How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost? Small Business Pricing Explained
Hourly, monthly, software, or a subscription service — what each option typically costs and how to pick the one that fits.
Bookkeeping prices vary a lot, and the quotes are hard to compare because people charge in different ways. Here's how pricing usually works and what to look for.
The common pricing models
Hourly freelancer: you pay for time, so messy months cost more
Monthly flat fee from a bookkeeper or firm: commonly a few hundred dollars a month and up, depending on transaction volume
Accounting software you run yourself: roughly $20–$90 a month, plus your own hours
Done-for-you subscription: a set monthly price where you send records and get finished books back
Ask whether catch-up, year-end reports, and software subscriptions are included. A low monthly price can grow quickly once those are added.
Which option fits
If you have payroll, inventory, or complex sales tax, a full-service bookkeeper or firm is often worth it. If you're a small service business that mostly needs clean monthly numbers and a tax-ready year, a subscription is usually the simpler, cheaper path.
LedgerFast is $79/month: you upload bank statements and type in cash jobs, and we send back finished Excel and PDF reports. Catching up this year's earlier months is free with membership.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bookkeeper worth it for a small business?
If doing the books takes hours a month or keeps getting skipped, paying for it usually saves time and reduces tax-season stress.
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
A bookkeeper keeps records organized all year. An accountant or CPA prepares tax returns and gives tax advice. Most small businesses use both.