DEEP DIVE GUIDE
The true cost of
hiring accounting
and bookkeeping support.
Compare the time, effort, monetary cost and legal risk of hiring internally, hiring an online freelancer, or using Serin’s managed support.
Make an informed decision with real numbers, real risks and real outcomes.
People
Process
Protection
Progress
Process
Protection
Progress
Save time
Focus on growth, not HR.
Lower total cost
Up to 70% savings versus a direct hire.
Reduce risk
Stay compliant and legally protected.
Get the right people
Vetted, trained and supported by Serin.
1
Cost comparison
Indicative monthly cost comparison
All figures are estimates for an Accounting & Bookkeeping professional based in Australia. Actual costs vary by experience and business needs.
| Cost component | Hire directly (AU) | Hire a freelancer (online) | Serin Managed Supportfrom A$1,900/monthfrom €11.68/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base salary / hourly rate | A$6,000€3,600 (avg salary) | A$3,200€1,920 (avg rate) | A$1,900 – 2,800€1,140 – 1,680 |
| Employer costs & statutory on-costs ~20-30% | A$1,500 – 2,000€900 – 1,200 | Not included you handle risk | Included |
| Recruitment costs | A$1,000€600 | Time cost unpaid | Included |
| Equipment & software | A$300€180 | A$200€120 | Included |
| Onboarding & training | A$800€480 | Your time | Included |
| Management & oversight | Ongoing | Significant time | Included |
| Total estimated monthly cost | A$9,600 – 11,000€5,800 – 6,600 | A$3,400 – 4,200€2,100 – 2,500 | A$1,900 – 2,800€1,050 – 1,550 |
Save up to 70%
Get the same capability for a fraction of the cost, without the overhead, risk or admin.
2
Time & effort
The hidden time cost
Hiring is not just a financial cost. It takes significant time away from your core business.
Hire internally
40 – 80 hours
to hire and onboard
- Write job description
- Screen and interview candidates
- Run background and reference checks
- Set up payroll and systems
- Train, onboard and supervise
Hire a freelancer
20 – 40 hours
to find and set up
- Search multiple platforms
- Review profiles and test work
- Negotiate contracts and rates
- Set up payments and NDAs
- Ongoing supervision and QA
Use Serin
Under 2 hours
to get started
- Tell us what you need
- We shortlist and assign the right person
- We handle contracts, payroll and compliance
- You get a structured onboarding plan
- We manage the ongoing support
Your time is valuable. Let us take hiring and management off your plate.
Most founders and finance leaders tell us they wish they had done this sooner.
3
Legal risk
A real case: Filipino worker wins Australian employment rights
Directly hiring offshore workers can create unexpected and significant legal liabilities.
Pascua v Doessel Group Pty Ltd (Fair Work Commission, Australia)
A Filipino worker, engaged as an “independent contractor” by an Australian company, was found to be an employee. The Fair Work Commission ruled that the substance of the working relationship, not the contract title, determines employment status.
The company was ordered to pay A$10,800 in compensation after unfair dismissal.
“
The relationship was found to be employment, despite the contractor agreement, overseas location and invoicing arrangement.
Fair Work Commission
Why this matters
If you hire directly, you may still be liable for Australian employment rights, including unfair dismissal, leave entitlements, superannuation and more, even if the person works overseas.
How Serin protects you
Serin employs team members through our own legal entity in the Philippines. You engage Serin as a business-to-business service, not as the direct employer, removing employment liability from your company.
4
Detailed breakdowns
Explore the full analysis
Go deeper into the numbers, risks and real-world scenarios. We have done the research so you do not have to.
Full cost breakdown
- Salary, on-costs and benefits
- Recruitment and training costs
- Equipment and software
- Ongoing management time
- 3-year total cost comparison
Time and effort analysis
- Step-by-step hiring process
- Estimated hours at each stage
- Ongoing management time
- Impact on your core business
- Time saved with Serin
Legal risk and compliance
- Employment law explained
- Real case study: Pascua v Doessel
- Risks of direct hiring offshore
- How Serin's structure protects you
- Compliance checklist
5
Bottom line
Get a clearer picture of what it could cost (and save)
Use our interactive calculator to estimate your costs based on your specific needs.
How much could managed support cost me?
Get a personalised estimate in two minutes. Compare direct hire, freelancer and Serin managed support side by side.
What you will set
- RoleAccounting & Bookkeeping
- Hours per week20 h
- Experience levelMid-level
Example monthly cost
- Direct hireA$9,600
- FreelancerA$3,800
- SerinA$2,200
Save up to 70%
Still have questions?
Talk to our team and get clear, honest advice on the best solution for your business. No obligation.