Cost of Hiring a Bookkeeper in Australia (2025)

In Australia, hiring a bookkeeper can be a huge investment for your business. Therefore, it is pivotal to understand the cost of bookkeeping services in order to make an informed decision. No matter if you are running a small business or managing a large company, information about bookkeeping rates and bookkeeping fees will help you in budget planning.

The cost of hiring a bookkeeper in 2025 depends on many factors, such as, experience, size of the business and whether the bookkeeper works part-time or full-time. Generally, Australian businesses have to pay different bookkeeper rates on an hourly or monthly basis.

In this guide, we will explore the following topics

• what are the typical bookkeeping fees,
• what are the average cost of hiring bookkeeper service
• what factors affect bookkeeping costs.

Whether you’re curious about bookkeeper hourly rates or the cost for bookkeeping services for small businesses, this guide gives you all the key info to help you choose wisely.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Hiring a Bookkeeper in Australia

The cost of hiring a bookkeeper in Australia can vary depending on several key factors. These factors affect how much you’ll pay for bookkeeping charges per hour or monthly fees:

1. Experience and Skills

Bookkeepers with more experience or certifications usually charge more. As these highly skilled professionals can manage these difficult tasks better, which can be beneficial in the long run.

2. Size and Complexity of Your Business

Larger businesses or those with multiple financial needs will pay higher bookkeeping fees compared to small businesses with simpler finances.

3. Type of Services

If you require advanced services like tax preparation or payroll, this will increase your costs. Basic bookkeeping is relatively inexpensive.

4. Location

Bookkeepers in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne often charge more than those in regional areas, due to higher living costs and market demand.

5. Full-Time vs. Part-Time vs. Outsourced

Full-time in-house bookkeepers are typically more costly than part-time or outsourced options. Outsourcing can be a more affordable choice for small businesses.

6. Software and Technology

If your bookkeeper uses specific software, it might increase costs. Make sure to check if software costs are included in their rate.

Understanding these factors will help you set a realistic budget and choose the right bookkeeper for your needs.

The Importance of hiring a bookkeeper in Australia 2025

Small businesses in Australia often begin by managing bookkeeping themselves or assigning it to administrative staff. However, as businesses grow, the need for dedicated financial management becomes critical, making hiring a professional bookkeeper essential.

Why Hire an In-House Bookkeeper?

An in-house bookkeeper offers valuable advantages:

• They understand your business inside out.
• They are on-site for urgent tasks.
• You have full control over their work.

Despite these benefits, the costs can be substantial. Now, let us move ahead and discuss Salary, benefits, and overheads of in-house bookkeepers.

Cost of hiring an in-house bookkeeper in Australia

The total cost of hiring an in-house bookkeeper includes salary, benefits, office space, and equipment. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Bookkeeper salary

In 2025, the average annual salary for an Australian bookkeeper ranges from AU$60,000 to AU$80,000, depending on experience and location.

Experience Level	Annual Salary (AUD)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	AU$60,000
Experienced (10+ years)	AU$80,000

2. Benefits

Employers must cover superannuation contributions (10.5%), paid leave, and other perks like health insurance. These add approximately 20%-30% to the base salary.

3. Recruitment Costs

Finding the right candidate involves advertising jobs, conducting interviews, and onboarding. Recruitment costs can range from AU$5,000 to AU$10,000, depending on the hiring process.

4. Training Costs

Training ensures your bookkeeper is up-to-date with software like MYOB or Xero. This can cost around AU$1,000 to AU$3,000 annually.

5. Office Space & Equipment

Providing office space, computers, and accounting software adds another AU$2,000 to AU$5,000 annually.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

Legal fees for contracts and other unforeseen costs can add up to AU$1,000 annually.

Total annual cost of hiring an in-house bookkeeper in Australia: AU$60,000 – AU$100,000

The cost of hiring an in-house bookkeer on monthly basis is around: AU$5,000 – AU$8,300.

Having an in-house bookkeeper offers personalized service and full control, but is extremely costly, like salary, allowances, recruiting, and office expenses. The total yearly cost is from AU$60,000 to AU$100,000. While it’s ideal for corporations with continuous service needed, it is more budget-friendly for small corporations with limited budget. Ultimately, it really depends on your corporation’s financial strength and need.

Is Hiring an In-House Bookkeeper Worth It?

While having a dedicated employee is beneficial for personalised service and control over processes, it may not be cost-effective for small businesses with limited budgets.

Outsourcing Bookkeeping Services: A Cost-Effective Alternative

Outsourcing bookkeeping eliminates many overhead costs associated with hiring an in-house employee. Here’s how it compares:

While these services provide a comprehensive solution, bookkeeping costs typically range from AU$2,500 to AU$5,000 per month. The package combines multiple functions, such as, payroll, and financial reporting, offering great value for businesses needing ongoing support.

Cost Comparison: In-House vs. Outsourced Bookkeeper

When deciding between an in-house or outsourced bookkeeper, businesses should consider the differences in costs and service offerings. Here’s a breakdown of the cost for bookkeeping services in Australia:

Bookkeeper Hourly Rate in Australia for Outsourced Services

• Overseas services: AU$25 – AU$60 per hour (but may have issues like time zone differences or unfamiliarity with Australian laws).
• Australian services: AU$40 – AU$70 per hour.

Monthly Fixed Fee Packages

Many Australian bookkeeping firms offer fixed pricing models ranging from AU$500 to AU$2,500 per month for basic services. This is significantly lower than the monthly cost of employing an in-house bookkeeper.

Additional Services Impacting Costs

Outsourced bookkeeping services often offer add-ons that increase costs but provide greater value:

Service	Average Monthly Cost (AUD)
Payroll Processing	AU$150 – AU$300
Performance Analysis	Included

These additional services make outsourcing appealing for small businesses seeking flexibility without high overheads. Outsourced bookkeeping cost savings is a plus point for small busineses.

Monthly Accounting Services: A Comprehensive Solution

Monthly accounting services bundle essential bookkeeping tasks under one roof, offering year-round support tailored to your specific business needs. These services are designed to help businesses efficiently manage their finances while minimizing risks and ensuring long-term success. Here are some key benefits:

• Minimising Liability: Through proactive planning, monthly accounting services can help reduce potential financial risks and liabilities.
• Financial Analysis: By regularly analysing financial statements, a bookkeeper can assist in maximising revenue and controlling expenses, giving you a clearer picture of your business’s financial health.
• Advisory Services: Monthly accounting services often include advice on growth opportunities, tax planning, and even exit strategies to help guide your business decisions.

Monthly accounting services typically cost between AU$2,500 and AU$5,000 per month but combine multiple functions into one package.

Cost comparison: In-house Vs Outsourced bookkeeper

Below is the comparision of In-house vs outsourced bookkeeper Australia:

Cost Factor	In-House Bookkeeper	Outsourced Bookkeeper Service	Monthly Accounting Service
Salary/Fees	AU$60k – AU$80k annually	AU$500 – AU$2,500/month	AU$2,500 – AU$5,000/month
Benefits	Included	Not applicable	Not applicable
Recruitment Costs	AU$5k – AU$10k	None	None
Training	AU$1k – AU$3k annually	None	Included
Office Space & Equipment	AU$2k – AU$5k annually	None	None

Conclusion

There are many ways to hire a bookkeeper in Australia and each option has its own costs and benefits. You can hire an in-house bookkeeper or outsource your bookkeeping needs to an expert. It is important to understand bookkeeping rates and costs to make the right decision.

If you want to reduce the overheads, then outsourcing bookkeeping services or monthly accounting services can be a better option for you. However, if you are someone who is looking for an onsite and dedicated support then hiring in-house bookkeeper may be the right choice for you.

Whether your business is small or big, your budget is limited or flexible, it is most important that you choose a solution that suits your needs and improves your financial health.

Do you want to find the right bookkeeper for your business? Get in touch with us today to know how we can help simplify your bookkeeping process and strengthen your financial position in 2025.

FAQs

1. How. much does a bookkeeper cost in Australia?

The annual cost of an in-house bookkeeper ranges from AU$60,000 to AU$80,000. While outsourced services generally range between AU$500 and AU$2,500 per month.

2. What is the bookkeeper salary breakdown in Australia for 2025?

The bookkeeper salary breakdown in Australia for 2025 includes an average annual salary of around $70,596. This can vary by location, with cities like Sydney and Melbourne offering higher salaries than regional areas.

3. How do I conduct an in-house bookkeeping cost analysis?

To conduct an in-house bookkeeping cost analysis, consider factors such as salary, training costs, software expenses, and office overheads. Compare these costs with outsourcing options to determine the most cost-effective approach.

4. What are the benefits of hiring an in-house bookkeeper versus outsourcing?

Hiring an in-house bookkeeper provides direct control over financial operations and can enhance data security. However, outsourcing may offer cost savings and access to specialized skills without long-term employment commitments.

5. What is the average cost of a bookkeeper per month?

On average, bookkeeping cost per month range from AU$2,500 to AU$5,000 for monthly accounting services, depending on how much the work is involved.

6. How much do bookkeepers charge per hour in Australia?

Bookkeeper hourly rates in Australia starts from AU$40 to AU$70 per hour for outsourced services, and it depends on the experience of the bookkeeper.

7. What is the difference between in-house and outsourced bookkeeper costs?

In-house bookkeepers cost between AU$60,000 and AU$80,000 annually, while outsourced bookkeeping services usually range from AU$500 to AU$2,500 per month, making outsourcing more affordable.

8. How much should I pay for a bookkeeper in Australia?

If you hire someone full-time for bookkeeping, it usually costs AU$60,000 to AU$80,000 a year. If you outsource, it’s much affordable around AU$500 to AU$2,500 a month, depending on what you need.

9. How are bookkeeping fees structured in Australia?

In Australia, bookkeeping fees per hour are charged (AU$40 to AU$150) or as monthly fixed fees (AU$500 to AU$5,000), depending on the services required.

10. What is the bookkeeper hourly rates in Australia?

Bookkeeping costs per hour in Australia typically range from AU$40 to AU$70 per hour, depending on the service provider.

11. How does the cost of bookkeeping differ for small businesses?

Small businesses typically pay lower bookkeeping rates, ranging from AU$40 to AU$100 per hour, especially if outsourcing services.

12. How much does it cost to hire an in-house bookkeeper in Australia?

Hiring an in-house bookkeeper in Australia costs between AU$60,000 and AU$80,000 annually, with additional expenses for benefits, recruitment, and office space.

13. Are monthly accounting services worth the cost for small businesses?

Monthly accounting services, costing between AU$2,500 and AU$5,000 per month, offer value by providing multiple services like payroll and financial reporting, making it cost-effective for small businesses.