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How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost

Accounting is probably not your favorite part of your business. It’s also, unfortunately, one of the things that you absolutely need to get right. Even if you are a solopreneur, freelancer, or small business owner, you may need to look into how much a bookkeeper costs and if you are ready to outsource bookkeeping to a professional. 

There are so many great benefits to hiring a bookkeeper and the good news is that the cost is tax-deductible. (Speaking of…your bookkeeper can help track and maximize tax deductions too!) So if this important task has you strapped for time and energy, now is a great time to weigh your options. 

What does a bookkeeper do? 

The goal is to alleviate stress, save you time, and bring precision back to your accounting practices. Hiring a bookkeeper can help you accomplish all this to help you continue running a successful business. 

A bookkeeper plays a key role in helping your small business run efficiently. They can alleviate stress, save you time, and help you see the financial health of your business more clearly. Accounting and bookkeeping functions are often the first things that growing companies choose to outsource. 

Why? 

Because of the essential nature to get it done correctly. Self-managed accounting can often result in costly errors that worsen over time. Partnering with a professional can help even the smallest business run like a big-time professional. 

Bookkeepers are generally in charge of the day-to-day tasks to maintain proper financial records. They will:

  • Record financial transactions
  • Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Reconcile bank statements
  • Prepare financial statements
  • Track and categorize expenses
  • Manage payroll and employee benefits
  • Generate invoices and process payments
  • Monitor cash flow
  • Maintain accurate financial records for tax purposes
  • Assist with budget preparation and management.

A professional bookkeeper is always more detail-oriented than a business owner. Their experience helps them catch mistakes and errors that others often let slide. 

How to Know When You Need a Bookkeeper

Determining if you need a virtual bookkeeper to assist you with your bookkeeping needs may be different for everyone. You could have an influx of growth and need assistance, but you could also be struggling to keep up and need help getting things back on track. If you are consistently missing tax deadlines, failing to comply with new regulations, and falling so far behind that you fear you’ll never catch up…now is the time to hire a virtual bookkeeper. 

If bookkeeping is pulling you away from client work, sales calls, and networking opportunities to grow your business, investing in bookkeeping services is supremely valuable. You can turn your attention back to the tasks that help you provide stellar services and know that your finances are being taken care of to facilitate more growth. 

How Much a Bookkeeper Costs

How much a bookkeeper costs depends on the range of services that they provide. Some services offer tax filing, while others do the prep work for you before it heads to your accountant. Some bookkeepers offer tiered services based on the size of your business, and some only work for a flat rate. 

Most bookkeeping services range from $500-$2,500/month. However, freelancers, solopreneurs, and small business owners can often outsource bookkeeping for under $500/month. 

Pay close attention to additional fees that may not be included in a potential bookkeeping service’s monthly fee. They may charge more for cleaning up books, tax preparation or filing, accounting tasks, or consulting services. If you know what you are looking for in a bookkeeper, keep that in mind when comparing prices. 

Cost Comparison of Bookkeeping Services for Freelancers

Here’s a look at some of the most common bookkeeping services available to freelancers, solopreneurs, and small business owners. Each of these bookkeeping services offers varying packages based on your business size and service needs. We’ve included their lowest starting price as listed on their website. 

QuickBooks Live Bookkeeping

QuickBooks does offer virtual bookkeeping services in addition to its software. It starts at $200 per month, but includes a one-time cleanup fee based on your tax filing status, date of signup, and business start date. Access to use the QuickBooks Online software is an additional cost. 

Bench Bookkeeping

Bench Bookkeeping offers bookkeeping support starting at $299 per month. You can add additional services like cleanup or tax filing for a flat rate. 

Collective Bookkeeping

Collective helps you with multiple facets of your business, including registering and LLC formation. Their services start at $249 per month (if paid in full for the year) or $299 when paid monthly. 

LessAccounting Bookkeeping

LessAccounting bookkeeping services were created to specifically help small (really small) businesses take control of their finances. Package pricing for bookkeeping support starts at just $150/month. This includes access to a CPA for all your accounting and tax questions. 

Chart describing the cost of bookkeeping services for freelancers

 

What to consider when hiring a bookkeeper

When it comes down to choosing your outsourced bookkeeping services, choose a bookkeeper that you feel comfortable with and who understands your industry. They don’t have to know about tech or marketing, but rather they understand the type of finances and situations your type of business will face day-to-day and over time. 

Ultimately, you should look for a bookkeeper that:

  • Fits within your budget
  • Offers the services your business needs to run smoothly
  • Provides great customer service and support
  • Has a proven track record or recommendations from others
  • Has worked with business owners of your size and style before
  • Works on a platform you can have access to at all times

Take advantage of free trials and consultation calls so you can get to know a bookkeeping service before you sign up. This will help you find one that is the right fit for you personally and professionally. 

 

Bookkeeping Services Made For Freelancers

LessAccounting is one of the few bookkeeping services dedicated to serving freelancers and their unique business needs. Our budget-friendly options allow even beginning freelancers to start and run a vibrant business. 

Choosing a bookkeeping service like LessAccounting means you’ll be connected to bookkeepers who understand the nature of freelancing and owning a small business. As fellow entrepreneurs and small business professionals, we know what goes into great bookkeeping to keep your business operating well. 

Take a look at the LessAccounting software for free for 30 days or book a consultation call to chat about your business. We’re here to help.

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