How much does a bookkeeper cost in Chicago?
Published rates from Chicago-area firms and national online services mostly fall between $300 and $700 a month for basic monthly bookkeeping. Weekly reporting, job costing or payroll-heavy books usually run $1,000 a month or more. Our plans start at $350 a month, and your exact price is set in writing before we start.
Do you prepare or file my taxes?
No. We keep your books accurate and organized all year, then give your tax preparer the reports and records they need. Your preparer handles the return and the filing. Clean books make their job faster and leave you with fewer surprises.
I’m months (or years) behind. Can you still help?
Yes. Cleanup and catch-up is a big part of what we do, and we have gone back three years for a client to get everything right. You get one fixed quote first, so you know the cost before any work starts.
Do I have to use QuickBooks?
No. We work in QuickBooks or Excel. If you already have a QuickBooks file, we work in it. If you’re on spreadsheets and ready to move, we can set QuickBooks up for you.
Do I need to come to an office?
No. Everything is handled remotely by phone, video and secure document sharing. We’re based in Chicago and work with businesses across Chicagoland, the rest of Illinois and nationwide.
How do I send you documents, and is it secure?
You share statements and records through a secure document-sharing tool instead of email attachments. We tell you exactly what we need, so you’re not guessing what to send.
Is there a long-term contract?
No. Plans run month to month. If you ever move on, your books and records go with you.
What do you need from me to get started?
On the first call, tell us what accounting system you use, which months or years need attention, and what you want from your books. After that, we’ll ask for statements for the accounts we’re covering and take it from there.
