Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
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Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
How Much Should You Charge as a Bookkeeping Virtual Assistant?
Bookkeeping virtual assistants typically charge $25–$50/hr or $300–$1,500/month depending on transaction volume and complexity. QuickBooks or Xero proficiency and familiarity with accounts payable/receivable command higher rates.
Floor
$25
per hour
Typical
$40
per hour
Premium
$60
per hour
Find your exact rate
Typical project work, moderate complexity.
Factor in AI tool subscriptions
Your Rate
Day Rate
$450
Project Est.
$2,200
Retainer
$8,350/mo
Was this helpful?
Community Data
What do you actually charge?
Anonymous. Helps improve market benchmarks.
What changes the price
- Monthly transaction volume — under 100 vs. 500+
- Software proficiency — QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks
- Scope — data entry only vs. full reconciliation and reporting
- Payroll processing included or separate
- Tax preparation support or CPA coordination
- Industry complexity — ecommerce with inventory vs. service business
Real quote breakdowns
Monthly bookkeeping for a solopreneur
Categorizing 50–80 transactions per month in QuickBooks, bank reconciliation, and monthly P&L report. 4 hours per month.
Breakdown
4 hrs × $30/hr. Low volume, straightforward service business.
Bookkeeping for a small agency
Managing 200+ monthly transactions, accounts payable, contractor payments, bank reconciliation, and quarterly reports. 12 hours per month.
Breakdown
12 hrs × $45/hr. Higher complexity with contractor management and AP.
Full bookkeeping for an ecommerce business
Inventory tracking, sales tax calculations, Shopify/Stripe reconciliation, payroll coordination, and monthly financial package for CPA. 20 hours per month.
Breakdown
20 hrs × $55/hr. Premium rate for ecommerce complexity, inventory, and multi-channel reconciliation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bookkeeping certification to charge premium rates?
Certification (like QuickBooks ProAdvisor) isn't legally required but significantly boosts client confidence and justifies higher rates. It's a relatively easy credential that can add $5–$15/hr to your rate.
How is a bookkeeping VA different from a full bookkeeper?
In practice, the work is often identical. 'Bookkeeping VA' typically implies remote, part-time support for smaller businesses. If you're doing full reconciliation, reporting, and payroll, you're a bookkeeper — price accordingly.
Should I charge per transaction or per hour?
Per-hour is simplest when starting out. As you gain experience, consider flat monthly packages based on transaction volume tiers (e.g., $300/month for up to 100 transactions). This rewards your efficiency.
What's the best way to handle tax season workload?
Many bookkeeping VAs charge a premium (20–30% surcharge) for Q4 and tax season work due to increased volume and urgency. Communicate this upfront in your service agreement to avoid surprises.