Bookkeeping in Australia costs $50 to $120 per hour, or $300 to $2,500 a month for most fixed-price bookkeeping packages ($5,000+ for larger SMEs) – depending on your transaction volume, business size, and how much your bookkeeper handles. This 2026 guide breaks down current bookkeeping rates per hour, average monthly costs by business size, what’s included in a typical package, in-house vs outsourced cost comparison, and the hidden fees to watch for. Whether you’re a sole trader, small business, growing SME, or a specialist trades operator, you’ll find a benchmark price below to compare against any quote you receive.
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Outsourced Bookkeeping Pricing Models
Hourly bookkeeping rates: $50 – $80/hour for basic bookkeeping, $80 – $120/hour for senior bookkeepers or complex work. These rates reflect typical Australian bookkeeping fees as of 2026 and vary by location and provider experience.
Fixed monthly packages: Most common for ongoing engagements. A fixed monthly bookkeeping cost gives you predictable expenses and usually works out cheaper than hourly billing if you have consistent transaction volumes.
| Business Size | Transactions/Month | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Micro | < 50 | $300 – $600 |
| Small | 50 – 150 | $600 – $1,200 |
| Medium | 150 – 400 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Larger SME | 400+ | $2,500 – $5,000 |
Per-transaction pricing: Some providers charge $1 – $3 per transaction. This works well for businesses with highly variable monthly volumes but can become expensive as you grow.
Bookkeeping packages: what monthly packages cost
Most bookkeepers sell fixed-price monthly bookkeeping packages in tiers based on how many transactions you have each month. Typical bookkeeping package pricing in Australia in 2026 looks like this:
| Package | Suits | Typically includes | Monthly price (ex GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Sole traders, under 50 transactions a month | Bank reconciliation, coding, quarterly BAS preparation | $300 to $600 |
| Essentials | Small businesses, 50 to 150 transactions | Starter plus accounts payable and receivable, BAS lodgement, monthly reports | $600 to $1,200 |
| Growth | 150 to 400 transactions, a few staff | Essentials plus payroll and STP, job or project tracking, management reports | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Full service | 400+ transactions, larger teams | Everything above plus weekly processing, debtor follow-up and a reporting pack | $2,500 to $5,000 |
Bookkeeping packages for small business usually sit in the Starter or Essentials tier. Virtual bookkeeping prices (a remote bookkeeper working in your cloud software) fall in the same ranges, and hourly rates for remote bookkeepers are often $55 to $75 regardless of where you are.
What’s Included in Fixed-Price Bookkeeping Packages
- Bank reconciliation
- Transaction coding
- Accounts payable/receivable
- BAS preparation
- Basic monthly reports
Usually charged as extras: payroll for each employee, BAS lodgement (when the package covers preparation only), catch-up work, year-end adjustments for your accountant, and anything outside the agreed transaction limit.
Some providers bundle payroll into their standard bookkeeping packages, while others charge it as an add-on. Always confirm what’s included before signing up – the difference between bookkeeping services pricing from one firm to the next often comes down to scope, not quality.
Bookkeeping Costs by Business Size
Your average monthly bookkeeping costs depend heavily on how much financial activity your business generates. The average bookkeeping cost per month for a small Australian business ranges from $600 to $1,200, while micro businesses pay $300 to $600. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of bookkeeping costs for small business and larger operations.
| Business Type | Revenue Range | Employees | Monthly Bookkeeping Cost | What’s Typically Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole trader / Freelancer | Under $100K | 0 | $200 – $400 | Bank reconciliation, quarterly BAS, basic coding |
| Micro business | $100K – $300K | 0 – 2 | $300 – $600 | Monthly reconciliation, BAS, expense coding, basic reporting |
| Small business | $300K – $1M | 2 – 10 | $600 – $1,200 | Full reconciliation, BAS, accounts payable/receivable, payroll (basic) |
| Growing SME | $1M – $3M | 10 – 30 | $1,200 – $2,500 | All the above plus management reports, multi-entity, job costing |
| Established SME | $3M – $10M | 30 – 80 | $2,500 – $5,000 | Full-service bookkeeping, payroll, compliance, monthly reporting pack |
| Larger SME / Mid-market | $10M+ | 80+ | $5,000 – $10,000+ | Full finance function territory – see section below |
These figures represent average bookkeeping fees per month for Australian businesses in 2026. Your actual bookkeeper hourly rate or monthly package will depend on the factors covered in the next section. In-house bookkeeping costs run significantly higher once you factor in salary, super, leave, and overheads.
Bookkeeping Costs Per Hour: Australian Rates 2026
If you’re paying for bookkeeping on an hourly basis, here’s what to expect for bookkeeper cost per hour across different experience levels.
These bookkeeping service fees vary depending on provider type, location, and the complexity of your business. Sole traders with straightforward transactions typically pay toward the lower end, while businesses with multiple bank accounts, payroll, and inventory management pay more.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate (ex GST) | Typical Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Junior / Entry-level | $40 – $55 | Cert IV in Bookkeeping, 0 – 2 years experience |
| Intermediate | $55 – $80 | Cert IV or Diploma, 2 – 5 years, BAS Agent registered |
| Senior / Specialist | $80 – $120 | 5+ years, industry specialisation, complex compliance |
| Contract Bookkeeper (firm) | $90 – $150 | Provided through an accounting firm, includes oversight |
Bookkeeping rates by city: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide
Bookkeeper hourly rates for an intermediate bookkeeper, by capital city. Bookkeeping rates in Melbourne and Sydney sit at the top of the national range; Adelaide and regional areas sit lower. Monthly package prices follow the same pattern.
| City | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $65 – $90 |
| Melbourne | $60 – $85 |
| Brisbane | $55 – $80 |
| Perth | $60 – $85 |
| Adelaide | $50 – $75 |
| Hobart / Canberra | $55 – $80 |
These bookkeeping cost per hour figures are for outsourced providers. Remote bookkeepers working nationally tend to fall in the $55 – $75 range regardless of your location, which is one reason outsourced bookkeeping has grown so quickly.
How hourly vs monthly pricing compares: If your bookkeeper spends 4 hours per month on your books at $70/hour, that’s $280/month. A fixed monthly package for the same scope might be $350 – $450, but it typically includes guaranteed turnaround times and priority support. For businesses with consistent transaction volumes, monthly bookkeeping pricing usually offers better value and cost certainty. For businesses with irregular activity – seasonal trades, project-based work – hourly bookkeeper rates can save money during quiet months.
Fixed-price vs hourly bookkeeping: which costs less?
Fixed-price bookkeeping costs less when your transaction volume is steady; hourly bookkeeping costs less when work is irregular or seasonal.
| Fixed-price package | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $300 to $2,500 a month | $50 to $120 an hour |
| Best for | Steady monthly volumes, payroll every week or fortnight | Seasonal or project work, one-off catch-ups |
| Cost certainty | High, as long as you stay within the transaction limit | Low, the bill follows the hours |
| Watch for | Transaction caps and out-of-scope charges | Minimum billing increments and slow work |
Estimate your bookkeeping cost in four steps
- Count your monthly transactions (bank and card lines plus invoices and bills).
- Match them to a package tier above: under 50, 50 to 150, 150 to 400 or 400+.
- Add payroll if it is not included: $5 to $15 per employee per pay run.
- Add BAS if it is not included: $200 to $500 per quarter.
Example: a business with 120 transactions a month, 4 staff paid fortnightly and BAS included in the package would expect roughly $600 to $1,200 a month for the package plus $20 to $60 a fortnight for payroll.
What Affects Your Bookkeeping Costs
Several factors determine where your bookkeeping charges will fall within these ranges. Understanding them helps you compare quotes and avoid overpaying.
Transaction volume: The single biggest driver of bookkeeping rates. A business processing 30 transactions per month will pay significantly less than one with 300+. Most providers price their bookkeeping packages primarily on this metric.
Industry complexity: Specialist industries like arboriculture, construction, and hospitality have more complex coding requirements. Job costing, multiple revenue streams, and industry-specific compliance all add to bookkeeping costs. An arborist accountant or industry specialist will code things correctly the first time, which saves money at tax time.
Software platform: Cloud platforms like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks streamline the process and reduce bookkeeping fees. If your bookkeeper needs to work with desktop software or manual records, expect higher charges for the extra time involved.
Service scope: Basic bank reconciliation and transaction coding costs less than a package that includes BAS preparation, payroll, accounts receivable follow-up, and monthly management reports. The more you bundle, the higher your bookkeeping costs per month – but bundled bookkeeping price packages usually offer better value than paying for each service separately.
Data quality: If your records are messy – receipts in shoeboxes, personal and business expenses mixed together, months of unreconciled transactions – your bookkeeper spends more time sorting things out. Clean data in, lower bookkeeping fees out.
Frequency: Weekly bookkeeping costs more than monthly but catches errors faster and keeps your data current. Most small businesses do well with fortnightly or monthly processing.
Payroll complexity: A business with 2 salaried employees on a simple award is straightforward. A business with 15 staff across multiple awards, overtime, allowances, and leave accruals will pay significantly more for bookkeeping and payroll services.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The headline bookkeeping pricing often doesn’t tell the full story. Here are costs that catch business owners off guard.
Software subscription fees: Your bookkeeper’s quoted rate usually assumes you already have a cloud accounting subscription. Standard prices in November 2026 start at $37/month for Xero (Ignite), $35/month for MYOB Business Lite ($11 for MYOB Solo) and $35.99/month for QuickBooks Online Simple Start, with payroll often costing extra per employee. Some providers include this in their bookkeeping price packages; many don’t.
BAS lodgement as an add-on: Some providers quote low monthly bookkeeping fees but charge $150 – $400 extra per quarter for BAS preparation and lodgement. That adds $600 – $1,600 to your annual bookkeeping costs. Always ask whether BAS is included.
Payroll add-ons: Bookkeeping and payroll services cost more when payroll is quoted separately. Expect $5 – $15 per employee per pay run for basic payroll processing, plus extra for STP lodgement, leave management, and award interpretation.
Catch-up bookkeeping fees: If you’re behind on your books, most providers charge a one-off catch-up fee of $500 – $3,000+ depending on how many months need processing. Some charge their standard hourly rate; others have a flat catch-up fee.
Receipt management and data entry: Scanning, sorting, and entering receipts that aren’t submitted through an app or cloud system adds time and cost. Using Hubdoc, Dext, or Xero’s built-in receipt capture can reduce this.
Year-end adjustments: Some bookkeepers charge extra for end-of-financial-year preparation, accruals, prepayments, and getting everything ready for your accountant. Not sure whether you need a bookkeeper, accountant, or BAS agent? Read our bookkeeper vs accountant vs BAS agent comparison. Check whether this is part of the monthly fee or an additional charge.
Minimum lock-in periods: Watch for 6 or 12-month contracts with early termination fees. Most reputable providers offer month-to-month bookkeeping services pricing.
Scope creep charges: You sign up for a $600/month package and then ask your bookkeeper to chase a debtor, run a custom report, or help with a Xero integration. Those requests are reasonable, but they may not be covered. If your provider charges $80 – $120/hour for out-of-scope work, a few extra requests per month can push your actual bookkeeping costs well above the quoted price.
The best way to avoid hidden costs is to get a detailed scope of work in writing before you start. A clear bookkeeping price list from your provider – covering base fees, add-ons, and exclusions – prevents surprises down the track.
Bookkeeping vs BAS Agent vs Accountant: What’s the Difference?
These three roles overlap, which causes confusion when you’re comparing bookkeeping charges and accounting fees. Here’s how they differ.
| Service | What They Do | Typical Cost | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | Data entry, bank reconciliation, transaction coding, basic reports | $50 – $80/hr or $300 – $2,500/mo | No registration required (unless lodging BAS) |
| BAS Agent | Everything a bookkeeper does, plus BAS preparation and lodgement with the ATO | $60 – $100/hr or $400 – $3,000/mo | Registered with the Tax Practitioners Board |
| Accountant (CA/CPA) | Tax returns, financial statements, tax planning, business advisory, compliance | $150 – $400/hr or $2,000 – $10,000+/yr | Registered Tax Agent |
Do you need all three? Not usually. A registered BAS Agent handles most day-to-day bookkeeping and BAS obligations. You’ll still need an accountant for your annual tax return, financial statements, and any tax planning. Many accounting firms (including ours) offer both bookkeeping and accounting under one roof, which simplifies things and often reduces your total costs.
If your BAS Agent also prepares your books and lodges your BAS, you don’t need a separate bookkeeper. The key question is whether your provider is registered to lodge BAS – if they’re not, they can prepare it but you or your accountant still needs to lodge it.
Bookkeeping Costs by Industry
Industry matters more than most business owners realise when it comes to bookkeeping pricing. Here’s what different sectors typically pay for outsourced bookkeeping.
| Industry | Monthly Bookkeeping Cost (typical SME) | Why It Costs More/Less |
|---|---|---|
| Professional services (consulting, legal, IT) | $400 – $1,000 | Simpler transactions, fewer line items, straightforward GST |
| Retail / E-commerce | $800 – $2,000 | High transaction volumes, inventory, POS integration, GST on every sale |
| Trades / Construction | $800 – $2,500 | Job costing, subcontractor payments, materials tracking, PAYG withholding |
| Hospitality | $1,000 – $3,000 | Daily sales, tips, wages across multiple awards, cash handling |
| Arborists / Tree care | $600 – $1,800 | Job costing, equipment depreciation, seasonal revenue, fuel tax credits |
| Medical / Allied health | $600 – $1,500 | Mixed GST-free and taxable supplies, practitioner payments |
For arborist and tree care businesses specifically, the bookkeeping gets more complex because of equipment finance, job-based costing, and seasonal cash flow swings. You’ll also need a bookkeeper who understands fuel tax credits, equipment depreciation schedules, and subcontractor payment reporting. Our arborist bookkeeping services page goes into detail on what to expect from a specialist provider who understands these nuances.
The takeaway: don’t assume all bookkeeping charges are the same. A provider quoting $500/month for a hospitality business with 800 transactions is either cutting corners or about to hit you with add-on fees. Industry-appropriate bookkeeping pricing reflects the actual work involved.
Bookkeeping Price Comparison: In-House vs Outsourced
Hiring an in-house bookkeeper in Australia costs $55,000 – $75,000 per year in salary alone. Add superannuation (12%), leave provisions, software licences, and management overhead, and the true cost is $70,000 – $95,000 annually. By comparison, outsourced bookkeeping rates for an equivalent workload typically range from $7,200 to $30,000 per year – a saving of 60 – 80% for most small businesses.
This is why outsourced bookkeeping has become the default for Australian businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The bookkeeping fees are predictable, you get a clear price list upfront, the service scales with your needs, and you get access to experienced professionals without the HR overhead.
For a full side-by-side comparison including risk factors, scalability, and control, see our in-house vs outsourced finance comparison.
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Bookkeeping Price List: Quick Reference for 2026
Here is a quick-reference bookkeeping price list showing what you can expect to pay across different service types in Australia:
| Service | Typical Cost | Billing Model |
|---|---|---|
| Basic bookkeeping (bank rec + coding) | $50 – $80/hour | Hourly |
| Senior bookkeeper (complex work) | $80 – $120/hour | Hourly |
| Monthly bookkeeping package (small business) | $600 – $1,200/month | Fixed monthly |
| BAS preparation only | $200 – $500/quarter | Per lodgement |
| Payroll processing | $5 – $15/employee/pay run | Per employee |
| Per-transaction bookkeeping | $1 – $3/transaction | Per transaction |
| Full outsourced finance function | $2,500 – $10,000/month | Fixed monthly |
These bookkeeping charges reflect current Australian market rates as of 2026. Rates vary by location: bookkeeper rates in Sydney and Melbourne tend to sit 10 – 15% above regional areas. Most providers offer a free initial quote, so always compare at least two or three before committing.
How to Reduce Your Bookkeeping Costs
You can’t eliminate bookkeeping, but you can bring the cost down without sacrificing quality. Here are practical ways to reduce your bookkeeping fees.
- Use cloud accounting software. Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks with automatic bank feeds cut data entry time significantly. Less manual work means lower bookkeeping charges.
- Keep business and personal expenses separate. A dedicated business bank account and credit card saves your bookkeeper hours of sorting. Mixed transactions are one of the biggest drivers of higher book keeping prices.
- Submit receipts digitally as they happen. Use Dext, Hubdoc, or your accounting software’s receipt capture. A box of paper receipts at month-end costs you more in bookkeeper rates than real-time digital submissions.
- Reconcile regularly. Don’t let months pile up. Monthly or fortnightly reconciliation catches errors early and keeps costs predictable. Catch-up bookkeeping always costs more than staying current.
- Automate recurring transactions. Set up rules in your accounting software for regular expenses (rent, subscriptions, loan repayments). This reduces the number of transactions your bookkeeper needs to manually code.
- Bundle services with one provider. Bookkeeping, BAS, and payroll from one firm usually costs less than three separate providers. You also avoid duplication and communication gaps.
- Choose the right service level. Don’t pay for weekly bookkeeping if monthly will do. Don’t pay for management reports you never read. Match the service to what your business actually needs right now.
When to Upgrade from Bookkeeping to a Full Finance Function
Bookkeeping is data entry and record-keeping. It tells you what happened. A full outsourced finance function goes well beyond that – it tells you what’s happening now, what’s about to happen, and what you should do about it.
Here’s the difference in practice:
| Bookkeeping | Outsourced Finance Function |
|---|---|
| Bank reconciliation | Bank reconciliation + cash flow forecasting |
| Transaction coding | Coding + chart of accounts optimisation |
| Basic monthly reports | Management accounts with commentary and KPIs |
| BAS preparation | Full compliance calendar management (BAS, IAS, PAYG, STP) |
| Invoicing | Debtor management – chasing overdue invoices, credit control |
| Bill entry | Creditor management – payment scheduling, supplier terms negotiation |
| – | Budget vs actual reporting |
| – | Cash flow forecasting (13-week rolling) |
| – | Board-ready financial reporting |
| – | Payroll management including award compliance |
| – | Strategic oversight from a qualified accountant or CFO |
Outsourced finance function cost: $2,500 – $8,000 per month, depending on business size and complexity. That’s significantly more than basic bookkeeping – but the return comes from better cash flow management, fewer overdue debtors, tighter cost control, and financial reporting that actually helps you make decisions.
Signs you’ve outgrown basic bookkeeping:
- Your revenue is above $1M and you have no regular management reports
- You’re chasing debtors yourself (or nobody is chasing them)
- You’ve been surprised by a cash flow shortfall more than once
- Your accountant only hears from you at tax time
- You’re making business decisions based on your bank balance, not financial data
- You have staff but no payroll compliance confidence
If two or more of those apply, you’re likely leaving money on the table with basic bookkeeping. A virtual CFO or outsourced finance function pays for itself through tighter financial control and better decision-making.
Think of it this way: bookkeeping records history. An outsourced finance function manages your money. The bookkeeper enters the invoice; the finance function chases payment, manages your cash position, and makes sure you can cover payroll next week. For growing businesses, the upgrade from bookkeeping to a finance function is often the single biggest improvement they make to their financial management – and the cost difference ($1,000 – $2,000/month vs $2,500 – $8,000/month) is typically recovered through reduced bad debts, better supplier terms, and avoiding costly cash flow surprises.
How to Choose a Bookkeeping Provider
When comparing bookkeeping rates across providers, look beyond the headline price. Ask about what is included in the quoted fee, how many transactions are covered, whether BAS is extra, and what their turnaround times are. The cheapest bookkeeping fees do not always represent the best value – accuracy, responsiveness, and industry knowledge matter more than saving $50 per month.
Questions to ask before signing up:
- What’s included in the monthly fee? Is BAS preparation and lodgement included?
- How many transactions does the quoted price cover? What happens if I exceed that?
- Do you charge separately for payroll? How much per employee per pay run?
- What software do you work with? Will I need my own subscription?
- Are you a registered BAS Agent?
- What’s your turnaround time for monthly reconciliation?
- Is there a lock-in period or early termination fee?
- Do you have experience in my industry?
For arborist businesses specifically, we recommend working with a provider who understands job costing, equipment depreciation, and the seasonal cash flow patterns of tree care operations. Our arborist bookkeeping services page explains what to expect from a specialist provider.
Get a Bookkeeping Quote
Every business is different, and a proper quote depends on your transaction volume, industry, and what level of service you actually need. We work with small businesses and SMEs across Australia, with particular expertise in arboriculture, trades, and professional services.
Get a custom quote based on your transaction volume and service needs – or call us to discuss whether bookkeeping, a BAS agent, or a full outsourced finance function is the right fit for your business.
Want to know exactly what bookkeeping will cost for your business? Request a free consultation – we will review your current setup and provide a fixed-price quote with no obligation.
Related Articles
- In-House vs Outsourced Finance
- Virtual CFO Services Australia
- Arborist Bookkeeping Services
- Best Accounting Software: Xero vs QuickBooks vs MYOB
- Outsourced Finance Function
Talk to a specialist arborist accountant
Arbour Advisory works exclusively with arborists, tree loppers and tree care businesses across Australia. Book a free, no-obligation consultation to talk through your tax, bookkeeping, equipment finance or growth questions.
Bookkeeping services cost
Most arborist and tree care businesses we speak to want a straight answer on bookkeeping services cost, not a “depends” runaround. Here’s the honest range we see across the clients we work with at Arbour Advisory in 2026.
For sole traders running a single chipper and ute, expect to pay $385 to $650 per month for ongoing bookkeeping, BAS lodgement and an annual tax return. That covers Xero or MYOB reconciliation, monthly P&L review, payroll for the owner, and GST work. If you only want a one-off return at the end of the year, budget $750 to $1,200 depending on how clean your records are when they land on our desk.
Once you’ve moved into a company structure with one to five employees, monthly fees typically sit in the $850 to $1,800 range. That includes payroll and Single Touch Payroll, BAS, year-end accounts, the company tax return, and a quarterly catch-up to talk through cash flow and equipment plans. Bigger crews with 10+ staff and multiple work crews usually run $2,200 to $4,500 per month for a full outsourced finance function, including fortnightly payroll, supplier payments, debtor chasing and management reporting.
For a market comparison, see how much an accountant costs in Australia. The number that actually matters is value, not fee. A specialist arborist accountant who picks up an extra $8,000 in fuel tax credits, $15,000 in equipment write-offs and three structuring wins over a year is paying for themselves five times over. Call us on +61 2 8378 2421 for a fixed-fee proposal in 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What does Arbour Advisory charge for bookkeeping?
For sole trader arborists we charge from $385/month for full bookkeeping, BAS and tax. Tree care companies with 1-5 staff sit at $850-$1,800/month and larger crews with 10+ employees run $2,200-$4,500/month for a complete outsourced finance function. One-off annual tax returns range $750-$1,200 depending on structure and record quality.
Are accounting fees tax deductible for my arborist business?
Yes. Accounting, bookkeeping and tax agent fees are fully deductible business expenses. The cost of preparing your previous year tax return is also deductible in the year you pay it. Keep the invoices and code them to “Accounting” in Xero or MYOB.
How much does a bookkeeper charge per hour in Australia?
In 2026 bookkeepers charge about $40 to $55 an hour at entry level, $55 to $80 for an intermediate BAS agent bookkeeper and $80 to $120 for senior or specialist work. Bookkeepers supplied through an accounting firm charge $90 to $150 an hour because the rate includes accountant oversight.
How much does bookkeeping cost per month for a small business?
A small business with 50 to 150 transactions a month typically pays $600 to $1,200 a month for a fixed-price package. Micro businesses pay $300 to $600, and growing businesses with 150 to 400 transactions pay $1,200 to $2,500.
What is included in a fixed-price bookkeeping package?
Bank reconciliation, transaction coding, accounts payable and receivable, BAS preparation and basic monthly reports. Payroll, BAS lodgement, catch-up work and year-end adjustments are often extras, so ask for the scope in writing.
Is fixed-price or hourly bookkeeping cheaper?
Fixed-price bookkeeping is usually cheaper and more predictable when your transaction volume is steady. Hourly bookkeeping can cost less for seasonal businesses or occasional catch-up work.
What are bookkeeping rates in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide?
For an intermediate bookkeeper, typical hourly rates are $60 to $85 in Melbourne, $65 to $90 in Sydney and $50 to $75 in Adelaide. Remote bookkeepers working nationally often charge $55 to $75 wherever you are.
Is outsourced bookkeeping cheaper than hiring in-house?
For most small businesses, yes. An in-house bookkeeper costs about $70,000 to $95,000 a year once salary, 12% super, leave and overheads are included, while outsourced bookkeeping for the same workload typically costs $7,200 to $30,000 a year.
Do trades businesses need a specialist bookkeeper?
It helps. Trades, construction and field-services businesses need job costing, subcontractor reporting, equipment depreciation and fuel tax credits handled correctly. A specialist codes these right the first time, which saves cost at BAS and tax time.
Run a tree-care business? Bookkeeping cost is the wrong question.
The real question is what it costs you not to know your margin per job. We’re specialist arborist accountants — we do bookkeeping as part of a full outsourced finance function built for arborists, from $2,500/month.
Get a fixed quote for your business →
Specialist help for tree-care businesses: Arborist accountant · Outsourced finance function · Arborist tax deductions · Equipment finance calculator
Related: Bookkeeper vs accountant — what does a tree business actually need?