How much does a virtual bookkeeper cost in Australia?
Introduction:
Running a business in Australia comes with strict ATO regulations, ongoing GST reporting, payroll responsibilities, and rising operating costs. For business owners managing sales, operations, and staffing, keeping up with accurate records is essential but time-consuming.
A virtual bookkeeper can take over those daily admin tasks, saving time and reducing overhead. But many ask, “How much does a virtual bookkeeper cost in Australia?” and “Is it worth switching from in-house bookkeeping?”
This blog explains the cost differences between hiring in-house and using a virtual provider. It also examines the factors that influence pricing and how CleanSlate’s online bookkeeping services provide flexible and affordable support for small and medium-sized businesses in Australia.
Key takeaways
A virtual bookkeeper helps Australian businesses save time and reduce overhead by managing daily admin tasks remotely.
Virtual bookkeepers utilise secure cloud systems, such as Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks, for real-time collaboration and seamless access.
CleanSlate’s virtual bookkeeping service starts at just $185/month, offering flexible, affordable pricing for small businesses.
In-house bookkeepers can cost over $80,000 per year, while CleanSlate offers a more cost-effective alternative.
Virtual bookkeeping is ideal for start-ups, SMEs, eCommerce businesses, and sole traders with quarterly BAS lodgements.
Virtual bookkeeping saves businesses on recruitment, office space, and software costs, making it a scalable and flexible solution.
What does a virtual bookkeeper actually do?
A virtual bookkeeper performs all the same core tasks as an in-house bookkeeper but works remotely using secure online systems such as Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks. They help you keep your books accurate, stay compliant with ATO requirements, and free up your time to manage operations.
Typical services include:
- Daily bank reconciliation and transaction categorisation to ensure every entry in your books matches your bank statements accurately and no transactions are missed or duplicated.
- Reconciling accounts to ensure accuracy.
- Create and send invoices to clients for the products or services your business provides to keep track of what you are owed.
- Record and track all payments received from customers and all outgoing payments made to suppliers so your books reflect real-time cash movement.
- Manage accounts receivable by monitoring unpaid invoices, sending reminders for overdue payments, and keeping customer balances up to date.
- Manage accounts payable by recording bills, scheduling supplier payments, and avoiding late fees to maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Process payroll and superannuation to ensure employees are paid correctly and all contributions are lodged on time.
- Prepare and lodge Business activity statements (BAS) to handle GST reporting and meet ATO compliance requirements.
- Track expenses and prepare cash flow reports to show where your money goes and help plan for upcoming costs.
- Prepare year-end reports for your accountant, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and general ledger summaries for tax time.
- Coordinate with your accountant for BAS and tax submissions to ensure all records and reports are accurate and complete.
- Set up and maintain cloud bookkeeping software such as Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks so you can securely access your accounts anytime and from anywhere.
Many virtual bookkeepers, including CleanSlate, are registered BAS agents, which means they are authorised to prepare and lodge BAS on your behalf.
Not sure when your next BAS is due? Read our blog post BAS due dates 2025–26 to plan ahead and stay compliant with every lodgement deadline.
Who should use a virtual bookkeeper?
Virtual bookkeeping suits almost every business type, but it’s especially ideal for:
In-house vs. virtual bookkeeper: Cost comparison
This table outlines the key cost differences between hiring an in-house bookkeeper and using CleanSlate's virtual bookkeeping services.
| Cost category | In-house bookkeeper | CleanSlate virtual bookkeeper |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $60,000 – $80,000 per year | Not applicable |
| Superannuation & Benefits | $12,000 – $24,000 per year | Included |
| Recruitment Costs | $5,000 – $10,000 upfront | None |
| Training & setup | $1,000 – $3,000 | None |
| Office space & equipment | $2,000 – $5,000 per year | Not required |
| Bookkeeping software | Additional license costs (e.g., Xero) | Included |
| Monthly Cost (Estimated) | $5,000 – $8,300 | Starting from $165/month (ex GST) |
| Support & compliance | Often limited or extra | Included in all packages |
CleanSlate vs. market averages: Bookkeeping pricing comparison
The table below compares CleanSlate's virtual bookkeeping pricing with the average costs in the Australian market. As shown, CleanSlate offers a more affordable and transparent pricing structure without compromising on the quality of services.
| Service level | CleanSlate pricing | Australian market average |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Bookkeeping & BAS lodgement | $225/month | $500 – $1,000/month |
| All-inclusive bookkeeping, & tax and payroll | From $285/month | $2,000 – $5,000/month |
| Accounts Payable (Add-On) | $99/month | $150 – $300/month |
| Multi-Currency Support (Add-On) | $99/month | Often custom-quoted |
| Software Subscription | Included | Often charged separately |
| Setup/Onboarding Fees | $0 | $300 – $1,000 upfront |
| Contract Terms | No lock-in | 6–12 months commitment |
These virtual bookkeeping packages deliver the same professional accuracy as in-house staff, without the recruitment cost or administrative workload. The move toward virtual bookkeeping is growing quickly across Australia. Find out what’s driving it in our blog Why Australian businesses are switching to virtual bookkeepers.
What affects the cost of virtual bookkeeping?
Not every business pays the same rate for virtual bookkeeping. The pricing depends on several key factors, including:
- Number of monthly transactions: More transactions = more time = higher cost.
- Payroll complexity: The number of employees and pay frequency can increase processing time.
- BAS frequency: Monthly BAS lodgements generally cost more than quarterly.
- Additional services: Add-ons like accounts payable, multi-currency support, or inventory tracking can increase pricing.
- Industry type: Some industries (e.g. construction, hospitality, and medical) require more complex reporting or compliance.
- Bookkeeping clean-up or catch-up work: If you haven’t lodged your BAS for 3 quarters, or you’ve been tracking expenses manually in Excel, your virtual bookkeeper will need to fix, reconcile, and update your records before ongoing services can begin/ This is usually billed as a one-time project, and the cost varies depending on how far behind your records are.
Why choose CleanSlate virtual bookkeeping services?
At CleanSlate, we understand that small and medium-sized businesses need more than just data entry. They need reliable, accurate, and affordable support they can trust. Our virtual bookkeeping service provides meaningful support with a personalised approach.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Clear, fixed pricingWe offer fixed monthly packages with no hidden fees or hourly billing. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying, with no lock-in contracts or unexpected charges.
Complete bookkeeping support
Our bookkeeping packages cover all key bookkeeping tasks, including daily recordkeeping, payroll, BAS lodgement, and business tax return preparation. You can also add services such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, or multi-currency support as needed.
Skilled and reliable team: You’ll work with a dedicated bookkeeper who is part of a team with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. Our team members have managed bookkeeping for a variety of businesses over multiple years and understand what it takes to keep records accurate and up-to-date.
Easy online access: Our service includes a user-friendly cloud system where your records are always organised and accessible. No installation or manual updates required.
Grows with your business : Our flexible packages are built to support your business at every stage. You can start small and scale up whenever your needs change.
Month-to-month flexibility: We keep things simple with monthly billing, no lock-in contracts, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you complete confidence in getting started.
Ready to simplify your bookkeeping and reduce overhead costs?
Book a call now
How to get started with CleanSlate virtual bookkeeping service?
Starting with CleanSlate is easy, and we’re here to ensure the process is seamless and straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Book a free consultation
Schedule a quick call with one of our experienced bookkeepers to discuss your business’s unique bookkeeping needs. During this consultation, we will get to know your business, your challenges, and your goals. You will get personalised advice on how CleanSlate can streamline your processes, save you time, and reduce overheads. It’s completely free with no obligation – just an opportunity to see how we can help.
Step 2: Receive a custom quote
Once we have reviewed your requirements, we will provide a detailed, fixed-price proposal that’s tailored specifically to your business. Our transparent pricing means no surprises; you will know exactly what you’re paying for from the outset. Whether you require basic bookkeeping or more complex services, such as payroll, BAS lodgements, or tax support, we offer a package tailored to your needs.
Step 3: Let us handle the setup
After you have agreed on the quote, our team will handle the entire setup process. We’ll take care of the technical side, including setting up the necessary bookkeeping software (Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks), transferring your data, and integrating all of your business accounts. You won’t need to worry about any of the logistics – we ensure everything is set up for you, saving you time and stress.
Step 4: Meet your dedicated bookkeeper
You will be introduced to your very own dedicated bookkeeper who will be responsible for managing your accounts moving forward. Your bookkeeper will become thoroughly familiar with your business, ensuring that all transactions are accurately and efficiently recorded. They will provide ongoing support, answer your questions, and help you stay on top of your records without requiring additional resources on your part.
Bookkeeping FAQs
What is the average monthly cost for bookkeeping services?
Most small businesses in Australia spend between $300 and $1,000 per month for bookkeeping, depending on how often they need BAS lodgements and payroll support. At CleanSlate, our online bookkeeping packages start from $185 per month, offering complete online bookkeeping that includes BAS preparation, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
What is included in virtual bookkeeping services?
Virtual bookkeeping packages typically include:
- Bank transaction reconciliation
- Invoicing and accounts receivable
- Payroll processing
- BAS preparation and lodgement
- Financial reports such as profit and loss and balance sheet
- Set up and support for cloud bookkeeping software
All of these services are included in the standard plans offered by CleanSlate.
Is a virtual bookkeeper secure?
Yes, virtual bookkeepers use secure, cloud-based platforms such as Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks. Reputable providers also follow strict data protection protocols and are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board
Do I need a BAS agent or just a bookkeeper?
If your business is registered for GST and you need to lodge a BAS, a registered BAS agent is required. Many bookkeepers are not BAS agents, so it’s important to verify their registration before assigning compliance tasks.
Why choose a virtual bookkeeper over an in-house one?
Virtual bookkeepers offer cost savings, flexibility, and cloud-based access to your financial data. They eliminate the need for recruitment, office space, and software licensing, making them ideal for small businesses and startups.
Final thoughts
Working with a virtual bookkeeper is no longer just a cost-saving option; it’s a smarter way to manage your business. With the right support, you can reduce overheads, stay compliant with ATO requirements, and have real-time visibility of your cash flow without the burden of managing staff or systems.
At CleanSlate, we help Australian businesses simplify their bookkeeping with fixed monthly pricing, complete BAS and payroll support, and no lock-in contracts. Whether you’re a sole trader or a growing company, our virtual bookkeeping service gives you the accuracy and reliability you need at a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house.
Start with a quick consultation to explore which package fits your business best
