Working out charge rates?

[Ngala]

Hi All,

I finish up work in 2 weeks time and have about 4-5 wks until my bubs EDD and during this time I am planning to start a bookkeeping and MYOB course. The plan is to be my DF's bookkeeper and once I get the hang of things and a routine at home with a new baby, I am going to attempt to find some more clients. But I am just thinking about how much I can charge for my services - is there some where I can go and have a look at what the going rates are? As I would not have a clue! I could set a rate but then I wouldnt know if I am charging too much or too little..

Thanks Everyone

[naomi54]

i dont know if this would help or anything, but what about looking/enquiring with other bookkeepers? meaning pretending to be a customer looking for a bookkeeper and ask around, prehaps search for bookkeepers etc in yellowpages etc, that way you'll get an honest answer too, even when you do your course ask them what to charge or where to look??

Dont know if it'll help but its an idea, goodluck!
BTW: wow at being 33 1/2wks already, time is flying past, it feels like only last month you were announcing you are pg!!

[Diamond Girl]

Hi,

Im a Chartered Accountant, and so I have done many years of study in Accounting and bookkeeping. Here I have some advice for you.

I would suggest that you get some practical experience as well as doing the course before you engage in obtaining clients. You said that you will do your DH's books, so I assume his tax agent will review your work in order to complete the tax return. You should spend some time with the tax agent to ensure everything has been done correctly and ask for help with areas you are struggling with (CA's charge by the hour so be careful). Again, I mention this is important because treatment of GST can be complex, especially in terms of importations and financial services.

Bookkeepers are usually also responsible for submitting the BAS, and any clients you obtain will expect that you are proficient with this. Bookkeeping is a good idea, just make sure you have plenty of training and experience and you cant go wrong.

I hope this helps.

[~Debbie~]

i was also going to suggest ringing around, and seeing what other peoples charge. I think it will also depend on how much detail you actually do for them.