What's the true cost of in-house accounting?

The true cost of in-house accounting far exceeds just salary. For a mid-level bookkeeper: $65,000 base salary, $7,475 superannuation (11.5%), $5,000 annual leave (4 weeks), $2,500 sick leave provision, $3,000-5,000 recruitment costs, $1,500-2,500 annual training, $2,000 software licences, $1,000 equipment and workspace, plus ongoing management overhead. Total: $87,000-90,000 annually. For qualified accountants, costs exceed $120,000+. Hidden costs include knowledge gaps, no backup during leave, turnover risks, and management time. Most businesses dramatically underestimate the true cost of in-house staff.

How much does outsourced accounting actually cost?

Outsourced accounting costs vary by services required. Basic bookkeeping (transaction recording, bank reconciliation, accounts payable/receivable) costs $150-$400 per month. Full bookkeeping plus BAS preparation costs $300-$600 monthly. Comprehensive packages including bookkeeping, payroll, BAS, and financial reporting cost $600-$1,200 monthly. For most small businesses, annual outsourcing costs range $5,000-$15,000 compared to $87,000+ for in-house staff—a savings of $70,000+ annually. At Accountee, we provide full bookkeeping, payroll, BAS, and CFO-level advice for less than $25,000 annually, delivering 60-70% savings versus in-house.

What are the pros and cons of each approach?

In-house pros: Dedicated resource, immediate availability, deep business knowledge, full control over processes. In-house cons: High cost ($87K+ annually), limited expertise (one person's knowledge), no backup during leave, recruitment and turnover risks, management overhead. Outsourced pros: Expert team access, 60-70% lower cost, instant scalability, no recruitment hassles, always covered, modern technology included. Outsourced cons: Less immediate availability (though response times with quality providers like Accountee are same-day), requires trust in external provider, initial onboarding effort. For 95% of small businesses, outsourcing's advantages far outweigh any drawbacks.

Outsourced vs. In-House Accounting: A 2025 Cost-Benefit Analysis

Data-driven comparison of costs, expertise, scalability, and risk to help you make the right decision for your business.

Get Your Free Cost Comparison 1300 103 210

Get Your Free Consultation

Book a 15-minute chat with our team. No obligation.

The Verdict: Outsourcing Wins for Most Businesses

For Australian businesses with 5-100 employees, outsourced accounting delivers superior results at dramatically lower cost. The data is clear: outsourcing provides 60-70% cost savings, access to expert teams, seamless scalability, reduced risk, and strategic insights—all advantages that in-house staff cannot match at comparable costs.

See How Much You Can Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Make the Switch?

Save 60-70% on accounting costs while gaining expert teams and strategic insights.

Get Your Free Quote Call 1300 103 210