Introduction
Running a small business can be challenging. From cafes in Melbourne or Perth plumbing services, paperwork starts piling up like never before: receipts, invoices and BAS statements must all be filed away correctly to stay afloat in business. It’s enough to make anyone groan. That’s when a self-employed bookkeeper becomes your best mate, sorting the numbers so you can stay focused on the work that actually earns you money.
Now, the question every business owner asks: what are self-employed bookkeeper rates in Australia, and how do you make sure you’re not overpaying?
Here at Numberfied, we’ve helped heaps of Aussie businesses – from solo tradies to busy family-run shops – get their books in order. We know that finding room in the budget for bookkeeping can feel like a stretch, especially when you’ve got other bills to cover. So, let’s take the confusion out of it. We’ll walk through what drives self-employed bookkeeper rates, how pricing usually works, and a few smart ways to pick someone who’ll actually make your life easier.
Key takeaways:
- Bookkeepers in capital cities generally cost 10–20% more than those in regional areas.
- Choosing someone qualified or certified helps you dodge costly tax mistakes.
- Freelancers often save businesses up to half of what an in-house bookkeeper would cost.
- Always compare quotes and check experience before signing on – the right person should fit your needs, not just your budget.
What You’ll Pay for Self-Employed Bookkeepers in Australia
Hourly self-employed bookkeeper rates:
In 2025, self-employed bookkeeper rates sit around $30–$65 an hour for basics like reconciling accounts or sorting receipts. A florist in Brisbane pays $35 an hour for ten hours a month to stay organised. More detailed work – payroll or BAS prep – runs closer to $50–$80 an hour, or roughly $450–$1,200 a month, plus GST.
When Rates Go Higher
For trickier tasks, like setting up Xero or digging into financial reports, self-employed bookkeeper rates can hit $80–$120 per hour. We had a client in Sydney, a retail shop owner, who paid $90 hourly for a certified bookkeeper to handle quarterly BAS. It was worth every cent when they avoided a $2,000 ATO fine.
Does Location Change the Price?
Absolutely. If you’re in a big city like Sydney or Melbourne, self-employed bookkeeper rates are often $45–$80 per hour because of higher living costs. In places like Perth or Adelaide, it’s closer to $40–$70. Regional areas, like rural New South Wales or Tasmania, can be as low as $30–$50. A tradie we know in Cairns saved a bundle by hiring a local freelancer at $40 an hour instead of a city-based one. At Numberfied, we work nationwide, so you get fair self-employed bookkeeper rates whether you’re in Darwin or Dubbo.
Why Do Self-Employed Bookkeeper Rates Differ?
The Bookkeeper’s Experience
A newbie bookkeeper might charge $30–$50 for straightforward tasks like data entry. But someone with a BAS agent license or a TAFE diploma, who can tackle ATO compliance, will ask $60–$100. We saw this with a client in Adelaide- a cafe owner who paid $75 an hour for a pro who caught errors in their payroll, saving them thousands. Experience matters, especially when it protects you from tax trouble.
How Complex Is Your Business?
The more moving parts your business has, the more you’ll pay. A sole trader with a handful of transactions might spend $150–$350 monthly on a basic package. Add employees or inventory, and self-employed bookkeeper rates jump to $500–$1,500 for SMEs. A construction firm we helped in Perth paid $1,200 a month for detailed reports that helped them land a bank loan. Be clear about your needs to avoid paying for extras you don’t use.
Where the Bookkeeper Is Based
City bookkeepers have higher overheads- rent, software, you name it- so they charge 15–25% more than rural ones. A Melbourne freelancer might ask $70 per hour, while one in regional Queensland charges $45. Cloud tools like MYOB mean you can hire from anywhere, tapping into lower rates. Numberfied uses secure platforms to keep things affordable, no matter where you or your bookkeeper are.
Different Ways Bookkeepers Charge
Hourly Rates: Flexible but Unpredictable
Paying by the hour ($30–$120) is great for one-off tasks or businesses with ups and downs, like a seasonal shop. A client running a gym in Hobart pays $40 an hour for 12 hours a month to handle invoices. The catch? Costs can spike during busy times, like EOFY. Set a monthly hour cap to keep things in check, and ask for time tracking to stay on top of it.
Monthly Packages: Steady and Simple
Fixed fees, from $150–$5,000 a month, are perfect for budgeting. Sole traders pay $200–$400 for basics like reconciliations. SMEs with payroll might spend $800–$2,000. A Numberfied client in Canberra loves their $600 monthly package, which covers BAS and reports, no surprises. These deals push bookkeepers to work efficiently within the fee. Check the scope every few months to match your growth.
Project Fees: One-Time Jobs
For specific tasks, like catching up on old books ($1,000–$3,000) or software setup ($300–$600), you pay a flat fee. A tradie we worked with in Melbourne paid $500 to clean up a year’s worth of receipts, making their books loan-ready. These quotes are clear upfront, so you know what you’re getting. Always ask for a breakdown to confirm the price fits the job.
How Do Freelancers Compare to Other Options?
Freelancers vs. In-House Staff
An in-house bookkeeper costs $70,000–$85,000 a year, plus super and leave, about $6,000 a month. Self-employed bookkeeper rates, averaging $2,500–$5,000 monthly, save you 40–60%. A startup we know in Brisbane switched to a freelancer at $700 a month, freeing up cash for new equipment. Freelancers scale with your needs, so you’re not stuck with fixed costs.
Freelancers vs. Accounting Firms
Big firms charge $100–$150 per hour for bookkeeping, often tied to pricier tax services. Freelancers are 20–40% cheaper and give you direct access to the person doing the work. A retail client we helped found their $50-an-hour freelancer caught errors a firm’s junior missed. Firms are great for audits, but freelancers excel at daily tasks. Some businesses mix both- freelancers for routine stuff, firms for big tax jobs.
What’s Right for You?
If you’re a startup or a solo operator, hiring a freelancer gives you flexibility and keeps costs down. Bigger companies with more complex accounts often choose firms for the added compliance support. For example, a freelancer charging $50 an hour for 10 hours a week can save you about $2,000 a month compared to having someone in-house. At Numberfied, our bookkeepers offer firm-level quality at prices made for small businesses.
Tips for Hiring a Great Self-Employed Bookkeeper
Picking the right bookkeeper is about more than just cost- it’s about finding someone who gets your business and delivers real value.
Look at Their Credentials
Check for BAS registration on the ATO website and memberships with groups like the ICB. Ask for references from businesses like yours. A Numberfied client in Darwin vetted their bookkeeper with a quick call, confirming they knew Xero inside out. Credentials mean they’re up to speed on 2025 tax rules, keeping you safe.
Talk Rates Upfront
Get quotes from a few bookkeepers and compare them to the $30–$120 range. A client we know in Sydney locked in a 10% discount by signing up for six months. Try a trial at $50 an hour to test the waters. Put everything in a contract- services, self-employed bookkeeper rates, and review dates- to avoid surprises. Numberfied’s transparent pricing makes this step easy.
Build a Partnership
Choose someone who uses your software, like Xero, for smooth workflows. Start with a small job, like a monthly report, to check their speed and accuracy. Make sure they stay current on tax changes. We at Numberfied match you with bookkeepers who stick with you, offering free chats to get the fit just right.
Getting the Most from Your Bookkeeper
To make self-employed bookkeeper rates worth every dollar, set things up for success from the start.
Be Clear About What You Need
List exactly what you want- reconciliations, payroll, BAS- so you don’t pay for extras. A bakery owner we know in Adelaide cut their bill by $150 a month by focusing on essentials. Share your transaction volume and goals to get a fair quote. Numberfied helps you define this upfront for maximum value.
Use Tech to Save Time
Tools like Xero or MYOB streamline work, cutting hours and costs. A client in Tasmania dropped from 12 to 8 hours a month by automating bank feeds. Make sure your bookkeeper uses secure, ATO-compliant platforms. We integrate these tools to keep your books efficient and affordable.
Conclusion
Sorting out self-employed bookkeeper rates can feel tricky at first. Prices usually range from about $30 an hour for simple jobs to around $5,000 a month for bigger setups. The right bookkeeper doesn’t just balance your books – they save you time, stress, and help your business run smoother.
At Numberfied, we keep things simple. Our self-employed bookkeeper rates are fair, transparent, and built around what your business actually needs. If you’re ready to make bookkeeping easier, head to Numberfied.com/au/contact-us/ and let’s chat.
FAQs
1. What’s the going rate for self-employed bookkeepers in Australia in 2025?
Self-employed bookkeeping rates in 2025 typically fall between $30 to $65 an hour for tasks such as invoicing or reconciling accounts, with monthly packages for sole traders starting between $150-350 while SMBs typically pay between $800-2,002. City rates often are more costly; fortunately Numberfied keeps things affordable with customized quotes tailored exclusively for each client.
2. How does where I am affect self-employed bookkeeper rates?
In cities like Sydney or Melbourne, expect $45–$80 per hour due to higher costs. Perth and Brisbane are $40–$70, while regional spots like Tasmania hit $30–$50. A client in rural Victoria saved 15% with a local freelancer. Numberfied’s nationwide service means you get great self-employed bookkeeper rates, whether you’re urban or remote.
3. What makes self-employed bookkeeper rates vary?
Experience, business complexity, and location drive costs. Newbies charge $30–$50; BAS agents ask $60–$100. More transactions or tasks like payroll bump rates to $500–$1,500 monthly. A retailer we know paid $1,000 for complex reporting. Numberfied tailors services to keep costs fair and focused.
4. Are monthly packages common for bookkeepers?
Yes, fixed fees of $150–$5,000 a month are popular for steady budgeting. Sole traders pay $200–$400; SMEs $800–$2,000. A Canberra client loves their $600 package for BAS and reports. Numberfied’s packages adjust with your business, ensuring value without surprises.
5. How do I negotiate better self-employed bookkeeper rates?
Get quotes from three bookkeepers, using the $30–$120 range as a guide. A Sydney client scored a discount by committing long-term. Try a trial at $50 an hour. Clear contracts prevent cost creep. Numberfied works with you to find the best self-employed bookkeeper rates that fit your budget.
6. What’s included in a bookkeeping package?
Packages cover reconciliations, invoices, payroll, and BAS. Extras like forecasting add $50–$200. Software setups cost $300–$600. A cafe we helped streamlined with a $400 package. Numberfied ensures your package meets ATO rules and your goals.
7. Are freelancers cheaper than in-house bookkeepers?
Definitely- freelancers save 40–60% over in-house salaries ($70,000–$85,000 a year). Monthly fees of $2,500–$5,000 avoid super and overheads. A startup we know saved $3,000 monthly by outsourcing. Numberfied’s self-employed bookkeeper rates give you top quality at lower costs.
8. How do I know a bookkeeper is qualified?
Check BAS registration on the ATO site and ICB membership. Ask for references. A Darwin client confirmed Xero skills in a quick call. Numberfied’s bookkeepers are fully credentialed, so you can trust us from the start.
9. Can freelancers handle BAS remotely?
Yes, using tools like Xero, they manage BAS and reconciliations from anywhere, saving 20% on costs. Secure platforms ensure compliance. Numberfied’s remote services include portals for easy tracking, no matter where you are.
10. What goes in a bookkeeping contract?
Include services, self-employed bookkeeper rates ($30–$120), payment terms, and scope. Add termination (30 days) and confidentiality clauses. A client we know avoided issues with clear terms. Numberfied’s contracts are flexible, supporting your growth with trust.