiple cloud services so businesses always have a copy of their records.
It also suggests spreading out responsibilities between different services. Ong says, “No single point should handle both accounts payable and payroll processing,” pointing out how splitting tasks helps prevent breakdowns.
To help businesses switch providers quickly, BruntWork has created a 72-hour guide. It walks through how to reconnect bank feeds, organize old records, and notify agencies when changes happen. The idea is to reduce downtime and prevent surprises.
What Comes Next
Bench’s closure forced many small businesses to reconsider their accounting management and who they rely on. More companies are now looking for options that give them better control and fewer risks. BruntWork’s setup, remote assistants, smart tools, bookkeeping outsourcing, and backup plans are some of the ways businesses are moving forward.
While it is not without concerns, the mix of lower costs, trained support, and direct access to data gives clients an option that does not depend on a single point of failure. Ong notes, “Businesses gain an advantage when they can build a strong workforce without the limitations of traditional hiring. This is where remote teams provide the flexibility needed to stay ahead.”
Bench’s shutdown may keep affecting how companies handle their finances for a long time. Those that stay prepared, stay connected, and focus on strong systems are more likely to keep things steady when problems hit.
