Bookkeeping Pricing Made Simple
If bookkeeping pricing feels random, you’re not imagining it. Two small business owners can both search “bookkeeping near me” and get totally different quotes, even if they’re in the same area.
Most of the time, the price difference is not about one business being “better” than another. It’s about workload, complexity, and how much clean up needs to happen before the books are actually trustworthy.
This guide explains bookkeeping pricing in plain English so you can compare options confidently and choose what fits your business. If you’re in Littleton, Centennial, the Denver Metro, and beyond, the goal is the same: accurate accounting, clean bank and credit card reconciliations, and bookkeeping that helps you make decisions instead of stressing you out.
Bookkeeping pricing basics
Most pricing falls into one of two models.
Monthly bookkeeping services
This is usually a flat monthly fee based on your workload and what you need handled consistently. It’s the most common approach for ongoing small business bookkeeping services because it’s predictable and easier to plan around.
Hourly bookkeeping service
This is time-based pricing, usually used for cleanup projects, catch up work, or one-off tasks where the workload is not consistent month to month.
Here’s the truth that most people do not hear until later. Cheaper bookkeeping is not always cheaper. If the books are wrong, the cost shows up in different places, like missed deductions, duplicate payments, mystery balances, late fees, and time you lose chasing answers.
Why We Start at $75/Hour: Fair Pricing
At Perlinger Consulting, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” monthly retainers that charge you for services you don’t actually need. That’s why we set our introductory rate at $75/hour. Whether you need a quick QuickBooks fix, a deep-dive forensic cleanup ($200 for 2 hrs of trouble shooting), or just a few hours of 1-on-1 training to get your confidence back, you only pay for the time we spend making your business better. It’s the fairest way to ensure your bookkeeping budget stays lean while your financial clarity stays sharp.
What changes your bookkeeping price
If a bookkeeper gives you a price without asking about the items below, that quote is probably a guess.
Transaction volume
This is the biggest driver of bookkeeping pricing. A business with 80 transactions a month is simply not priced the same as one with 800. Every swipe, deposit, transfer, bill payment, and customer payment creates work.
Number of bank and credit card accounts
Each account needs consistent bank and credit card reconciliations. More accounts means more review, more opportunities for things to get off track, and more time needed to keep it accurate.
If you are behind, you may need catch up bookkeeping first, then monthly support after that.
Payroll complexity
Payroll affects bookkeeping pricing because it touches liabilities and timing. Even if your payroll provider runs it for you, the bookkeeping still needs to record it properly and reconcile what is owed.
If you have employees, benefits, reimbursements, or owner draws mixed into payroll activity, it can add complexity quickly.
Invoices and bills
If you send invoices, accounts receivable automation can make a big difference. It helps you get paid faster, track what’s still unpaid, and reduce the “Did they pay yet?” guessing.
If you pay bills through QuickBooks Online, accounts payable automation solutions can reduce late fees, prevent duplicate payments, and create a smoother system.
Accounts receivable automation
Accounts payable automation solutions
Job costing, classes, or locations
Some businesses need reports by job, location, class, property, department, or grant. That’s normal and it’s smart. It does require a better setup and consistent categorization.
If you want those reports to make sense, QuickBooks consulting is usually the fastest way to clean it up and get it working correctly.
QuickBooks consulting services
Monthly vs hourly bookkeeping: how to choose
This is where most owners get stuck, so let’s keep it simple. The best pricing model is the one that keeps your books accurate without you needing to babysit the process.
Monthly bookkeeping services usually fit when:
• You want predictable pricing
• Your books are mostly current
• You need consistent bank and credit card reconciliations
• You want monthly reports you can actually use
• You want a steady system that stays clean
Hourly bookkeeping usually fit when:
• You are behind and need cleanup
• You have a one-time project, like rebuilding your chart of accounts
• Your workload varies wildly month to month
• You want hands-on help learning QuickBooks
You want a pricing system that is fair, you only pay for the actual time that is used.
If you want to build real confidence inside QuickBooks Online, we only provide training for QuickBooks, and we can do it in person or online.
QuickBooks training
If you want a helpful deeper read on why setup matters so much long term, link this blog right here:
The QuickBooks Advantage for Small Businesses
The good quote checklist
A solid quote should feel specific. Not vague. Not salesy. Just clear.
Here are the questions a real quote should be based on:
• How many monthly transactions are we dealing with?
• Number of bank and credit card accounts?
• Payroll, and how complex is it?
• What about invoicing customers inside QuickBooks Online?
• Have you been paying bills inside QuickBooks Online?
• Do you need job costing, classes, or locations?
• Are you behind on reconciliations?
• What reports do you actually want to use each month?
If you want one report that reveals a lot fast, look at your Profit & Loss. In some QuickBooks Online accounts, it may show as Statement of Activity. The name can vary, but the purpose is the same.
If you want help understanding that report without feeling like you need a finance degree read:
How to Read and Use Your Profit & Loss Like a Pro
A simple pricing worksheet you can do in 10 minutes
If you want to feel confident before you talk to any bookkeeper, do this quick worksheet.
Count your accounts
Write down how many checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit cards you use for the business.
Estimate monthly transactions
If you’re not sure, look at last month’s bank feed activity and estimate.
Identify your workflow
Do you invoice customers in QuickBooks?
Do you track unpaid invoices weekly?
Do you pay bills inside QuickBooks, or outside of it?
Identify your reporting needs
Do you need reports by job, location, class, customer, or grant?
Identify the cleanup factor
Are you behind on reconciliations, or mostly current?
Share that list in any consultation and you’ll get a quote that actually makes sense.
Why local bookkeeping pricing can be different
If you search “bookkeeping near me,” you’ll see a wide range of pricing. Some of that is market. Some of it is service level.
In Littleton, Centennial, the Denver Metro, and beyond, many small business owners want more than someone who categorizes transactions. They want a small business bookkeeper who will keep the books accurate, explain what changed, and help the owner understand their numbers.
That mix of service and education is a big reason pricing varies.
Why Littleton Small Businesses Thrive with Local Bookkeeping
At Perlinger Consulting, Inc., we focus on small business bookkeeping, accurate accounting services, and QuickBooks training so you can make decisions with confidence.
Keep Learning
If you’re sorting through options and want your next step to feel clear, these links help.
Monthly support that stays clean and consistent:
Monthly bookkeeping services
Ready to make pricing simple?
If you’d like, we’ll help you figure out what makes sense for your workload and your goals, then recommend the best-fit plan.
Call 720-290-4389 or visit perlingerconsulting.com to get a clear bookkeeping plan that fits your business.
Friendly disclaimer
This article is meant to help you understand bookkeeping pricing (which is subject to change) and how to evaluate bookkeeping services for small business owners. It is general information, not tax advice, and not legal advice. Every business is different, and your best next step is a short review of your transaction volume, accounts, and reporting needs with a qualified professional.