How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost?

Keeping track of your business's finances can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling growth, operations, and everything in between. This is why bookkeeping is essential for small business owners and entrepreneurs—it ensures your financial records are accurate and your business stays on track. But naturally, one of the first questions business owners ask is, "How much does a bookkeeper cost?"

This guide will explore what bookkeepers do, the factors that affect their pricing, and the different pricing structures they use. Whether you're hiring your first bookkeeper or simply looking to compare rates, we’ll cover everything you need to make an informed decision.

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

Before discussing costs, it’s important to understand the value that bookkeepers bring to the table. Their role extends beyond just recording transactions—they play a key role in maintaining the financial health of your business.

• Recording Financial Transactions : Managing your day-to-day financial records, including income and expenses.

• Reconciling Accounts : Ensuring your accounts match bank and credit card statements, so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Generating Financial Reports: Producing reports like profit & loss statements or cash flow forecasts to keep you informed.

• Tax Preparation & Payroll: While not all bookkeepers handle these, many help organize financial data for tax season or manage payroll.

Bookkeeper vs. Accountant – What’s the Difference?

Factors That Influence Bookkeeping Costs

The cost of hiring a bookkeeper can vary widely depending on your business's needs and other factors. Here are the most important elements to consider.

• Business Size and Complexity

  Small Businesses typically require fewer bookkeeping hours per month due to simpler operations with minimal transactions and accounts. Larger Businesses, on the other hand, with higher transaction volume, multiple bank accounts, or numerous employees, demand more time and expertise.

• Scope of Work

  Do you need help strictly with recording transactions, or are you looking for someone to handle more advanced tasks like payroll, financial reporting, or budgeting? Broader services will understandably cost more than basic bookkeeping.

• Location

  The cost of hiring a bookkeeper depends heavily on where they’re located. For example, businesses in metro areas with a higher cost of living may pay more for local bookkeepers. Alternatively, opting for virtual bookkeepers from lower-cost regions may reduce overhead.

• Experience and Qualifications

  Entry-level bookkeepers or freelance professionals may charge less than bookkeeping agencies or certified/experienced experts. You’ll need to weigh their skills and certifications against your unique needs before deciding.

Bookkeeping Pricing Structures

Bookkeepers generally charge in one of three ways. Each option has pros and cons, depending on your preferences and business setup.

• Hourly Rates

  The most common pricing model for freelance bookkeepers is charging by the hour.

  • Freelance bookkeepers typically charge $20–$50/hour for beginners and up to $100/hour for seasoned professionals.

  • Agency pros or certified experts may charge even more, depending on complexity and skill level.

• Flat Monthly Fees

  Many businesses prefer a predictable flat fee for recurring bookkeeping services.

  • Fees range from $200–$500/month for small business bookkeeping and can exceed $1,000/month for larger businesses with more complex needs.

• Per-Transaction Fees

  This model charges based on transaction volume. If your business has variable transaction levels month to month, it’s best to use this model with caution to avoid unpredictable costs.

Average Bookkeeping Cost Estimates

Here’s a ballpark comparison for different types of bookkeepers and their costs.

• Part-Time vs. Full-Time Bookkeepers

  • Part-Time Bookkeepers (10–20 hours/month):$300–$1,000/month

  • Full-Time Bookkeepers or dedicated in-house staff (40+ hours/week):$3,000–$5,000/month, including salary and benefits.

• Freelance vs. Virtual vs. Agency

  • Freelancers (Remote/Local): $20–$50/hour for simple bookkeeping, higher for advanced tasks.

  • Virtual Bookkeeping Services (e.g., Bench, QuickBooks Live):$200–$500/month, useful for cloud-based needs.

  • Agencies (Full-service Firms): $500–$1,500/month,depending on workload and expertise.

• DIY Tools vs. Professionals

  If you’re trying to keep costs ultra-low, bookkeeping tools like QuickBooks or Xero can cost around $30–$50/month. However, keep in mind the learning curve and time investment required to manage these systems—you might find hiring a professional still worth it in the long term.

How to Choose the Right Bookkeeper

Not all bookkeeping solutions are created equal. Here’s how to make sure you choose the right fit for your business.

• Evaluate Your Needs

  Ask yourself these questions to fine-tune what you’re looking for:

  • Do I only need transaction recording, or will I require advanced services like budget planning or payroll?

  • How many transactions/accounts does my business process monthly?

• Questions to Ask Potential Bookkeepers

  • What kind of experience do you have with businesses like mine?

  • Are you familiar with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero?

  • What is your pricing structure, and are there additional fees I should anticipate?

• Balancing Cost vs. Quality

  While it might be tempting to choose the cheapest option, remember that bookkeeping is an investment in your business’s success. A skilled bookkeeper can save you time, reduce errors, and even uncover opportunities for savings and growth.

Why Choose Ziepie for Bookkeeping?

At Ziepie, we specialize in providing automated bookkeeping solutions that simplify your financial management and help your business run more smoothly. Our goal is to give you more time to focus on growing your business while ensuring your financial records are accurate, organized, and always up to date.

Here’s how our automated bookkeeping solutions can help:

• Streamlined Processes: Automate repetitive tasks like data entry and invoice management, saving you time and reducing errors.

• Real-Time Updates: Get instant access to your financial data, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly.

• Increased Efficiency: Our cloud-based technology ensures that your bookkeeping is handled seamlessly and efficiently.

• Cost-Effective Solutions: With pricing starting at just $39.99,you can enjoy professional bookkeeping without breaking the bank.

• Peace of Mind: Say goodbye to missed deadlines and disorganized records—our system keeps everything in check, so you don’t have to.

With Ziepie, you get an efficient, reliable partner for all your bookkeeping needs.

Investing in the Right Bookkeeper Delivers Long-Term Value

Bookkeeping is so much more than just crunching numbers—it’s about helping you understand your financial health and empowering you to make informed decisions. Though costs may vary, the time saved and the peace of mind gained from accurate, professional bookkeeping are worth every penny.

If you’re ready to enhance your financial management, take the time to assess your needs and budget before locking in a bookkeeper. And if you’re not quite ready to jump in, DIY bookkeeping tools and consultancy services can also help you manage your business finances efficiently.