How much should a CPA charge for bookkeeping?

Asked by: Willow Schoen I  |  Last update: July 6, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (13 votes)

CPAs generally charge between $150 and $450 per hour for bookkeeping services, often resulting in monthly fees of $300 to over $2,000, depending on business complexity. While monthly, fixed-rate plans are common, costs are influenced by transaction volume, bank accounts, and required financial reports.

How should I price my bookkeeping services?

You can charge anywhere from $25 to $100+ per hour, or use flat monthly packages from $300 to $2,500+, depending on experience, services (payroll, reconciliation), number of transactions, bank accounts, and client complexity, with common pricing models including hourly, fixed monthly, per-transaction ($0.50-$1.25), or tiered packages. 

How much do self-employed bookkeepers charge?

The Base Salary. The National Minimum Wage for those aged 21+ in 2025/26 is £12.21 per hour. A freelance bookkeeper typically charges between £20-£40 per hour (Bark.com).

What is considered a full charge bookkeeper?

The term "full charge" means that these bookkeepers manage all of the business's accounting needs. Besides the typical task of maintaining the business ledger, these bookkeepers prepare financial statements and tax returns, record complex transactions and process timesheets and payroll.

Is a CPA worth it for a small business?

Yes, a CPA is often worth it for a small business, especially as you grow, because they provide expert tax planning, ensure compliance, save significant time, help with complex financial decisions (like structure or payroll), and offer strategic insights for sustainable growth, ultimately preventing costly mistakes and potentially saving money through optimized strategies. While a bookkeeper might suffice initially, a CPA becomes crucial when you have employees, multiple income streams, or cross state lines, offering peace of mind and better financial health.

How to Price Your Bookkeeping Services: $500 Per Client Per Month

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How much should a bookkeeper charge per transaction?

That's why your firm needs to know exactly what you are going to record and track. To do that, ask your clients questions like how many accounts they have and how many deposits they make per month. With this approach, you should ideally charge anywhere between $0.50 to $1.25 for each transaction.

How much money do freelance bookkeepers make?

How much does a Freelance Bookkeeper make? As of Jan 18, 2026, the average annual pay for a Freelance Bookkeeper in the United States is $50,573 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $24.31 an hour. This is the equivalent of $972/week or $4,214/month.

What can a CPA do that a bookkeeper cannot?

Bookkeepers focus on maintaining accurate financial records and generating financial reports, while CPAs provide a range of services, including auditing and assurance, tax planning and preparation, financial planning and analysis, and consulting services.

How do I price my bookkeeping services?

You can charge anywhere from $25 to $100+ per hour, or use flat monthly packages from $300 to $2,500+, depending on experience, services (payroll, reconciliation), number of transactions, bank accounts, and client complexity, with common pricing models including hourly, fixed monthly, per-transaction ($0.50-$1.25), or tiered packages. 

What are common bookkeeping mistakes?

Not Chasing Late Payments. Failing to Keep Relevant Receipts. Carelessness When Bookkeeping. Combining Business And Personal Expenses. Using Manual Accounting Systems.

How much can you charge an hour for bookkeeping?

Across the UK, most bookkeepers charge an hourly rate. For 2025 to 2026, typical hourly fees range from £20 to £55 per hour. Lower rates usually come from new or less experienced bookkeepers. Higher rates often reflect greater experience, advanced software skills, and more complex work.

What can an accountant do that a bookkeeper cannot?

Here's an easy way to think about it—bookkeepers lay the groundwork by recording financial transactions so that accountants can analyze financial statements and provide strategic recommendations.

What does an accountant do that a bookkeeper doesn't?

Accountants are usually responsible for creating financial reports. They then use their analytical skills to interpret these reports, presenting clear insights that can guide your business. Bookkeepers, on the other hand, focus on organizing the data that populates these reports.

How much does a private bookkeeper make?

A good bookkeeper can expect to earn a salary between £30,000 and £35,000. On average, though, they'll be more likely to take home around £32,000.