Bookkeeping Rate of Pay

Bookkeeping Rate of Pay

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Hi everyone.

I am looking to take on my first employee and don't know what a suitable hourly rate would be. I am Peterborough based and am looking for someone who can do basic bookkeeping work in our offices, basic payroll processing and also potentially visit a clients' site once a month to do bookkeeping for them. If anyone has any clue I'd be really grateful for an insight.

Thanks!

Replies (41)

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By Tim Vane
17th Nov 2015 23:55

Will it be a man or a woman? I am given to understand that women are generally about 25% cheaper...

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Replying to spilly:
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By bernard michael
18th Nov 2015 09:42

Good luck with saying that

Tim Vane wrote:

Will it be a man or a woman? I am given to understand that women are generally about 25% cheaper...

 

Ouch - wait for the storm!!

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Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
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By bernard michael
19th Nov 2015 09:50

Correct prediction

bernard michael wrote:

Tim Vane wrote:

Will it be a man or a woman? I am given to understand that women are generally about 25% cheaper...

 

Ouch - wait for the storm!!

 

I warned you !!!!

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Replying to spilly:
By ShirleyM
19th Nov 2015 07:51

Good subject for jokes? Not if you have to 'live the joke'!

Tim Vane wrote:

Will it be a man or a woman? I am given to understand that women are generally about 25% cheaper...

It maybe would be funny if it wasn't so financially crippling for many women who do just as good a job as the men who are paid much more,and remember, those women could well be trying to raise families single handed.

Sarah ... you are the [***] of another 'joke' for having the temerity to stand up for all females. Now get back to the chain which tethers you to the kitchen sink. Maybe cheekychappy thinks slavery should not have been abolished ... where females are concerned, or that it's ok to make fun of 'men keeping the little woman in her place'?

Sarah, let's be thankful we are only female, and are not gay, disabled, have dyslexia or have something else 'wrong with us' because that would be another good excuse for a bit of 'banter'.

Didn't Doc Fox claim that the sex abuse he is accused of was only a 'bit of banter'? Banter seems to be the 'catch all' excuse.

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Replying to Anonymous.:
Glenn Martin
By Glenn Martin
19th Nov 2015 09:20

Not Even a Doctor

ShirleyM]</p> <p>[quote=Tim Vane wrote:

Didn't Doc Fox claim that the sex abuse he is accused of was only a 'bit of banter'? Banter seems to be the 'catch all' excuse.

Apparently he is isn't a real Doctor either, the dirty dog.

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Replying to Luke:
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By Whinger
24th Nov 2015 10:51

What???

Glennzy]</p> <p>[quote=ShirleyM wrote:

Tim Vane wrote:

Didn't Doc Fox claim that the sex abuse he is accused of was only a 'bit of banter'? Banter seems to be the 'catch all' excuse.

Apparently he is isn't a real Doctor either, the dirty dog.

 

Whhaaaaat? Next you'll be telling me Professor Green isn't actually a Prof............ WHAAAAT!?!?

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Replying to kevinread:
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By User deleted
27th Nov 2015 08:51

My childhood is crumbling ...

Whinger]</p> <p>[quote=Glennzy wrote:

ShirleyM wrote:

Tim Vane wrote:

Didn't Doc Fox claim that the sex abuse he is accused of was only a 'bit of banter'? Banter seems to be the 'catch all' excuse.

Apparently he is isn't a real Doctor either, the dirty dog.

 

Whhaaaaat? Next you'll be telling me Professor Green isn't actually a Prof............ WHAAAAT!?!?

... next you will be telling me Colonel Mustard was never even in the army and is actually a bounder a cad and a charlatan!

 

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Replying to Anonymous.:
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By Mr_awol
24th Nov 2015 14:15

Irony

ShirleyM wrote:

It maybe would be funny if it wasn't so financially crippling for many women who do just as good a job as the men who are paid much more,and remember, those women could well be trying to raise families single handed.

A sweeping generalisation that female bookkeepers might be single mums, in a post complaining about sexist views........

Although arguably a single parent (male or female) might have have less experience due to time out to have a family, and/or be less able to offer the same level of work commitment (long says at short notice etc) than someone who had never done so.

As for wages - £10/hour to £12/hour top get someone reasonable if they're going off site.and working largely unsupervised.  £8/hour t £10/hour fosomeoneyou can keep an eye on in the office.

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Replying to Clear123:
By ShirleyM
24th Nov 2015 21:05

I didn't mention single!

Mr_awol wrote:

ShirleyM wrote:

It maybe would be funny if it wasn't so financially crippling for many women who do just as good a job as the men who are paid much more,and remember, those women could well be trying to raise families single handed. 

A sweeping generalisation that female bookkeepers might be single mums, in a post complaining about sexist views........

I was thinking along the lines of divorced, widowed, or plain old abandoned! The same could apply to a male parent raising a family alone. In any case, it takes two to make a baby. Single or married makes no difference to the outcome.

Anyway, it's pretty clear that I am getting a hostile reaction from most of the people here, so I'll stop wasting my time and say adieu, goodnight, and sleep tight.

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Time for change
By Time for change
18th Nov 2015 10:24

This might be useful

http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Bookkeeper/Hourly_Rate

certainly more useful than what you've had so far.

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Matthew Coates
By justme
18th Nov 2015 10:41

Thank you for your comments. Obviously it could be a man or a woman. It will be whoever is best suited to the role.

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By sophier
18th Nov 2015 11:41

Shame on you Tim Vane. I won't forget your name.

 

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Giraffe
By Luke
18th Nov 2015 11:48

Not a million miles away

from you and I would say around £10ph is the going rate for someone competent but not that experienced up to £15ph for those who really know their stuff.

The £10ph tallies with the median shown for Norwich which is probably the most comparable to Peterborough.

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Sarah Douglas - HouseTree Business Ltd
By sarah douglas
18th Nov 2015 20:41

100 per cent cheaper for Tim Vanes company

If it was Tim Vane company.  no women would want to touch his company with a barge pole.   Sisters united.   lol

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Sarah Douglas - HouseTree Business Ltd
By sarah douglas
18th Nov 2015 22:40

a very big stadium

Full of exceptionally talented sisters singing it is raining men and we all know what everyone thinks about rain no mater what time of rain. Dull -Dull and even more Dull .  LOL

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By cheekychappy
19th Nov 2015 09:09

Shirley, it was a joke. Maybe

Shirley, it was a joke. One the Sarah seemed to engage in.

Maybe men would have more respect for women like you if you saw a joke for what it was without getting uppity and  feminazi.

It’s astonishing that some women get like this over a joke, but have no qualms about making jokes about men such as multitasking or the toilet seat, or that common quote; “typical man”.

Get over yourself love.

 

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Replying to Debittomycredit:
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By RuthFraser
19th Nov 2015 17:28

Back to the topic

[quote=cheekychappy]

'Maybe men would have more respect for women like you if you saw a joke for what it was without getting uppity and  feminazi.'

I took the comment as it was intended and I have to agree (without wanting to raise anymore hackles) that it does women absolutely no favours when we are constantly on the attack every time a man makes a remark that can be construed a sexist in any way.  I think that on the whole men have, up until recently, been fairly oblivious to the pay gap.  This, in my opinion, is mainly because these sort of things are not generally on their radar (No jokes re multitasking!)  It is a great thing that the pay gap is 'on the agenda', however, we could go on forever on this topic so, back to the original question....

I would be looking to pay a bookkeeper at the very least £12 per hour, and if you are wanting to put Payroll into the equation it may be a bit more.  I also think that this rate will be largely dependent on your geographical location and the quality or your recruitment pool.  I am based in rural Perthshire, where rates of pay in general seem to be considerably lower than in the likes of a city like Glasgow, so you will need to take that into account.  From my experience, I would put the personal qualities and abilities of the individual ahead of a prescriptive rate of pay.  In advertising a given rate you may restrict applicants whom for a small amount more could offer considerably more experience and technical ability, so keep your advert fairly broad when detailing remuneration.         

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By ShirleyM
19th Nov 2015 09:11

As expected!

Patronising *!*!.

Thanks (6)
Replying to jonharris999:
By cheekychappy
19th Nov 2015 09:14

Swearing at me

ShirleyM wrote:

Patronising *!*!.

 

Quick, someone shackle her and take her back to the kitchen.

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Replying to atleastisoundknowledgable...:
By ShirleyM
19th Nov 2015 09:31

It was a joke ;)

cheekychappy wrote:

ShirleyM wrote:

Patronising *!*!.

 

Quick, someone shackle her and take her back to the kitchen.

Not very funny though, eh?

I see I am only welcome here if I tolerate sexist 'jokes'. As usual, if anyone has the nerve to stand up and express their opinion they get blamed for not having a 'sense of humour'. That's why discrimination thrives, because anyone standing up and saying it's wrong becomes the target of more 'jokes'.

You would need to have walked in the shoes of someone other than yourself to understand why some females find the subject distressing and hurtful.

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By ShirleyM
19th Nov 2015 09:54

Thank you, Bernard

You had the foresight and the understanding to see that some people would find those (and following) comments offensive.

I'm going to get some 'real' work done now (not cooking or cleaning), so the 'jokers' and 'baiters' can have a free for all ... but I'll catch up later. ;)

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Replying to Paul Crowley:
By cheekychappy
19th Nov 2015 10:09

Offensive

ShirleyM wrote:

I'm going to get some 'real' work done now (not cooking or cleaning), so the 'jokers' and 'baiters' can have a free for all ... but I'll catch up later. ;)

 

On behalf of all professional cooks and cleaners, I find that offensive.

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By The VAT Doctor
19th Nov 2015 10:00

Credentials

I am not a real Doctor either! A few comments...

1. @Luke Peterborough is but a boil on the backside of the historic Medieval city of Norwich.  Apples and oranges mate!!

2. I really hope that sexist comment was a joke. I think it was, but it was a bad idea. Sexism in the accounting sector is a real problem.

 

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Time for change
By Time for change
19th Nov 2015 10:32

Firstly, an admission, I'm a chap

I like a joke although, I am conscious of my audience when telling one.

Answer this, all those who think it's OK when the comments become sexist, or gender based.

Would you honestly think it fair, or reasonable, if the comments were related to; disability, or ethnic origin. Thought so, of course not.

Our profession should include a modicum of grown ups. I'm quite surprised how few there really are.

Take these comments how you will, I really couldn't care less any more and am becoming sick and tired of male dominated, bullish behaviour which, in my view, is unacceptable.

Says it all really. In a thread of 20 comments, at the moment, only 2 attempted to answer the enquiry.

Small d**ks spring to mind!

 

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Richard Hattersley
By Richard Hattersley
19th Nov 2015 10:31

Unacceptable comments

This thread has gone off the rails.

Let’s remind ourselves of our community rules: 

Deliberately discriminatory comments about sex, age, race, religion or politics, or any other derogatory or personal attacks will not be tolerated, and any attempts by members to deliberately provoke another member on these grounds will result in a temporary ban and the original thread being removed to allow AccountingWEB.co.uk time to investigate the nature and context of the comment(s).

The sexist banter excuse is NOT acceptable. 

Let’s steer the conversation back to the salary expectation topic.

 

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Replying to Richard Hattersley:
By The VAT Doctor
19th Nov 2015 10:37

Agreed

Richard Hattersley wrote:

This thread has gone off the rails.

Let’s remind ourselves of our community rules: 

Deliberately discriminatory comments about sex, age, race, religion or politics, or any other derogatory or personal attacks will not be tolerated, and any attempts by members to deliberately provoke another member on these grounds will result in a temporary ban and the original thread being removed to allow AccountingWEB.co.uk time to investigate the nature and context of the comment(s).

The sexist banter excuse is NOT acceptable. 

 

 

 

Well said Richard.
Peterborough is not that bad (but not as good as Norwich)!!

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By Tim Vane
19th Nov 2015 10:53

Since it was my post above that derailed the thread I would just like to say that my comment was triggered by a recent series of articles about the "Equal Pay Day" last week - the day from which a woman effectively works for free until the end of the year because of the disparity in wages.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34764812

I was hoping to highlight the absurdity, not condone the disparity.

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Sarah Douglas - HouseTree Business Ltd
By sarah douglas
19th Nov 2015 12:02

Okay Tim that is fair enough

Tim your right about women's pay. I was maybe a bit harsh in my joke about not working for your company.  However your second comment explains what you meant much better. 

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By ShirleyM
19th Nov 2015 12:33

Don't feel too bad, Sarah

Some men also took that comment to be derogatory, but the explanation of Tim's motives does remove any ill feeling.

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By Ian McTernan CTA
24th Nov 2015 11:05

Rates based on experience

Base your rate on their experience and what they bring to the table.

In my experience cheapest is usually very far from best.  Offer a decent rate and you will get (hopefully) the right person for the position.

Don't make the (common) mistake of trying for the cheapest option in order to maximise your own profits, it usually doesn't work.

And get references and don't be afraid to call the references for a real feel for the person rather than the usual bland written reference.

As it's your first employee, don't take on a trainee or someone with limited experience.

Without being ageist or sexist, I'd recommend going for someone older for their greater world experience, as well as the fact that someone into their forties is less likely to be wanting to run the company in the next 2 years (I've met my fair share of uni grads fresh in the door who think they will be senior partner inside 5 years before they even sit their first exam).  You might also find their views worth listening to.

Just make sure they are compatible with the sorts of accounting packages and methods your clients are likely to be using.  For instance, my clients and I prefer QB and QB online so it would be pointless taking on someone who has 20 years experience of using Sage.

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7om
By Tom 7000
24th Nov 2015 12:05

to the point

cost £15

charge out rate £36

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Sarah Douglas - HouseTree Business Ltd
By sarah douglas
24th Nov 2015 19:45

Awol were are you based

As a branch leader for Bookkeepers in Glasgow and the central belt region the average charge out rate is £20 and above many are getting £25. More advance ones are charging out at £30 to £35 depending on the volume of work from the client

 All the goods ones are on that price level in Glasgow and Central Belt anyway. 

 

 

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Replying to johngroganjga:
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By Mr_awol
25th Nov 2015 10:01

charge rates vs salary

sarah douglas wrote:

As a branch leader for Bookkeepers in Glasgow and the central belt region the average charge out rate is £20 and above many are getting £25. More advance ones are charging out at £30 to £35 depending on the volume of work from the client

 All the goods ones are on that price level in Glasgow and Central Belt anyway. 

 

Im dahn sarhf - in the 'affluent' south east in fact, but not in London.

Your charge rates are presumably for S/E bookkeepers - the OP is talking about a salary for an in house bookkeeper.  If he is going to charge someone out at (say) £35ph then they are probably going to want to pay them in line with my suggestions.

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Replying to paul.benny:
Red Leader
By Red Leader
25th Nov 2015 10:50

London

Self employed b/ks in London get £20-£25/hour in my experience. I certainly advise clients that it's worth paying that for a good one.

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By Energise Accounting
25th Nov 2015 12:08

Coventry

The cost of a good qualified bookkeeper will be between £12.50 -£20.00 per hour. Regardless of their gender 

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Sarah Douglas - HouseTree Business Ltd
By sarah douglas
25th Nov 2015 17:38

Glasgow Rates

No The rates I was referring to where for Glasgow and Edinburgh not the Southeast for the reason that I do not live there and do not know the current rate.  Most Good bookkeepers Salary wise as in employment with experience would be £15 and above at least. 

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By Mr_awol
25th Nov 2015 23:02

S/E
Self Employed. It's fairly obvious you weren't on about south east prices, as you clearly stated that you were up where it's colder.

The point being that the OP wanted opinions on a salary, not charge rate (unless I've misread it and been merrily barking up the wrong tree ever since)

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By John Webb
26th Nov 2015 09:04

slight change.......

I recently had to take over the bookkeeping for one of my clients as they sacked their bookkeeper as she was very rude when asking for info.

She charged £20 per hour

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By John Webb
26th Nov 2015 09:05

sorry rest of post....... stupid rich text format!
And her monthly fee varied between £200 and £280. I advised my client I would do the current quarter for VAT return and then would try and find a new bookkeeper – (which btw is very hard to find one these days who is good). I did all the bookkeeping (sage) and got the vat return done. It took me 7 hours for the three months. I am £100 per hour so charged the client £700 – they were chuffed as that is roughly what they paid the bookkeeper per quarter and had me do it. I was chuffed too as that £1,000 annual fee is now £3k-£4k

My point is – HOW did it take the bookkeeper 10-14 hours per month when I managed three months in 7 hours………. So to me the hourly rate is irrelevant – it is the overall price…….

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Replying to lionofludesch:
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By landscaper
26th Nov 2015 11:16

It may have taken them longer because they didn't have/were having problems in getting the information.  May be that was because of they way that they asked for it and, so. it may have been delayed in getting to them?  Just a thought

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Matthew Coates
By justme
26th Nov 2015 21:32

Thanks

Thank you everyone for your sensible responses..... ;) For clarification, yes it is an in house bookkeeper I am looking for, not a self employed one. A self employed one is more likely to muscle in on my clients. I'm looking for someone who can sit in my office and work on my clients accounts, supervised and maybe on a rare occasion (perhaps if I am ill) go out to a client in my place to do on-site bookkeeping. They would still be employed by me. Looks as though the general census of opinion is £10-£15 per hour though and I'm happy with that. We are only looking part time at the moment, so may have to pay a little more for that, but we'll advertise and see what we get.

Really appreciate everyone who responded and commented on the subject raised. It's been helpful.

Thank you.

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