How Long Does Bookkeeping Take? | Bookkeeping Time Breakdown

How Long Does Bookkeeping Really Take? A Realistic Breakdown for Businesses

Bookkeeping can seem straightforward on the surface—but ask any growing business owner and they’ll tell you that time is often the biggest surprise. Whether you're doing it in-house, hiring a contractor, or thinking of outsourcing, understanding the time investment required for bookkeeping is essential to making smarter business decisions.

In this article, we’ll break down how long bookkeeping really takes—based on your business size, volume, tools, and whether you’re doing it yourself or with professional help.

What Affects How Long Bookkeeping Takes?

No two businesses are identical, which is why the time needed for bookkeeping varies. Here are the main factors that impact it:

• Business Size and Transactions
  A sole trader processing five invoices a week will have far simpler records than a growing company managing dozens of invoices, staff payroll, and multiple bank accounts.

• Software and Systems Used
  Businesses using cloud-based tools like Xero or QuickBooks can cut bookkeeping time in half compared to those using spreadsheets or manual records.

• Frequency of Updates
  Are you reconciling weekly, monthly, or only at BAS time? The longer the gap, the more time it will take to clean and categorise transactions.

• Experience and Training
  A qualified bookkeeper can complete tasks in a fraction of the time it would take a business owner who’s learning as they go.

• Industry Complexity
  Construction, hospitality, or e-commerce businesses often involve additional layers like project tracking, stock management, or platform integrations—each adding time.

Typical Time Estimates by Business Type

While exact hours vary, the following breakdown provides a general idea based on Australian small to medium-sized businesses.

Business Type Bookkeeping Hours/Week Sole trader (basic invoicing)1–6 hours Small business (limited staff)3–15 hours Medium business (growing team)5–20 hours Large or multi-location10–20+ hours

These estimates include data entry, bank reconciliations, payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and BAS preparation—but assume that work is done by someone trained.

What About Monthly or Quarterly Tasks?

Some businesses only look at time spent weekly, but quarterly BAS and EOFY preparation also need to be factored in. These tasks can add:

• BAS prep (Quarterly): 2–4 hours, depending on data readiness

• End-of-year bookkeeping tidy-up: 5–10 hours (especially if not maintained regularly)

• ATO or compliance updates: Time varies based on changes

Doing a little often—rather than a lot infrequently—is the key to reducing time spent overall.

How to Save Time Without Sacrificing Accuracy?

Yes—here’s how many businesses reduce hours spent while keeping compliance intact:

• Automate with accounting software

• Set up bank feeds and rules

• Keep documentation organised (digitally, where possible)

• Hire a registered bookkeeper for regular reconciliations

• Use a standard chart of accounts that matches your industry

These not only reduce the time but also improve reporting quality and BAS accuracy.

When DIY Becomes Costly

Spending too many hours on bookkeeping can take your attention away from clients, operations, or growth. Many business owners find that hiring a professional—whether part-time or outsourced—frees them up to focus where their time has the most impact.

If you’re spending 6–10 hours a week just to stay compliant, it might be time to re-evaluate your approach.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long bookkeeping takes. But with the right tools, structure, and support, it doesn’t have to eat into your week. Whether you're a sole trader or scaling quickly, accurate books should work for you—not against your schedule.

For tailored support that fits your time and business needs, consider speaking to a qualified bookkeeper who understands both compliance and efficiency. Justwise Accounting offers bookkeeping services designed to suit your scale and budget—so you can get back to running your business.