Published: May 202
Bookkeeping is a critical function for Australian businesses, ensuring compliance with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements and providing accurate financial insights for decision-making. However, the cost of bookkeeping in Australia varies significantly based on factors such as business volume, complexity, location, and the type of service (in-house, outsourced, or freelance).
This article explores the cost of bookkeeping in Australia, with a focus on how business volume impacts pricing, and provides detailed examples to help business owners budget effectively.
Bookkeeping involves recording, tracking, and organising a business’s financial transactions, including sales, purchases, payroll, and expenses. Accurate bookkeeping ensures compliance with ATO regulations, simplifies Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodgement, and supports strategic planning. The cost of bookkeeping depends on the time, expertise, and resources required, which are heavily influenced by the volume of transactions a business processes monthly.
“Effective bookkeeping provides a clear picture of financial health, reducing the risk of ATO penalties,” notes the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). For businesses with high transaction volumes, such as retailers or manufacturers, bookkeeping demands more time and expertise, increasing costs compared to low-volume businesses like sole traders.
The cost of bookkeeping in Australia is shaped by several key factors:
Bookkeeping costs in Australia typically range from $30 to $120 per hour, with monthly packages for outsourced services starting at $125 and reaching $5,000 for complex, high-volume businesses. Below, we break down costs by service type and business volume, supported by industry data from 2023–2025.
Hourly rates are common for freelance bookkeepers or businesses with fluctuating needs. According to industry sources, average rates in 2025 are:
Example: A Sydney-based café with 200 monthly transactions (sales, supplier payments, payroll for five staff) hires a freelance bookkeeper at $60/hour. The bookkeeper spends 5 hours monthly on data entry, reconciliation, and GST coding, costing $300/month. During BAS quarters, an additional 2 hours for BAS preparation at $80/hour adds $160, totalling $460 for the quarter.
Outsourced bookkeeping services such as Scale Suite often offer fixed-rate packages tailored to business volume, providing predictability for budgeting. Costs vary based on transaction volume and services included (e.g., BAS lodgement, payroll, reporting).
Example: A Melbourne retail store with 300 transactions/month (daily sales, supplier payments, payroll for 10 staff) opts for an outsourced bookkeeping package at $1,200/month. The package includes Xero subscription ($30/month), weekly bank reconciliation, payroll processing, and quarterly BAS lodgement. This is more cost-effective than an in-house bookkeeper, who might cost $6,000/month (see below).
Hiring an in-house bookkeeper is suitable for businesses with consistent, high-volume needs but involves salaries, superannuation, and overheads. According to SEEK, the average annual salary for an in-house bookkeeper in Australia in 2025 is $70,000–$80,000, equating to $5,833–$6,667/month (excluding benefits).
Example: A Brisbane manufacturing firm with 1,000 transactions/month (sales, inventory, payroll for 20 staff) employs an in-house bookkeeper at $75,000/year ($6,250/month). The bookkeeper manages daily reconciliations, inventory tracking, and BAS preparation, saving $500–$1,000/month compared to outsourcing at $7,000+/month for equivalent services.
Business volume, measured by the number of monthly transactions, is the primary driver of bookkeeping costs. Below, we illustrate how costs scale with volume, using examples across industries.
Profile: A freelance consultant in Perth (e.g., graphic designer) with 10–15 transactions/month (client invoices, software subscriptions, travel expenses).
Profile: A Sydney café with 200 transactions/month (daily sales, supplier payments, payroll for 8 staff).
Profile: A Melbourne e-commerce retailer with 800 transactions/month (online sales, inventory purchases, payroll for 15 staff, international suppliers).
Beyond core bookkeeping services, businesses may incur extra costs:
Example: Emma’s consultancy adds payroll for a part-time assistant, increasing her bookkeeping package to $175/month (+$25 for payroll). During a tax audit, she pays $800 to clear a 2-year BAS backlog, a one-off cost to ensure ATO compliance.
Bookkeeping rates vary across Australia due to differences in living costs and demand:
Example: Café Brew in Sydney pays $1,000/month for 200 transactions, while a similar café in Adelaide pays $800/month for the same services, saving $200/month due to lower regional rates.
Q: How can I reduce bookkeeping costs for a small business?
A: Opt for outsourced packages tailored to your transaction volume (e.g., $125–$250/month for micro-businesses), use cloud software like Xero to automate tasks, and hire entry-level bookkeepers for basic tasks.
Q: Is an in-house bookkeeper worth the cost?
A: For high-volume businesses (500+ transactions/month), in-house bookkeepers ($70,000–$80,000/year) may be cost-effective compared to outsourcing at $3,000+/month. Low-volume businesses save more with outsourcing.
Q: What if I miss a BAS deadline due to poor bookkeeping?
A: Late BAS lodgement incurs ATO penalties (escalating per BAS in 2025). Accurate bookkeeping and timely BAS preparation by a registered BAS agent minimise this risk.
The cost of bookkeeping in Australia varies widely, from $125/month for micro-businesses to $5,000+/month for large enterprises, driven primarily by transaction volume. Low-volume businesses like freelancers benefit from affordable outsourced packages, while high-volume businesses like retailers or manufacturers may justify in-house staff or comprehensive outsourcing.
By understanding your business’s volume, choosing the right service model, and leveraging tools like Xero, you can manage costs effectively while ensuring ATO compliance. For tailored advice, consult a registered BAS agent like Scale Suite or bookkeeping service to align costs with your financial needs.
Scale Suite delivers seamless, scalable finance, human resource, and technology solutions designed for growing Australian businesses. Whether you need a custom package or pay-as-you-go support, we provide expert services that save you time, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. With focus on speed, flexibility, and smart technology, we help businesses like yours operate smoothly and scale with confidence.
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