How Much Does It Cost to Work with a Local Bookkeeper?
Hiring a local bookkeeper might seem like the easiest way to manage your business finances-but how much does it actually cost?
Download Our Free Brochure →Let’s break down the typical pricing for local bookkeepers and compare it with remote alternatives like Remote Books Online.
Local Bookkeeper Rates: What to Expect
Hourly Rates:
Most local bookkeepers charge between $50-$80 per hour. Some may offer package deals, but many still work on an hourly basis.
Monthly Totals:
If your business requires 8–10 hours of work per month (very common), you’re paying $400-$800/month-sometimes more.
One-time Cleanup Fees:
If your books are behind, local bookkeepers may charge $1,000+ for cleanup and setup.
Hidden Costs:
- Delays due to availability
- Additional charges for extra reports or last-minute requests
- Missed deadlines during tax season if they’re overbooked
What You Get (and Don’t Get)
Most local bookkeepers will:
- Reconcile your bank and credit card accounts
- Categorize transactions
- Generate monthly reports
But they may not:
- Be available outside business hours
- Provide consistent backup support
- Integrate with your CPA or online systems
Remote Books Online: More Value, Less Hassle
At Remote Books Online, we offer:
Download Our Free Brochure →- Flat-rate pricing starting at $150/month
- No hourly billing
- Monthly close + CPA-ready reports
- Team support-no risk if one bookkeeper is unavailable
- Secure portal access 24/7
And yes-your first month is free. No credit card needed to start.
Test Case
A boutique marketing agency in Colorado paid a local bookkeeper $75/hour for 10 hours a month. Total: $750/month.
After switching to Remote Books Online:
- They paid a flat $200/month
- Reports were delivered faster
- No additional cost for extra questions or emails
FAQs
Can I switch from a local bookkeeper mid-year?
Yes. We help you transition smoothly, even if your fiscal year is already in progress.
Will I still get customized service?
Absolutely. We assign a dedicated team to your account with personalized support.
What if I have multiple businesses?
We support multi-entity bookkeeping and can customize a plan for you.
Conclusion
Local bookkeepers offer great personal touch-but often at a higher cost, with less availability and slower turnaround.
Remote Books Online gives you expert-level service, lower pricing, and the flexibility to grow without increasing overhead.
Request your free quote or start your trial and see the difference.
Looking for local bookkeeping help? Check out our local bookkeeper services guide to explore options suited for your area.
Curious if white-label bookkeeping can help your firm? Our white-label bookkeeping guide explains how you can deliver professional service under your own brand.
Considering outsourcing your books? Our outsourced bookkeeping services guide highlights key benefits like cost savings, scalability, and expert accuracy-so you can decide with confidence.
