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Flat Rate vs. Hourly Bookkeeping: What You Really Should Be Charging

by
Michelle Wilson, EA, MSA
on
7/7/2025
Flat Rate vs. Hourly Bookkeeping: What You Really Should Be Charging

Flat Rate vs. Hourly Bookkeeping: What You Really Should Be Charging

Let’s get real—most bookkeepers don’t charge enough.

Not because they’re not talented. Not because they don’t care. But because pricing feels confusing, especially when you're moving from tax prep into full-fledged bookkeeping.

Some charge by the hour. Others offer a flat monthly fee. And the elite ones? They build their entire pricing structure on value.

If you’ve ever second-guessed your pricing or undercharged a client and regretted it, keep reading. This breakdown of hourly, flat-rate, and value-based pricing will show you what works, what doesn’t, and what will actually help you grow your income without burning out.

1. Hourly Pricing: The Rookie’s Trap

What it looks like: Charging $25–$75 per hour for bookkeeping services, billed weekly or monthly.

Why people use it:

  • Easy to calculate
  • “Feels fair” to clients
  • Often how you start as a freelancer or side-hustler

Why it doesn’t scale: Hourly pricing punishes efficiency. The faster you work, the less you get paid. It creates a “clock-in, clock-out” mindset and invites clients to question how long things should take.

Bottom line: You’re trading time for money—and the clock always wins.

2. Flat Rate Pricing: The Step Up

What it looks like: Charging $300, $500, or $1,000+ per month based on client size and complexity.

Why people love it:

  • Predictable cash flow
  • Easier to automate billing
  • Streamlined onboarding and expectations

Where it gets tricky: Without careful scoping, flat-rate services can easily lead to scope creep—doing cleanup or extra work for free. Many bookkeepers undercharge because they base their flat rate on estimated hours instead of value.

Bottom line: Better than hourly—but not if you’re still thinking like an hourly worker.

3. Value-Based Pricing: The Elite Strategy

What it looks like: Pricing services based on the client’s perceived and actual business value—not time. That includes reducing tax exposure, improving profitability, eliminating waste, and giving peace of mind.

Why it works:

  • Accounts for ROI, not just time spent
  • Clients stay longer and pay more for high-impact results
  • You position yourself as a strategic partner, not a task-doer

What it requires:

  • Confidence in your impact
  • Solid discovery calls to understand client goals
  • Clear tiered pricing with deliverables tied to outcomes (not hours)

Real Talk: A solo therapist may be worth $400/month in bookkeeping. A growing medspa? You might charge $1,500+/month because you’re helping them manage inventory, contractor payments, cash flow forecasting, and financial clarity.

Want to Learn Value-Based Pricing in Real Time?

Inside the Elite Bookkeeper Coaching Program, I walk you through:

✅ How to assess and present your value to clients

✅ Scripts for pricing conversations

✅ Real examples of pricing monthly retainers from $300–$2,500+

✅ Discovery call templates that lead to higher close rates

✅ Cleanup pricing strategies based on value—not hourly guesswork

It’s not about charging more just to charge more—it’s about being paid for the real impact you bring to the table.

Ready to Get Off the Hourly Treadmill?

If you’re tired of burnout and ready to scale a profitable bookkeeping business, you need more than a rate sheet. You need a system.

Apply Now for the Elite Bookkeeper Coaching Program →

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Michelle Wilson, EA, MSA

Michelle Wilson, EA, MSA

MCAT of Nassau, LLC, DBA MC Accounting & Tax Services is an accounting & tax company that has locations in Uniondale, NY, and Atlanta, GA. Clients can be found in all 50 states. MCAT has been providing services for over 20 years. Services include accounting & payroll in private and nonprofit sectors with a specialization of assisting start-ups, clean ups, and audit preparation. Tax preparation includes individual 1040 and small business (Schedule C, 1065, 1120, 1120S, 990) Accounting Services are provided remotely with office visits to compliment your needs and pay schedules. Clientele consists of Individuals to Small businesses to Non-Profit Organizations. The goal is to provide services at an affordable rate for the average Individual or Small Business Company. We have developed a reputation for professional excellence through the high quality of services performed for clients. Regards, Michelle Wilson

Michelle, The Accountant, Tax & Biz Coach
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