Free Bookkeeper Quote Template
Bookkeepers quote monthly retainers because the time required scales with the volume of transactions, not the number of months. A quote based on estimated transaction volume prevents the monthly fee being inadequate when a busy season doubles the workload.
Currency
Live Preview
What should a bookkeeper put on a quote?
A bookkeeping quote sets out the planned services and the price before the work starts, such as monthly reconciliation, VAT returns, and a year-end handover. List each service and whether it is a monthly fee or a one-off, and note what transaction volume the price assumes. It is an estimate until accepted.
Typical line items
- Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliation
- Quarterly VAT return preparation
- Year-end trial balance and handover to accountant
- Accounts payable and receivable management
- Bank and credit card reconciliation
- Software setup and subscription
- Catch-up or cleanup work (estimated hours)
- Assumed monthly transaction volume
How the work is charged
Bookkeepers usually quote a fixed monthly fee scaled to transaction volume, with one-off cleanup or setup work itemised separately. The monthly figure assumes a stated volume that can be revisited.
Payment terms and deposits
A quote commonly proposes monthly billing in advance for recurring work, with cleanup work invoiced on completion. The price holds for a stated period and remains an estimate until accepted.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, show it as a separate line with your registration number. VAT and filing rules differ by jurisdiction, so confirm what applies to the client.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bookkeeper charge per month?
Monthly bookkeeping retainers typically cost €150 to €500 for a small business with 100 to 300 transactions per month. Busier businesses with 300 to 500 transactions pay €400 to €800 per month. The rate depends on the volume of transactions, the software used, and whether payroll is included.
What software should a bookkeeping quote specify?
Name the accounting software: Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, DATEV, or another platform. Some bookkeepers include the software subscription in their fee; others pass it through. A typical Xero subscription costs €14 to €45 per month. Clarify who pays for it in the quote.
What's the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?
Bookkeeping covers the recording of day-to-day financial transactions: bank reconciliation, invoices, expense categorisation. Accountancy covers analysis, advice, statutory accounts preparation, and tax strategy. Most small businesses need both. Quote clearly what your service covers and what falls outside it.
Related quote templates
Read the complete quoting guide to see how to price a job and turn an accepted quote into an invoice.
Back to Quote Generator →