Having proper bookkeeping is essential for business growth. It helps to manage finances from the initial level. So, if you have messed up your bookkeeping records, then it is going to be challenging for you to boost your business. It is where you need to have a proper in-house bookkeeper. So, the question arises what kind of bookkeeping services are suitable for you and how much do bookkeeping services cost?
There can be price variation according to the location, and it also depends on what is included in your services. We will point out the factors affecting the cost of hiring in-house and outsourced bookkeepers.
What Are the Decisive Factors When Analysing Bookkeeping Services Cost
Usually, every bookkeeper will perform the same basic functions to maintain your records. But strategic planning, technology integration, experienced CPAs, and additional services are the factors that raise the prices. But your budget is limited, so you must knock out the unreasonable charges and only choose essential factors. Here are the necessary elements which are deciding factors for bookkeeping services cost.
Certified Bookkeepers- Always the Best Choice
Whatever your business is, you cannot compromise on the qualification of bookkeepers. You must choose a certified bookkeeper as they give you an edge in competency. But remember, it will almost certainly cost you more with this higher level of competence. Moreover, advanced training, specific expertise, and advanced certificates all have an impact on a bookkeeper’s charge and should be factored into your budget. The most common certifications you will find are
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
- Certified Bookkeeper (CB) from the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Get Top Notch Industry-Specific Experience
An experienced bookkeeper provides you with a better picture of your records. If you hire a bookkeeper with industry-related experience, then it can assist you on a different level. An experienced bookkeeper will be costly. But if your business is going through ebbs and requires proven tactics to channel your financials in a smooth manner, then a veteran bookkeeper is the best option. Also, if your business is planning to expand or going through audits, the industry-specific experienced bookkeeper will guide you to success.
Type of Bookkeeping Services
It is the most crucial factor in deciding the cost of bookkeeping services. If you choose the right type of bookkeeping, it can help you to allocate your resources in a more efficient way. The three essential types of bookkeeping services are
- In house-bookkeeping.
- Outsourced bookkeeping.
- Online Bookkeeping services.
Usually, large businesses have in-house bookkeepers on their staff. The benefit of permanent bookkeepers is they will be available around the clock and will be only dedicated to your business. But the expense of employing a permanent bookkeeper also includes employee benefits, payroll taxes, training, and equipment costs above the salary.
On the other hand, if you choose to hire an outsourced bookkeeping service, then the cost will reduce effectively in comparison to permanent bookkeepers. In general, outsourced bookkeeping services cost will be around one-third of the cost of in-house bookkeeping. So, small businesses or start-ups choose freelance bookkeepers to cut down costs.
Online bookkeeping service is the new trend. It employs the use of cloud accounting software. The certified online accounting service has multiple benefits. The experts will host your books on the software and manage it from there. However, the cost varies, and it usually depends on the services which you want the expert to perform.
Pricing Structure for Bookkeeping Services
Another factor that affects the price variation is the pricing structure. Small businesses require little time to maintain their records. At the same time, established enterprises require a lot of attention and activities. In bookkeeping, there are a lot of methods of charging for services. Here are some pricing options you should consider:
- Hourly rate pricing: Charging clients for services on an hourly basis.
- Fixed-rate pricing: Require clients to pay a set fee initially.
- Per transaction: Charge clients on a per-transaction basis.
- Per bank account: Charge clients based on managing the various bank accounts they need to reconcile, monitor, and so on.
The Bookkeeping services for small businesses can be largely reduced with the right pay structure. Make sure to plan out the payment structure from the beginning. Also, check for hidden costs and try to avoid them. So, as per your budget, you can opt for the payment structure and save dollars on it.
State-Wise Average Cost of Bookkeeping Services
As of November 2022, the average cost of in-house Bookkeeping services in the United States is $46,000, with a normal range of $43,000 to $53,000.
Check out the table below to know the average cost of bookkeeping services in various states. However, the price can vary greatly depending on a variety of things, including schooling, certifications, and experience.
| State | Average Salary | Hourly Fees |
| Alabama | $37,250 | $17 |
| Alaska | $48,640 | $24 |
| California | $47,000 | $22 |
| Colorado | $43,000 | $20 |
| Connecticut | $47,000 | $23 |
| Florida | $40,000 | $19 |
| Georgia | $41,000 | $20 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 | $20 |
| Illinois | $42,000 | $21 |
| Indiana | $38,000 | $18 |
| Kansas | $36,000 | $17 |
| Kentucky | $38,000 | $18 |
| Louisiana | $37,000 | $19 |
| Massachusetts | $47,000 | $23 |
| Michigan | $39,000 | $19 |
| Minnesota | $44,000 | $21 |
| Nebraska | $39,000 | $18 |
| Nevada | $40,000 | $19 |
| New Jersey | $47,000 | $22 |
| New York | $46,000 | $22 |
| Oklahoma | $39,000 | $19 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,000 | $20 |
| South Dakota | $34,000 | $17 |
| Tennessee | $40,000 | $19 |
| Texas | $41,000 | $20 |
| Utah | $39,000 | $19 |
| Virginia | $43,000 | $20 |
| Washington | $46,000 | $21 |
| Wisconsin | $38,000 | $18 |
Doing your homework is, once again, the greatest course of action for you when setting prices. Also, examine industry norms, prices by state, and other factors in determining how much to pay for bookkeeping services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hiring a certified and experienced bookkeeper helps you to keep a check on your cash flow and budgets. It helps you to save time and also maintain your books precisely.
If you hire a freelance or in-house bookkeeper, then you have to pay travel charges. It will add up to the original cost. It can be a costly affair, but you will be receiving dedicated services.
Independent bookkeepers often charge between $30 and $60 per hour. The price also depends on the certifications and experiences.
I am Billie wilson, a financial analyst who loves to share knowledge. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and so I guide people in their journey to financial growth
