Bookkeeping Rates

[BrisbaneBookkeeper]

I haven't been on here for a while, subsequently have been held up starting business venture but it is slowly getting there!!!

Just wondering what you would pay per hour for a bookkeeper? I have two clients already who I have had for some time & both have said that I charge way too low in comparison to others, but considering the relationship that I have with them I am happy to keep the hourly rate as is at the moment.

So, back to original question - what would YOU pay per hour for a good bookkeeper?

[Dardee]

It depends on what you can offer the client? And are you an authorised BAS Service Provider?

I started off charging what I thought was reasonable but quickly learned it was too low. I've now settled on a much better rate that all my future clients will be charged. I know some may say that it is too much for a bookkeeper, but that is where other services over and above bookkeeping come into play. For these services I could charge more if I wanted but decided one flat rate was much easier to work with for me and the client.

I'm now charging $60/hr + GST.

[BrisbaneBookkeeper]

Originally Posted by Dardee

It depends on what you can offer the client? And are you an authorised BAS Service Provider?

I started off charging what I thought was reasonable but quickly learned it was too low. I've now settled on a much better rate that all my future clients will be charged. I know some may say that it is too much for a bookkeeper, but that is where other services over and above bookkeeping come into play. For these services I could charge more if I wanted but decided one flat rate was much easier to work with for me and the client.

I'm now charging $60/hr + GST.

Thanks for your reply

I am a registered BAS service provider - I'd hate to think of how many businesses who aren't using one these days!!!

[KoB]

What about the Soloists who can afford it a bookkeeper, how much would you pay?

[Rachel Reeves]

To give you an idea of the value in real terms - an employer in Brisbane would pay it's employee a base rate of about $28 including Superannuation to do bookkeeping type work. That is not taking into consideration annual leave etc, HR, payroll, overheads (eg. computer, software, stationery etc). Engaging the services of a contractor they do not pay for coffee, toilet etc breaks as they do with a regular employee.

[KoB]

Originally Posted by rachelr

To give you an idea of the value in real terms - an employer in Brisbane would pay it's employee a base rate of about $28 including Superannuation to do bookkeeping type work. That is not taking into consideration annual leave etc, HR, payroll, overheads (eg. computer, software, stationery etc). Engaging the services of a contractor they do not pay for coffee, toilet etc breaks as they do with a regular employee.

The range I've seen in Sydney is between $25-$35 plus super excluding the on-costs (annual leave, public hol if taken on as a perm ptime employee etc).

[@HeatherSmithAU]

Hi Brisbane Bookkeeper,

It does not matter too much, but I wanted to point out that presently, there is actually no such thing as a "registered BAS Service Provider".

It suggests that the ATO maintains a registry of BAS Service Providers, which at the moment it does not.

Perhaps when you first signed up for the BAS portal, you saw the word 'register', this was an oversight on the part of the ATO.

I just want to highlight this to you to ensure you and other bookkeepers don't promote themselves as 'registered'.

Down the track there will likely be a register.

You are better off doing what Darren has done - simply refer to yourself as a BAS Service Provider.

What rate should a bookkeeper charge?

What rate should a doctor charge themselves at?

It is such a hard question to answer, what rate can your market take? What is your experience? What is your speed? What areas/industries are you expert in? What do you bring to the business?

I am surprised with Darren’s qualifications he is not charging more.

Your original question what would I pay for a good bookkeeper – personally I would only get them to do data entry – I would do the review-analysis-BAS- MMR reports myself – I would therefore only pay $25 an hour.

[Rachel Reeves]

Originally Posted by MYOB

What rate should a bookkeeper charge?

What rate should a doctor charge themselves at?

It is such a hard question to answer, what rate can your market take? What is your experience? What is your speed? What areas/industries are you expert in? What do you bring to the business?

I am surprised with Darren’s qualifications he is not charging more.

Your original question what would I pay for a good bookkeeper – personally I would only get them to do data entry – I would do the review-analysis-BAS- MMR reports myself – I would therefore only pay $25 an hour.

Mmm, yes $25 an hour is reasonable for straight data entry. I *yawn* at the thought of doing straight data entry.

I would say $28 an hour or above for someone who has little knowledge of, or has a strong dislike for bookkeeping. It will be worthwhile because of the time and money it will save them through engaging the services of, or employing a good bookkeeper. To me a good bookkeeper would be (amongst other things) one who offers loyalty and honesty, a high level of understanding and accuracy in their work. Someone who listens and works toward meeting their clients needs and also someone quite capable at picking up errors in data, or pointing out areas of concern, or things that might help save their client time and/or money.

In Brisbane it seems quite common for bookkeepers at this level to charge a rate of $35 an hour or above. When I was living in South Australia it was common for bookkeepers at this level to charge a rate of between $25 and $30 per hour (it varies from state to state). In all situations, the higher the capabilities the higher the rate might be.

[befree Bookkeeping]

We are Sydney Bookkeepers - Be Free Pty. Ltd charging $28 p/hr plus GST.

For more details, you can visit our website...


Thanks,

Be Free Pty. Ltd

http://www.befree.com.au

[Julia Nitschke]

HI

When I lived in Sydney I billed out at around $50 per hour plus GST. In Adelaide, I thought I might have to go down a bit, but there is a reasonable amount of work and I ahve a few clients to fit around writing and other commitments, so it is anywhere between $40 - $80 depending on the service required. Basic bookkeeping only starts around $40 per hour.

Don't set your rate too low or you sell yourslef short. People will always want cheap, but then there are people who are happy to pay more for the right person.

Check the market in the area you are going to service to see if you are in the ball park as the other bookkeepers, but it really comes down to you and your service.

Remember to factor in any PI insurance premiums or professional memberships etc in your costs. If you just take an employee rate and add extra for annual leave, super etc, you will be underestimating your costs. You need to look at the other things too that you need as a bookkeeper in your own business.

Sorry for the huge post, I could just babble about this all night!

If you are looking for any other bookkeeping business tips, I have a free e-newsletter which I send to subscribers to help them start, run and grown their bookkeeping business. It includes marketing, getting clients, costing services etc.

e-newsletter info

Cheers