Top 10 online bookkeeping firm for Australian businesses
Bookkeeping is a critical function for small businesses in Australia, but it often becomes time-consuming as transactions increase and compliance requirements grow. From BAS lodgements to payroll and reporting, maintaining accurate records requires consistency and expertise.
As a result, many Australian businesses are now choosing professional online bookkeeping firms to reduce admin workload, improve accuracy, and stay compliant with ATO regulations.
This blog post provides a structured comparison of commonly recognised bookkeeping firms in Australia, along with pricing insights and practical guidance to help you choose the right provider.
Key takeaways
Businesses comparing bookkeeping services in Australia often evaluate providers such as Darcy Bookkeeping, Visory, Carbon Group, and CleanSlate Accounting based on pricing, reporting, and the services they offer.
The best bookkeeping service depends on your business size, transaction volume, and whether you prefer fixed-fee or hourly pricing.
Most small businesses in Australia spend between $150 and $500 per month on bookkeeping, depending on the services included.
Different bookkeeping firms suit different needs, from flexible hourly support to fixed-fee, structured bookkeeping services.
Fixed-fee providers like CleanSlate Accounting are often preferred by businesses looking for predictable monthly pricing and consistent support.
What are the top online bookkeeping firms in Australia?
The following bookkeeping firms are commonly recognised in Australia:
- Darcy Bookkeeping & Business Services
- Visory
- Carbon Group
- iKeep
- Whiz Consulting
- BAS Bookkeeping
- Priority 1 Bookkeeping
- Reliable Bookkeeping Services
- AGI Bookkeeping
- CleanSlate Accounting
These firms are frequently mentioned across bookkeeping comparisons, service directories, and business advisory platforms in Australia.
CleanSlate Accounting is also considered by small businesses looking for fixed-fee bookkeeping services with structured support and transparent pricing.
What makes a good online bookkeeping firm in Australia?
Being recognised as a top bookkeeping firm in Australia goes beyond client volume or big-name software partnerships. The best firms consistently deliver service that meets high standards across key areas:
- Industry knowledge that enables tailored bookkeeping across sectors such as retail, healthcare, and professional services
- Expertise in platforms like Xero bookkeeping software , , and QuickBooks Online bookkeeping software for accurate, streamlined record-keeping.
- Transparent, fixed-fee pricing models that make budgeting simple
- Capacity to scale services as businesses grow, from startups to expanding enterprises.
- Reliable reporting and communication that helps clients stay informed and in control.
Top bookkeeping firms help businesses remain organised, compliant, and better prepared for future growth.
Fixed monthly fee for
a defined scope of services
Many clients appreciate having bookkeeping and tax services under one roof, while also enjoying the predictability of a fixed fee. Below is our indicative fee for a standard scope of work:
Cancel anytime
Unlimited support
Quick onboarding
Only Bookkeeping & BAS
Only bookkeeping and BAS (Does not cover tax returns, payroll and super):
$165/month *ex GST
Bookkeeping & Tax combined
For bookkeeping, BAS and tax returns (but no payroll or super included):
$225/month *ex GST
Bookkeeping, Tax & Payroll
All inclusive package: Bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, Super and tax returns:
$280/month *ex GST
Comparison of top bookkeeping firms in Australia (pricing and features)
Below is a comparison table that highlights the key features, pricing, and unique offerings of each virtual bookkeeping service provider, helping you make an informed decision.
| Bookkeeping Firms Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firm Name | Location | Services Offered | Pricing | Special Features |
| CleanSlate Accounting | Sydney, Australia | BAS preparation, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable, expense tracking | Starts at $165/month (ex. GST) | Cost-effective services, 70% cost reduction for clients, cloud-based tools |
| Darcy Bookkeeping & Business Services | Brisbane, Perth | Bank reconciliations, BAS lodgements, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, general bookkeeping | $36/hour | Hourly pricing, tailored solutions, consultation for requirements |
| Visory | Melbourne, Victoria | Real-time bookkeeping, profit & loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, BAS lodgement | Starts at $545/month | Fixed pricing, seamless integration with Xero and MYOB, cloud-based tools |
| iKeep | Sydney, Melbourne | Daily reconciliations, BAS lodgement, payroll, financial reporting | From $32.50/week | Xero and MYOB expertise, dedicated support available 5 days a week |
| Carbon Group | Perth, Western Australia | Data entry, accounts payable/receivable, debt collection, payroll, superannuation, GST, BAS lodgement | Starts at $49.90/week | Cloud-based, real-time data access, professional accountants and BAS agents |
| Whiz Consulting | Gordon, NSW | P&L reporting, balance sheets, cash flow reports, BAS preparation, payroll management, tax planning | Starts at $650/month | Flexible bookkeeping options (monthly, weekly, daily), transparent pricing, no hidden fees |
| BAS Bookkeeping | NSW, Australia | Xero-based bookkeeping, BAS/IAS preparation, payroll, payment summaries, Xero setup | From $45/hour (offshore), $55–70/hour (Australian) | Fully Xero-certified, paperless workflow transition |
| Priority 1 Bookkeeping | Milton, Queensland | Reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, payroll management, BAS preparation | Starts at $499/month | Focus on accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality, flexible pricing for growing businesses |
| Reliable Bookkeeping Services | Melbourne, VIC | Bank reconciliations, payroll processing, BAS preparation, accounts payable/receivable | Custom pricing | Tailored solutions for businesses, transparent and efficient bookkeeping |
| Gecko Cloud Solutions | Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast | Bank reconciliations, BAS & IAS preparation, accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing | Starts at $250/month | Fixed monthly pricing, cloud-based access, seamless integration with Xero and MYOB |
| AGI Bookkeeping | Melbourne, VIC | Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Reckon expertise, tax reporting, payroll, general bookkeeping | Custom pricing | 20+ years of experience, highly trusted, long-lasting client relationships |
Detailed comparison of the top online bookkeeping firms in Australia
Here is a detailed description of the top 10 online bookkeeping firms in Australia, each helping businesses stay compliant, organised, and financially on track.
CleanSlate Accounting
Based in Sydney, Australia, CleanSlate Accounting offers professional online bookkeeping services for small businesses. Key services offered by professional online bookkeepers include the following:
- BAS preparation and lodgement: Preparing and lodging BAS statements accurately and on time to help businesses meet ATO requirements and avoid delays or penalties.
- Bank reconciliation: Regularly reconciling bank transactions to ensure records remain accurate, up to date, and aligned with actual account activity.
- Payroll processing and STP reporting: Managing payroll calculations, processing employee payments, and submitting Single Touch Payroll reports in line with compliance requirements.
- Accounts payable management: Recording supplier invoices, monitoring due dates, and scheduling payments to maintain organised workflows and avoid late payment issues.
- Accounts receivable management: Creating and tracking invoices, following up on outstanding amounts, and helping maintain consistent cash flow through timely collections.
- Expense tracking and categorisation Recording and categorising business expenses to provide clearer visibility over spending and support better reporting.
- Ongoing bookkeeping support: Maintaining records using cloud-based systems to ensure information is updated regularly and accessible when required.
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Darcy Bookkeeping & Business Services
Based in Brisbane and Perth, Darcy Bookkeeping & Business Services provides bookkeeping support to small and medium-sized businesses across Australia. Services include bank reconciliations, BAS lodgements, payroll processing, accounts payable and receivable, and general bookkeeping.
The process begins with a consultation to understand the scope of work. After confirming requirements, access is arranged for relevant accounting platforms, and regular tasks such as data entry, reconciliations, and reporting are completed on a set schedule. Darcy offers hourly bookkeeping rates starting from $36 per hour.
Visory
Headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Visory offers professional online bookkeeping services to businesses across Australia, including Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney, as well as New Zealand.
Visory’s bookkeeping services for small businesses start at $545 per month, which includes real-time, accrual-based bookkeeping, monthly profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
The service also covers quarterly Business Activity Statement lodgement, along with a receipt and invoice capture tool to streamline accounting. With fixed pricing and seamless with platforms like Xero and MYOB, Visory helps businesses stay organised and focused on growth.
iKeep
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with an additional office in Melbourne, iKeep offers professional bookkeeping services to help businesses manage their accounts with ease. Their services are designed to simplify daily tasks, such as daily reconciliations, BAS lodgement, payroll, and reporting.
iKeep bookkeeping team works with major platforms like Xero and MYOB, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date records. Their bookkeeping services start from $32.50 per week, or $42.50 per week (including BAS preparation and lodgement). With dedicated support available five days a week, iKeep helps businesses stay on track and compliant.
Carbon Group
Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Carbon Group offers comprehensive cloud-based bookkeeping services for small businesses across Australia. Their team of qualified accountants and BAS agents provides expert support to ensure your books of accounts are accurate and up to date.
Carbon Group delivers a wide range of services, including data entry, accounts payable and receivable, debt collection, payroll, superannuation, GST, and BAS lodgement. Their cloud-based services allow business owners to access data and track progress in real time, from anywhere.
With packages starting at just $49.90 weekly, Carbon Group offers an affordable, professional bookkeeping solution for growing businesses, helping streamline operations and maintain accuracy without the need for additional employees.
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Whiz Consulting
Based in Gordon, NSW, Whiz Consulting offers comprehensive bookkeeping services tailored to businesses of all sizes. Their monthly bookkeeping packages, starting at $650, cover essential services such as P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow reporting, BAS preparation, payroll management, and proactive tax planning.
Whiz Consulting provides flexible bookkeeping options, including monthly, weekly, or daily services, and ensures accurate, up-to-date records. With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, Whiz helps businesses maintain healthy records, giving owners more time to focus on growth.
BAS Bookkeeping
Based in NSW, Australia, BAS Bookkeeping specializes in Xero-based bookkeeping services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses. With over 25 years of experience, the firm offers both hourly and fixed-fee pricing to suit different needs. Services include full or partial bookkeeping, quarterly BAS and IAS preparation, payroll, payment summaries, and customized Xero setup.
The team is fully Xero-certified and helps businesses transition to paperless workflows using cloud technology. Pricing starts from $45/hour for offshore bookkeepers, $55–$70/hour for Australian-based bookkeepers, and monthly packages range from $250–$500 depending on the scope of work.
Priority 1 bookkeeping
Priority1 Bookkeeping, based in Milton, Queensland, Australia, offers professional bookkeeping services designed to streamline your business operations. With over 10 years of experience, the team focuses on accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality, ensuring your financial records are always in order.
Services include reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, payroll management, and BAS preparation. Their flexible pricing starts from $499 per month for small businesses, with tailored packages for growing and larger companies.
Reliable bookkeeping services
Based in Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia, Reliable Bookkeeping Services provides expert bookkeeping solutions for businesses across Australia. With a focus on accuracy and efficiency, their services include bank reconciliations, payroll processing, BAS preparation, and accounts payable/receivable management.
Their tailored solutions help businesses stay compliant and organised, making it easier to manage operations without the burden of complex tasks. Whether you’re a small startup or an established business, Reliable Bookkeeping Services is here to help streamline your processes and ensure your records are in top shape.
AGI Bookkeeping
Based in Melbourne, AGI Bookkeeping has been a trusted partner for businesses since 2001. With a passion for numbers, they provide expert bookkeeping and accounts services to businesses of all sizes. Specializing in popular accounting software such as Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and Reckon, AGI ensures your financial records are accurate, compliant, and up to date.
Their experienced team focuses on building long-lasting relationships while offering tailored, affordable bookkeeping solutions that help businesses stay organized and compliant with legislative requirements. Whether you need assistance with tax reporting, payroll, or general bookkeeping, AGI Bookkeeping is committed to delivering reliable service.
Pricing varies based on services, and a free consultation is available to assess you.
Which bookkeeping service is right for your business?
Different bookkeeping providers suit different needs:
- Flexible hourly support: Darcy Bookkeeping
- Reporting-focused services: Visory
- All-in-one support: Carbon Group
- Affordable weekly services: iKeep
- Fixed-fee structured support: CleanSlate Accounting
Choosing the right provider depends on your business size, budget, and reporting requirements.
FAQs on the top online bookkeeping firms in Australia
How much does bookkeeping cost in Australia?
The cost of bookkeeping depends on the volume of transactions, the complexity of your business, and the level of support you need. Hourly rates typically range from $30 to $80, while many providers now offer fixed-fee packages to simplify budgeting. For a small business, monthly costs can range from $150 to $300 or more, especially if BAS, payroll, or reporting are included.
At CleanSlate, we understand the importance of predictable pricing, which is why we offer straightforward fixed-fee packages starting from $165 per month (excluding GST). These include core services like bookkeeping and BAS lodgement, so you can stay compliant without surprises.
Do I need a bookkeeper, an accountant, or both?
A bookkeeper handles daily tasks such as entering transactions, managing GST, reconciling accounts, and processing payroll. An accountant is generally responsible for preparing tax returns, offering business insights, and assisting with planning.
Many small businesses start with just a bookkeeper, but as operations become more complex, both roles may be needed. The right approach depends on how much support you require. To learn more about how these roles differ, read our blog post on choosing between a bookkeeper, an accountant, or both.
What software should I use for bookkeeping?
Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks are the most widely used bookkeeping platforms in Australia. They allow easy tracking of income, expenses, payroll, and reporting. The best option depends on your business size, number of employees, and personal preferences.
Many business owners choose software based on simplicity or integration with other tools. At CleanSlate, we work with all major platforms and help you choose, set up, and manage the right software for your business so that your records stay accurate and easy to maintain.
What is BAS and do I need help with it?
BAS stands for Business Activity Statement, a report submitted to the ATO that includes details like GST, PAYG withholding, and other tax-related obligations. Most businesses registered for GST are required to lodge BAS monthly or quarterly.
Lodging it accurately and on time is essential to avoid penalties or compliance issues. While some business owners attempt to manage it themselves, BAS can be complex, especially as your business grows. That’s why many choose to work with a registered BAS agent for peace of mind.
Can a bookkeeper help with payroll and super?
Yes, a bookkeeper can assist with processing payroll, calculating wages, tracking leave entitlements, managing Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting, and ensuring employer super contributions are calculated and lodged correctly. This is especially helpful for small businesses trying to stay compliant without handling everything manually.
At CleanSlate, we handle payroll and super obligations as part of our all-inclusive bookkeeping packages, so business owners don’t have to worry about missing deadlines or making errors.
Final thoughts on the top online bookkeeping firms in Australia
Selecting the right bookkeeping provider is an important step toward simplifying your operations and staying compliant. Each firm listed offers different strengths, pricing models, and service levels, so the best choice depends on your specific needs and how you manage your business.
If you are after streamlined support, transparent pricing, and flexible online services, CleanSlate could be a strong fit. We focus on making bookkeeping easy and accessible for Australian small businesses.
Book a free call with our team today today to explore how we can help take the pressure off your bookkeeping tasks.
