How much would you charge an HOA for Bookkeeping?

How to Price Your Bookkeeping Services for HOAs

Determining the appropriate fee for Bookkeeping services for a Homeowners Association (HOA) can be challenging. Consider this scenario:

For an HOA comprising 586 units, with 20-30 monthly payables, and managing three bank accounts, you’d be responsible for:

  • Issuing a monthly financial package
  • Preparing documents for court proceedings against delinquent owners
  • Completing status letters for property sales
  • Administering payment plans
  • Preparing the annual budget

With a Master’s degree in Accounting and over 10 years of experience, how would you price your monthly services for these responsibilities?

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  1. Charging for Bookkeeping services for a Homeowners Association (HOA) involves several factors: the size and complexity of the task, regional market rates, your expertise, and any additional services required. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you determine an appropriate charge.

    Factors to Consider

    1. Number of Units: With 586 units, this HOA is relatively large. More units generally mean more transactions and increased complexity in managing dues and payments.

    2. Number of Payables: Handling 20-30 payables a month requires consistent tracking and management.

    3. Bank Accounts: Managing three different bank accounts entails reconciling each account monthly, which adds to the workload.

    4. Monthly Financial Package: Preparing and consolidating a comprehensive financial package monthly.

    5. Legal Document Preparation: Assisting with documents for delinquent owners involves additional expertise to ensure compliance with legal standards.

    6. Status Letters for Sales: Filling out status letters is time-sensitive as it directly affects real estate transactions.

    7. Administering Payment Plans: This requires ongoing management and communication with homeowners.

    8. Yearly Budget Preparation: Involves strategic planning and deep understanding of the HOA’s financial needs and goals.

    9. Experience and Qualifications: Your master’s degree in Accounting and 10+ years of experience add significant value, allowing you to command a higher rate.

    Pricing Structure

    Considering the factors above, there are two primary pricing models you can explore:

    1. Hourly Rate:

    • Standard Rate: With your experience, hourly rates can range from $75 to $150 per hour, depending on the local market.
    • Estimated Hours per Month:
      • Financial packages, reconciliations, and payables may take 20-30 hours.
      • Document preparation, payment plan administration, and extra communication can add another 10-15 hours.
    • Monthly Estimate: 30-45 hours * $75-$150 = $2,250 – $6,750.

    2. Flat Monthly Fee:

    • Base Rate: A flat rate could range from $2,500 to $5,500 per month based on the services and complexity outlined.
    • Pros: Predictability for the HOA; efficient if workload fluctuates.
    • Cons: If the workload significantly increases, your profitability might decrease unless regularly adjusted.

    Additional Considerations

    • **Contracts or

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