Cost guide · 2026
How much does a bookkeeper cost in Australia?
Bookkeepers in Australia charge roughly $40–$100 an hour, or $200–$1,000+ a month on a fixed package — driven mostly by how many transactions and whether payroll is involved.
What makes up the fee
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
Hourly bookkeeping Ad-hoc or lower-volume work; the rate rises for BAS agents and specialists. | $40 – $100 / hr |
Fixed monthly package Set scope (reconciliation, invoicing, reporting) for a predictable monthly fee. | $200 – $1,000+ / mo |
Payroll add-on Or bundled into the monthly fee; scales with headcount and pay-run frequency. | $5 – $15 / payslip |
Accounting software Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks subscription — sometimes billed to you, sometimes included. | $30 – $90 / mo |
Indicative 2026 market ranges, not a quote. Always confirm your price in writing before work begins.
What drives the price up or down
Transaction volume
The single biggest driver. A quiet consulting business with 30 transactions a month is a fraction of the work of a busy café with hundreds.
Frequency
Weekly bookkeeping costs more than monthly, but keeps data current for decisions and spreads the work — cheaper than a big quarterly catch-up.
Payroll
Running payroll adds STP reporting, superannuation and award compliance — real work that lifts the fee with every extra employee.
Cleanup vs ongoing
A one-off cleanup of neglected books is billed at a higher effective rate than steady ongoing work — the cheapest path is not letting it pile up.
Compare on verified client reviews and checked credentials, not price alone. A “TPB Verified” badge means we’ve confirmed the accountant’s registration against the Tax Practitioners Board register.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to pay a bookkeeper hourly or monthly?
For steady, predictable work a fixed monthly package is usually better value and easier to budget. Hourly suits low or irregular volume. Ask a prospective bookkeeper to quote both against your actual transaction count.
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
A bookkeeper keeps your day-to-day records accurate and can lodge your BAS (if they're a registered BAS agent); an accountant handles tax returns, financial statements, structuring and advice. Using a bookkeeper for the ongoing work keeps the accountant's (more expensive) time for higher-value tasks.
Do I need a registered BAS agent?
If you want your bookkeeper to prepare and lodge your BAS for you, they must be a registered BAS agent. BAS agents charge a little more than unregistered bookkeepers, but they can lodge on your behalf and are accountable to the Tax Practitioners Board.
Will a bookkeeper save me money overall?
Usually, yes. Clean, reconciled books cut your accountant's year-end hours (and bill), reduce the risk of missed deductions, and give you real-time numbers to run the business. Bookkeeping upstream is cheaper than accounting cleanup downstream.
How do I find a good-value bookkeeper?
Compare a few on verified client reviews and their software (Xero/MYOB) experience, and confirm whether they're a registered BAS agent if you need lodgement. Our free quiz shortlists verified bookkeepers who work with businesses like yours.
Top-rated specialists
Intaxnet is a bookkeeping and tax service for small and medium-sized businesses in Perth. They offer bookkeeping, tax returns, and business advice across various industries including hospitality, retail, professional services, and building and construction.
Reliable Bookkeeping Services is a Melbourne-based bookkeeping firm established in 2007 that provides bookkeeping and accounting services to sole traders, small to large businesses, trusts, and non-profit organizations. They offer services including basic bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, payroll, cash flow management, profit and loss statements, and internal KPIs, with expertise in XERO, QuickBooks, and MYOB software.
2 Cents Worth is a team of qualified and experienced bookkeepers serving clients across Australia. They provide bookkeeping services including data entry, account reconciliation, financial reporting, and tax preparation, tailored to specific business needs.