How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost in Ontario? (And What You Actually Get)

If you have been googling bookkeeper prices in Ontario, you have probably noticed the range is enormous. Providers charge anywhere from $30/hour to $2,000+ monthly, and these differences reflect real variations in service quality.

The Three Tiers of Bookkeeping in Ontario

Tier 1: DIY or Cheap Bookkeeper ($0 to $200 per month)

This tier involves self-service software or part-time staff at $25 to $40 per hour. The main risk: transactions get miscategorized, HST gets missed, and deductions get left on the table because nobody is actively searching for them, resulting in costly cleanup work later.

Tier 2: Professional Bookkeeping Service ($300 to $700 per month)

This level serves most incorporated service professionals. Services typically include monthly reconciliation, financial statements, HST tracking, and year-round access to a CPA. Featherly starts at $500/month for Ontario businesses earning $100,000 to $500,000 annually.

Tier 3: Full-Service CPA Firm ($1,000 or more per month)

Reserved for businesses with significant complexity, multiple entities, and employees, this tier targets companies exceeding $1 million in annual revenue.

What Drives the Price?

Key factors include transaction volume, industry complexity, whether catch-up work is needed, whether HST filing is included, and whether the provider holds CPA credentials.

CPA vs. Unlicensed Bookkeeper: Does It Matter?

A Certified Professional Accountant registered with CPA Ontario is held to professional standards, carries liability insurance, and can file tax returns, services unlicensed bookkeepers cannot provide. This distinction can save incorporated professionals thousands annually.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Bookkeeper

Are you CPA registered?
Do you specialize in my type of business?
What exactly is included in your fee?
Does that include HST filing?
Do you handle T2 corporate returns, or just bookkeeping?

The Real Cost of Cheap Bookkeeping

Missed deductions alone typically cost incorporated professionals $2,000 to $6,000 per year. Proper bookkeeping services ultimately pay for themselves.