Average Cost of Bookkeeping Services for a Small Business

Keeping your business finances in order is crucial to your success. But if you’re a small business owner, you likely have a long to-do list, and managing your books probably isn’t at the top. The benefits of hiring a bookkeeper include freeing time to focus on running your business. But what about the cost? This article will help you understand the average price of bookkeeping services for small businesses, so you can determine whether hiring a bookkeeper fits your budget.  

If you’re a small business owner looking to improve your financial processes, Haven can help. We offer accounting services for small businesses to help you get your financials in order, so you can focus on achieving your business goals.

Average Cost of Bookkeeping Services for a Small Business

The cost of bookkeeping services varies significantly depending on your needs. Basic bookkeeping services focus on compliance and organization, helping early-stage businesses stay on top of their finances and avoid penalties. These services include:

• Recording transactions
• Paying bills
• Processing payroll and more

Understanding the Comprehensive Value of Full-Service Accounting

Full-service accounting goes beyond these basics to provide financial reporting, cash flow analysis, strategic decision-making support, and other advanced services that clarify your business’s economic health. As you might expect, full-service accounting will cost more than basic bookkeeping.

In-House Bookkeepers: A Consistent But Costly Solution

Hiring an in-house bookkeeper may be the way to go if you want someone dedicated to your business’s finances. This option provides real-time access to financial information and ensures you have help when issues arise. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a full-time bookkeeper is around $47,440 per year, or about $3,950 per month. Remember, this doesn’t include the cost of:

• Employee benefits
• Payroll taxes
• Equipment
• Office space

Outsourced Bookkeeping: Flexible and Affordable

Outsourcing your bookkeeping to a third-party firm is one of the most popular options for small businesses, especially those looking to balance quality with cost. On average, outsourced bookkeeping services range from $300 to $2,000 per month, depending on the size of your business, the number of monthly transactions, and the services you need. 

The appeal of outsourcing lies in flexibility and expertise. You’re essentially gaining access to a team of professionals without the overhead of hiring full-time staff.  

Freelance Bookkeepers

Freelance bookkeepers offer another flexible and often affordable option. Their rates vary, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average hourly rate for bookkeepers at around $22.81 per hour. Freelancers often set their rates, so depending on experience and location, you could pay anywhere from $20 to $75 per hour. 

Hiring a freelancer can be smart if you don’t need full-time help but still want someone skilled to manage your books on a part-time or project basis. The bottom line is that how much bookkeeping will cost your business depends on your:

• Needs
• Preferences
• Growth plans

Whether managing the basics or stepping into more complex financial planning, understanding these options and what you’re getting for the price can help you choose the right path forward.

Related Reading

• What Is Included in Bookkeeping Services
• Common Bookkeeping Mistakes
• Basic Bookkeeping for Small Business
• Types of Bookkeeping Services

Factors That Influence Bookkeeping Costs for Small Businesses

The cost of bookkeeping services varies depending on your business's size, the level of service you require, and the bookkeeper's experience. Let’s look at these factors in more detail so you know what to expect when budgeting for bookkeeping:   

Business Size

Naturally, a larger business will have more bookkeeping needs and transactions to manage than a small business. This will increase the cost of bookkeeping services. For example, a sole proprietor with a few monthly transactions will pay less for bookkeeping than a company with:

• Multiple employees
• Accounts
• Locations   

Service Level

Some small businesses only need basic bookkeeping, such as expense entry and bank reconciliations, while others require more complex services like:

• Payroll
• Cash flow management
• Financial reporting

The more services you need, the higher your bookkeeping costs will be.

Bookkeeper Experience

Like any other profession, more experienced bookkeepers charge higher rates than those just starting. Nevertheless, a professional bookkeeper can handle more complex tasks and provide valuable insights and advice to help you manage your business’s finances. If you’re looking for affordable bookkeeping, consider a less experienced bookkeeper or a small team specializing in serving businesses your size.  

Full-Service Financial Management

Let your business take flight while Haven manages your financial runway. Built by founders for founders, we handle everything from daily bookkeeping to complex tax filings, R&D credits that put cash back in your pocket, and fractional CFO services. 

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Join 400+ startups who've saved millions in tax credits, countless hours of administrative work, and never missed a filing deadline, all while accessing 24/7 Slack support from CPAs who understand the unique challenges of growing businesses. 

Book a call today to learn how our dedicated team can help you focus on building rather than bookkeeping. 

How To Choose the Right Bookkeeping Solution

Know What You Need First

When deciding on a bookkeeping solution, the first step is to know what your business needs: 

• Do you require basic bookkeeping services?
• Are you looking for more comprehensive assistance that includes payroll and tax services?

Not all bookkeepers are licensed to provide all types of accounting services. So, knowing what you need ahead of time will help you narrow down your options.

Look for Experience in Your Industry 

Once you know what you need, look for someone with experience in your industry and businesses of your size. Bookkeeping for a small retail operation will differ significantly from that for a nonprofit or a construction company. 

Finding someone with experience in your industry will help ensure they can hit the ground running and won’t need much time to learn your business’s financials.   

Find a Bookkeeper Who Uses the Same Accounting Software as You

When choosing the right bookkeeping solution, you’ll also want to consider the type of accounting software the bookkeeper uses. If you already use accounting software in your business, look for someone proficient in that program. 

This will make it easier to transition your financials to an outside bookkeeping service and help ensure there won’t be a steep learning curve for either party as they take over your books.   

Make Sure You Can Work Well Together

Since you will be sharing sensitive financial information about your business with your bookkeeper, finding someone you can trust and who will communicate well with you is essential. When interviewing potential candidates, look for someone personable, professional, and who you feel comfortable talking with.  

Consider Your Budget 

You’ll want to consider your budget and how much you can afford to pay for bookkeeping services. The average cost of bookkeeping services for small businesses can vary widely depending on the complexity of your financials and the experience level of the bookkeeper. 

Some bookkeepers charge a flat monthly fee, while others bill by the hour. Depending on your needs, one pricing structure may be more beneficial. 

Related Reading

• Hiring a Bookkeeper for a Small Business
• Bookkeeping Best Practices
• Benefits of Virtual Bookkeeping
• Bookkeeping vs. CPA
• Small Business Accounting Tips
• Outsource Bookkeeping for Small Business
• Bookkeeping Tasks

4 Tips To Reduce Bookkeeping Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

1. Outsource Strategically  

Outsourcing your bookkeeping can lead to significant savings. According to recent studies, 70% of businesses outsource to save money. Another 40% seek scalability and flexibility. When you outsource, you eliminate costs related to:

• Employee benefits
• Office space
• Training

Strategic Partner Selection

To get the most out of outsourcing, choose a partner with experience in your industry. Local firms can offer personalized service and understand regional tax laws. An offshore option might be more cost-effective if you only need basic tasks. 

2. Use Technology  

Cloud-based accounting software can help you reduce bookkeeping costs. These tools automate many routine tasks to reduce the time spent on manual data entry and reconciliation. This time savings translates directly into cost savings. Invest in software that integrates with your other business tools. 

For example, connecting your point-of-sale system directly to your accounting software can eliminate the need for manual sales data entry. 

3. Review Your Finances Regularly  

Set aside time each month to review your financial statements, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. This can help you spot billing errors, identify late-paying customers, and find opportunities to negotiate better terms with suppliers. Regular reviews often lead to immediate cost recovery and improved financial health. 

4. Bundle Services  

Many accounting firms offer package deals that combine bookkeeping with tax preparation and other financial services. These bundles often come at a discount compared to purchasing services separately. For example, bundling bookkeeping with tax preparation can save you 15-20% on the total cost of these services. 

The Power of Integrated Services

Having the same team handle your day-to-day finances and tax filings ensures consistency and can lead to better year-round tax planning. When considering bundled services, assess your business needs carefully. While comprehensive packages offer value, you don’t want to pay for services you won’t use. Some firms provide customizable bundles, allowing you to select only the needed services.

Related Reading

• Bookkeeping Services List
• Organizing Small Business Bookkeeping
• Best Accountant for Small Business
• Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Accounting Services
• Bookkeeping Services for Startups
• Bookkeeping Packages for Small Business
• Best Outsourced Bookkeeping Services
• Best Bookkeeping Services

Book a Call to Learn More About our Accounting Services (Trusted by 400+ Startups)

Haven elevates your financial management so you can focus on your business. Your business can take flight while Haven manages your financial runway. Built by founders for founders, Haven handles everything from daily bookkeeping to complex tax filings and R&D credits that put cash back in your pocket, as well as fractional CFO services. 

Startup Success, Simplified

Join 400+ startups who’ve saved millions in tax credits, countless hours of administrative work, and never missed a filing deadline, all while accessing 24/7 Slack support from CPAs who understand the unique challenges of growing businesses. 

Book a call today and discover how our dedicated team can help you focus on building rather than bookkeeping.

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