How Much Are Bookkeeping Services for Small Business?
Keeping clean books is non-negotiable-but pricing can feel opaque. Below we break down common pricing models, what really drives the cost, and simple ways to control spend while improving accuracy.
Curious about cost? Check out our pricing page for transparent rates and customizable bookkeeping plans that fit your needs.
What does bookkeeping typically cost?
Three common models:
- Hourly: often used for cleanups/special projects. Typical range: ~$30-$90+/hr depending on experience, industry, and complexity.
- Monthly packages: predictable billing tied to transaction volume and services. Entry plans may start in the low hundreds; growing businesses often sit mid-hundreds to ~$1,500+.
- Project-based: one-time cleanups, historical catch-up, system migrations-priced by scope.
Prices vary by region, software stack, transaction volume, payroll needs, sales tax, and reporting cadence.
What drives your price up (or down)?
- Transaction volume & accounts (bank, credit card, loans, payment processors).
- Sales tax & multi-state complexity.
- Payroll headcount & frequency.
- Industry requirements (construction WIP, inventory, job costing, trust/IOLTA, ecommerce channel reconciliation).
- Reporting cadence (weekly vs. monthly) and controller/CFO add-ons.
- Quality of your current books (clean vs. cleanup needed).
Bookkeeper Cost For Small Businesses
In-house vs. outsourced
- In-house = salary + benefits + software + management time. Great for large, complex orgs.
- Outsourced = specialized team, broader coverage, and fractional controller/CFO options-usually lower total cost for small businesses.
How to reduce cost without losing accuracy
- Standardize your chart of accounts and close calendar.
- Automate bank feeds, rules, and bill pay approvals.
- Keep receipt capture disciplined (mobile app + policy).
- Limit off-books spreadsheets-consolidate into the GL.
- Bundle services (bookkeeping + payroll + sales tax) for better rates.
What you get with Remote Books Online (RBO)
- Flat, transparent monthly pricing tied to your stage.
- Dedicated bookkeeper + reviewer, with optional controller oversight.
- Software-agnostic (we work in the tools you already use).
- Cleanup & catch-up available if you’re behind.
Average CPA Tax Preparation Cost
FAQs
Is hourly or monthly cheaper?
Monthly plans usually cost less over time and are more predictable. Hourly fits one-off cleanups.
Can I start small and scale?
Yes-begin with a essentials plan and add payroll, AP, or controller services as you grow.
Do I need a CPA for bookkeeping?
Not necessarily. Bookkeepers keep your ledgers accurate; CPAs focus on tax/assurance. Many businesses use both.
Want a precise quote? Share your current tools, accounts, and monthly transaction volume-we’ll price it in minutes.
Related reading
- Bookkeeper Cost (SMB)
- When To Hire A Bookkeeper
- How Many Bookkeepers Do I Need
- Freelancer Software Picks
Explore our full range of bookkeeping services designed for small businesses looking for accuracy, simplicity, and CPA-reviewed financials.
