How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost in Australia?

Running a small business in Australia can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities—especially when it comes to managing finances. Bookkeeping, while often overlooked, plays a critical role in the financial health of any business. For small business owners across the country, knowing how much a bookkeeper costs in Australia—and what value they bring—is key to making smart, cost-effective decisions.

Whether you're a sole trader, a small café owner, or running a growing family business, understanding bookkeeping costs and services can help keep your business compliant, efficient, and profitable. Let’s take a deeper dive into bookkeeping costs in Australia and explore how businesses like Afford Books Tax are changing the game with affordable, expert bookkeeping tailored for Aussie small businesses.

 

The Average Cost of Bookkeeping in Australia

Bookkeeping services in Australia typically cost anywhere between $40 to $80 per hour, depending on the complexity of your accounts, the qualifications of the bookkeeper, and whether they are part of a larger accounting firm or an independent contractor.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost structure you might expect:

• Basic bookkeeping (data entry, invoice processing): $40–$50/hr
• Mid-level bookkeeping (bank reconciliations, payroll, BAS prep): $50–$65/hr
• Advanced services (financial reporting, tax planning, CFO services): $65–$80+/hr

For small business owners, these rates can add up quickly. That’s where services like Afford Books Tax come in—offering professional-grade bookkeeping at just $46 an hour, providing unbeatable value without compromising on quality.

 

Our Pricing Model-Too Easy Mate!

Select the services you need and the revenue tier that fits your business to discover your tailored fee!

Note: Bookkeeping will cover

Accounts Payable, Bank Feeds Reconciliation,  Month End/Quarterly Journals for ATO and other accounts, Bank Reconciliation, Customer payment allocation to your Sales Invoices, Critical General Ledger Accounts Reconciliation

** Your pay period could be Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly. Will cover Payroll processing, STP lodgement, Superannuation Payment, and emailing the payslips to your employees.

Why Bookkeeping is Crucial for Small Businesses

 

Bookkeeping isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about giving your business clarity, direction, and stability. From managing day-to-day transactions to preparing for tax time, having accurate and timely financial records makes decision-making easier and keeps you on the right side of the ATO.

Here are just a few benefits of professional bookkeeping:

• Cash flow visibility: Know where your money is going and coming from.
• ATO compliance: Avoid penalties and late lodgements with accurate BAS and tax return submissions.
• Time savings: Spend less time on admin and more time growing your business.
• Financial planning: Make informed decisions with reliable financial reports.

 

What Services Do Bookkeepers Provide?

When you think of bookkeeping, you might picture someone inputting receipts into a spreadsheet—but modern bookkeeping goes far beyond that. At Afford Books Tax, the team offers a wide range of bookkeeping and tax accounting services tailored specifically for Aussie small businesses.

Here’s what’s typically included:

• Recording Financial Transactions
• Accounts Receivable & Payable
• Payroll Management
• Bank and General Ledger Reconciliation
• BAS & GST Lodgements
• Tax Return Preparation
• Financial Reporting
• Tax Planning & ATO Compliance Support
  
  

These services not only keep your books balanced but also help ensure your business is running as efficiently—and profitably—as possible.

 

Affordable Bookkeeping That Doesn’t Cut Corners

With over 25 years of experience supporting Australian small businesses, Afford Books Tax has built a reputation for delivering top-quality bookkeeping at a fraction of the usual cost.

Their $46/hour rate is designed to suit the budget of small business owners who want expert help without the overhead of hiring in-house staff or paying sky-high accounting fees.

And it’s not just the price that stands out. Their hybrid service model combines the local knowledge of their Australian CPAs with the cost-effective efficiency of their trusted team in India. Every task is double-checked by a qualified CPA or Registered Tax Agent, ensuring it meets Australian compliance standards.

 

Why Choose Afford Books Tax?

If you’re asking yourself, “Why not just hire a freelance bookkeeper?”—here’s what sets Afford Books Tax apart from the rest:

One-Stop-Shop

They offer more than just bookkeeping. From payroll and BAS lodgements to tax planning and annual returns, everything is handled under one roof.

Fully Licensed Professionals

They’re a CPA-registered public practice and fully registered tax agents, giving you peace of mind that your finances are in expert hands.

Fast, Friendly Support

Need to speak with someone urgently? Their team is available for calls and messages, with quick response times that won’t leave you hanging.

Proactive Compliance

They stay ahead of ATO deadlines and policy changes, so your business never falls behind or gets caught out.

After-Hours Availability

Running a business isn’t always a 9–5 gig, and Afford Books Tax gets that. Their flexible access means you can get support when you need it—no matter the time.

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees, no surprise invoices. Their clear rate structure is scaled based on your revenue, so you always know what you’re paying for.

 

How Their Service Works

The process at Afford Books Tax is simple and efficient:

1. Initial Consultation
   Start with a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation to understand your business needs.
2. Customised Plan
   Based on your operations, turnover, and industry, they tailor a service package that fits you.
3. Australian-Based Coordination
   Your point of contact is always a friendly Aussie expert who understands local business needs.
4. Trusted Offshore Support
   Day-to-day bookkeeping tasks are securely handled by their Indian team, working under systems developed by Australian CPAs.
5. Final Review
   Every entry, report, and lodgement is reviewed by qualified professionals before submission.
   
   

This dual-team approach means you get premium quality at affordable pricing, without sacrificing compliance or accuracy.

 

Who Should Use Bookkeeping Services?

Bookkeeping is not just for big companies. In fact, small businesses benefit the most from outsourcing their financial admin. If you fall into any of the following categories, it might be time to consider hiring a professional bookkeeper:

• You're a sole trader managing your own BAS.
• You run payroll for even just one or two employees.
• Your business is growing, and you’re losing track of invoices.
• You're unsure about what you can and can’t claim at tax time.
• You’re spending more time on admin than running your business.
  
  

With affordable options like Afford Books Tax, outsourcing your books no longer has to be a luxury—it’s now a smart investment in your business’s future.

 

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In short—yes.

For as little as $46 an hour, you can take bookkeeping off your plate, gain expert insights into your finances, and ensure your business is ATO-compliant year-round. Compared to the cost of fines, stress, or hiring a full-time employee, it’s a no-brainer.

Afford Books Tax offers a powerful combination of affordability, local expertise, and global efficiency. For Australian small business owners looking for quality bookkeeping without the massive price tag, they’re a game-changer.

Ready to make your business life easier?

Request your FREE 30-minute consultation with the Afford Books Tax Australian team today. No pressure, no obligations—just expert advice tailored to your business.