Hire a Bookkeeper: When to Hire, What’s Included, and Cost

Running your own books works-until it doesn’t. Here’s how to tell it’s time to hire a bookkeeper, what’s included in a monthly plan, and how to keep costs predictable.

Signs It’s Time to Hire

• You’re behind on reconciliations or dread month‑end closes.
• Payroll or sales‑tax is eating hours every week.
• Your CPA spends time cleaning your books at tax time.
• You can’t trust your P&L to make decisions.

What a Bookkeeper Actually Does

• Monthly categorization and bank/credit‑card reconciliations.
• Software management (QuickBooks/Xero).
• Tax‑ready financial statements and basic month‑end checks.
• Add‑ons: payroll, sales‑tax, AP/AR, catch‑up if you’re behind.

Cost-What to Expect

• $150-$195/mo (1-2 accounts, low volume).
• $225-$325/mo (3-6 accounts or higher volume/complexity).
• Add‑ons priced separately; use the estimator for an instant range.

How to Get Started (3 Steps)

1. Connect accounts and share prior statements.
2. Set category rules and reporting cadence.
3. First close with a quick variance review.

FAQs

When should I hire a bookkeeper?
Hire when reconciliations fall behind, compliance tasks eat hours, or your CPA cleans books at tax time.

How much does a bookkeeper cost?
Most small businesses pay $150-$375/month depending on accounts, volume and add-ons like payroll or sales-tax.

Related Reading

• Bookkeeping vs. Accounting Pricing
• Outsourced vs. In‑House Bookkeeper

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