What Is the Cost of Outsourced Bookkeeping Services?
Outsourced bookkeeping is one of the most cost-effective ways for small businesses to manage finances without hiring a full-time employee. But many business owners hesitate because they don’t know what it will actually cost.
Download Our Free Brochure →Let’s break down the average pricing models, what affects the cost, and how to know if you’re overpaying.
1. Monthly Bookkeeping Costs by Business Size
Outsourced bookkeeping typically ranges from $150 to $800+ per month depending on your needs.
| Business Type | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Freelancer / Sole Prop | $150 – $300 |
| Small Business (1-5 staff) | $250 – $500 |
| Medium Business (6-20 staff) | $400 – $800+ |
These prices assume:
- Monthly reconciliation of bank/credit card accounts
- Basic financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet)
- Email or portal-based communication
If you’re being quoted $1,000+ for basic services, you’re probably being upsold on things you don’t need.
Learn more about our monthly bookkeeping services and how we tailor pricing based on your business size.
2. What Affects Outsourced Bookkeeping Costs
Bookkeeping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Costs vary based on:
Download Our Free Brochure →- Number of transactions: 20 transactions/month vs. 2,000 is a major difference
- Number of accounts: Each bank or credit card adds reconciliation time
- Payroll complexity: If payroll is included, expect higher pricing
- Industry: Real estate, law firms, and e-commerce tend to be more complex
- Catch-up or cleanup: Backlogged books cost more upfront
- Software: If your provider uses their own system vs. your QuickBooks
Ask for a custom quote based on your actual volume – not just a flat rate based on assumptions.
3. Hourly vs. Flat Rate Pricing
Most outsourced providers offer one of two pricing models:
- Flat Monthly Fee – Best for predictable costs, includes core services
- Hourly Billing – Usually $30-$80/hour, common with freelancers or CPAs
Flat fees are better if you want budget certainty and don’t want surprise invoices. Hourly works only when scope is truly variable.
Curious how our pricing stacks up against competitors? Explore our catch-up bookkeeping services and flat-rate options.
4. Add-On Costs to Watch For
Some services advertise a low monthly rate but sneak in extra charges for:
- Monthly reporting
- Email support
- Sales tax filings
- Bank feed setup
- QuickBooks access
Always clarify what’s included. A transparent provider will give you a full scope with no hidden fees.
5. Is Outsourcing Worth It Compared to Hiring?
Hiring a full-time bookkeeper costs $50K-$70K/year plus payroll tax and benefits.
Compare that to a $350/month outsourced service – you’re paying $4,200/year with no overhead.
Even at $500/month, outsourced bookkeeping is less than half the cost of an in-house hire.
And you don’t have to manage anyone.
Looking for a fully managed alternative to in-house staff? Our outsourced bookkeeping services give you a full team without the overhead.
Test Case: Online Retailer with Seasonal Volume
A Shopify store doing $750K/year had a local bookkeeper charging $65/hour – no monthly reporting, no QuickBooks access.
They switched to RemoteBooksOnline and now pay $350/month with:
- Full access to QuickBooks
- Monthly reconciliations
- Catch-up bookkeeping from the past year
- Year-end tax-ready reports
They saved over $4,000/year while upgrading their bookkeeping quality.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m paying too much?
If you’re paying more than $600/month for under 500 transactions and no payroll, it’s time to get another quote.
Is cleanup or catch-up bookkeeping included?
Usually not – it’s a one-time fee based on how many months you’re behind. But once done, monthly service is flat.
Are there discounts for annual payment?
Some providers offer discounts if you prepay annually or sign a 6–12 month commitment.
Can I start with basic service and upgrade later?
Yes. Most providers offer tiered plans so you can start small and scale up when needed.
What if I switch bookkeeping providers mid-year?
Make sure your current provider exports everything cleanly. A good new provider will pick up from where you left off.
Outsourced bookkeeping doesn’t have to be expensive – it just has to be efficient and consistent. RemoteBooksOnline provides flat-fee bookkeeping with no surprises, no hourly charges, and complete transparency.
Request a free quote today and compare what you’re paying to what you could be saving.
Need help getting current on your books first?
Check out our QuickBooks cleanup services – we’ll bring everything up to date before starting your monthly plan.
