How Much Does Bookkeeping Cost per Month in Australia? Typical Ranges and Cost Drivers
Last updated: 25 October 2026.
“How much will bookkeeping cost me each month?” is the first question most owners ask, and the honest answer is “it depends on your transactions, your software and what you want included”. This guide gives you published market ranges from two independent sources, explains what moves the number, and shows how to compare quotes so you are not comparing a cheap data-entry service with a full BAS and payroll service.
We do not publish a price list here, because a fair fee depends on scope. At the end we explain how we quote.
The short version: Xero’s guide for Australian businesses (published 11 May 2026) says bookkeepers typically charge A$40 to A$120 per hour, and monthly outsourced bookkeeping typically runs A$500 to A$2,500 depending on transaction volume and scope. A separate 2024 survey by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) reports a national average of A$79.27 per hour for general bookkeeping. Treat all of these as typical market ranges, not quotes.
Two benchmarks, and what they do and do not tell you
| Source | Figure | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Xero AU, “How to hire a bookkeeper” (11 May 2026) | A$40 to A$120 per hour; A$500 to A$2,500 per month for ongoing outsourced support | A broad guide. Xero says the monthly figure depends on transaction volume and scope of services. |
| ICB 2024 Annual Bookkeeping Survey (reported by Associations Forum) | National average A$79.27 per hour for general bookkeeping; A$80.77 within 100km of a capital city; A$75.98 more than 100km out | Based on 811 respondents, just over 88% of them ICB members, covering people in bookkeeping, accounts, finance or payroll. It is 2024 data and an average of what practitioners report charging, not a price list. |
The ICB figures also show a gap between members and non-members (A$79.91 against A$69 per hour for general bookkeeping), and an average 7.3% hourly increase across bookkeeping, BAS and consulting services in 2024. We would not extrapolate that to today’s rates; it is simply a reminder that published averages age quickly. Xero adds that rates tend to be higher in major capital cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.
What does that look like per month? A worked example
If you pay by the hour, the monthly cost is hours multiplied by rate. Using the ICB national average of A$79.27 per hour purely as an illustration:
| Hours of bookkeeping per month | Calculated cost at A$79.27 per hour |
|---|---|
| 4 hours | A$317.08 |
| 10 hours | A$792.70 |
| 20 hours | A$1,585.40 |
These are our own calculations from the ICB average, not quotes. They line up with Xero’s A$500 to A$2,500 monthly range at roughly 6 to 32 hours at the same rate. Ask each provider whether their quote includes GST.
What pushes the monthly cost up or down
- Transaction volume. Xero names this as a main driver: more transactions mean more hours. A sole trader with one bank account is very different from a retailer with online sales, a point-of-sale system and several card accounts.
- Services included. Xero notes that basic data entry costs less than a full-service arrangement that includes BAS lodgement and payroll. Ask exactly which of these are in the fee: bank reconciliations, bill and invoice processing, payroll and super, BAS or IAS preparation and lodgement, month-end reporting.
- State of the records. Clean, current books are cheaper to maintain than books that need catching up. Catch-up work is usually scoped separately. See our guide to catching up on overdue bookkeeping and BAS.
- Software and set-up. Whether you are on Xero or another cloud platform, who pays the subscription, and whether bank feeds, receipt capture and approval apps are set up.
- Location and experience. Xero says rates are higher in the major capitals, and that a registered BAS agent or certified bookkeeper typically charges more than someone without formal credentials. The ICB survey points the same way on location.
- Reporting and deadlines. Weekly processing, same-week reporting, or funder and board reports cost more than a once-a-month routine.
Common pricing models
- Hourly. Flexible, but the total is uncertain, and it rewards slow work. Ask for an estimate and a cap.
- Fixed monthly fee. Predictable and easy to budget, as long as the scope is written down. Xero’s guide lists “fixed monthly rate” as one of the options to ask about.
- Per task. For example a fixed price per BAS or per payroll run. It suits very small or occasional needs.
- Tiered packages. Fixed scope by business size or transaction band. Check what happens when you cross a band.
BAS is different from bookkeeping
Bookkeeping, meaning recording and reconciling transactions, and BAS services are not the same thing. The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) says that, generally, only registered tax and BAS agents can charge or receive a fee for BAS services. Xero’s guide likewise recommends confirming that a bookkeeper is a registered BAS agent if they will lodge your BAS. If a quote includes BAS lodgement, ask for the registration number and check it on the TPB public register. Our guide to what a BAS agent is and how to check one shows the steps.
How to compare quotes like for like
Ask every provider to answer the same questions in writing:
- Which bank, card and loan accounts are covered, and how many transactions a month does the price assume?
- Is BAS or IAS preparation and lodgement included? Is payroll, STP and super processing included? If so, for how many employees?
- What reporting do I receive, and how often?
- How is catch-up or clean-up work priced, and what is excluded?
- What happens if my volumes grow or I need extra work?
- Who owns the file and how do I get access if we part ways?
- Is the fee GST-inclusive?
An unusually low price can be fine if the scope is small. It is a warning sign if it is low for the same scope and comes with vague wording about what is included.
Is hiring in-house cheaper?
Xero’s guide gives an in-house bookkeeper salary range of A$50,000 to A$95,000 a year, and reminds employers to add superannuation on top. For most small businesses, outsourcing is more economical, because you pay for the hours you need rather than a full-time role. Our handover checklist helps if you are changing provider.
How we price bookkeeping
We do not publish a rate card, because we price by scope. After a short scoping call about your accounts, transaction volumes, software, payroll and reporting needs, we send a fixed monthly fee in writing, with what is included and what is not. If the scope changes, we tell you before the fee changes.
How we help
We provide monthly bookkeeping, BAS and payroll support for Sydney small businesses, trades and not-for-profits, and we quote a fixed fee after a quick scope call. See our bookkeeping services and small business accounting page, or email info@guidancegrowth.com.au or use our get in touch page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does bookkeeping cost per month in Australia?
Xero’s guide for Australian businesses (11 May 2026) says monthly outsourced bookkeeping typically ranges from A$500 to A$2,500, depending on transaction volume and the scope of services. Your price depends on your own volumes and what is included, so get a written scope and fixed fee.
What is the average hourly rate for a bookkeeper in Australia?
The ICB 2024 survey reports a national average of A$79.27 per hour for general bookkeeping, and A$80.77 within 100km of a capital city. Xero’s guide gives a broader typical range of A$40 to A$120 per hour.
Does the monthly fee include BAS?
Only if the quote says so. Basic bookkeeping often excludes BAS lodgement and payroll, and Xero notes that a full-service arrangement costs more. Anyone charging to lodge BAS should be a registered BAS agent.
Is a fixed monthly fee better than hourly?
A fixed fee is easier to budget if the scope is clearly written down. Hourly can suit very small or irregular work, but the final cost is less predictable.
Do I need a bookkeeper if I use Xero or another cloud platform?
Software automates bank feeds and matching, but someone still needs to review coding, reconcile, catch errors and meet deadlines. Xero’s guide says software and a bookkeeper work well together.
Sources and further reading
- Xero AU: How to hire a bookkeeper (published 11 May 2026; checked 25 October 2026)
- Associations Forum: Institute of Certified Bookkeepers launches Annual Survey Report 2024 (checked 25 October 2026)
- Tax Practitioners Board: Registration (checked 25 October 2026)
This article is general information, not personal advice. Rules and dates can change, so check ato.gov.au or acnc.gov.au for the latest, or speak to us about your situation.