How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost in Calgary?

One of the first questions Calgary business owners ask when considering professional bookkeeping is: "How much will it cost?" The answer depends on several factors, but here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect in the Calgary market.

Hourly vs Flat-Fee Pricing

Some bookkeepers charge by the hour, typically $35–$75 per hour in Calgary. The problem with hourly billing is unpredictability — you don't know your monthly cost until you get the invoice, and there's an inherent incentive for the bookkeeper to take longer. Flat-fee pricing, where you pay a fixed monthly amount, provides budget certainty and aligns incentives.

Typical Monthly Costs

For a Calgary small business with straightforward needs (under 100 transactions per month), expect to pay:

• Freelance bookkeeper — $200–$400/month
• Bookkeeping firm (flat fee) — $300–$600/month
• Full-service firm (bookkeeping + payroll + GST) — $500–$1,000/month

Businesses with higher transaction volumes, multiple entities, or complex needs (inventory, multi-currency, etc.) will pay more.

What Affects the Price?

• Transaction volume — more transactions means more work. A restaurant with 500+ transactions per month costs more than a consultant with 30.
• Number of bank and credit-card accounts — each account requires separate reconciliation.
• Payroll — processing payroll, T4s, and CRA remittances is typically an add-on.
• GST filing — some firms include GST filing; others charge extra.
• Catch-up work — if you're behind, there's usually a one-time catch-up fee before monthly service begins.

The Cost of NOT Having a Bookkeeper

Consider what it costs to do your own books: your time (5–15 hours per month), the stress, the risk of errors, missed deductions, and CRA penalties. For most Calgary business owners, a $300–$500 monthly bookkeeping fee is one of the highest-ROI investments they make.

Castle Bookkeeping Pricing

Castle offers transparent flat-fee plans starting at $300/month for standard small businesses. Our plans include monthly bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, financial statements, and GST filing. Payroll and tax preparation are available as add-ons. No hidden fees, no surprises. Contact us for a custom quote.