The cost of a small business accountant depends on your business structure, how many transactions you have and which services you need. There is no single price that fits everyone. A sole trader sending a few invoices a month has very different needs from a company running payroll and stock.
That is why we don’t publish a flat fee. Instead, this guide shows what drives the cost and how to compare quotes properly, so you know what you are paying for.
What Pricing Models Do Accountants Use?
Most accountants charge in one of four ways. Each suits a different type of business.
Fixed fee
You pay a set amount for a defined service, such as a tax return or BAS. It is good for predictable work. You know the cost upfront.
Hourly rate
You pay for the time spent. It suits one-off jobs or advice, but costs can grow if the scope isn’t clear.
Monthly subscription
You pay a regular monthly amount for ongoing support such as bookkeeping, BAS and reporting. It spreads the cost and suits growing businesses.
Value-based pricing
The fee reflects the outcome, such as a restructure or a tax planning strategy. It is less common for routine compliance work.
What Affects the Cost of a Small Business Accountant?
Your fee is mainly set by how much work your business creates. Here are the biggest factors.
Business structure
A sole trader is usually simpler than a company or a trust. More entities and more reporting mean more work.
Number of transactions
More invoices, bills and bank accounts take longer to process and reconcile.
Software and record quality
Clean records in cloud software like Xero or QuickBooks save time. Messy books or a shoebox of receipts cost more to sort out.
Services you need
Bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, tax returns and advisory are all different jobs. The more you bundle, the more the work involves.
Staff and payroll
Every employee adds pay runs, super and PAYG withholding. Payroll is often where complexity grows fastest.
Reporting frequency
Monthly reports take more effort than an annual tax return. They also give you far better visibility of your numbers.
Accountant vs Bookkeeper: Which Do You Need?
A bookkeeper records and reconciles your day-to-day transactions. An accountant interprets those numbers, prepares tax and advises on your next move.
Many small businesses need both. A bookkeeper keeps the books current, and an accountant uses them to lodge your BAS and tax return and to plan ahead. If you only need data entry, a bookkeeping service may be enough. If you want tax advice, you need an accountant. Choosing the right one avoids paying for the wrong service.
How Do You Compare Accountant Quotes Fairly?
Compare what is included, not just the total. Two quotes can look similar and cover very different work.
Ask these questions:
- Does the fee include BAS, tax returns and payroll, or just one?
- Are phone calls, emails and ATO correspondence included?
- Is there an extra charge for amendments?
- How quickly will you get a response?
- Will you deal with the same person each time?
Also check credentials. Your accountant should be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). You can search the TPB public register to confirm it.
What Is the Cost of Not Hiring an Accountant?
Going without an accountant can cost more than hiring one. Late lodgement can bring ATO penalties. Missed deductions mean you pay more tax than you need to. Mistakes with GST or super can also take time and money to fix.
There is also your own time. Every hour spent wrestling with paperwork is an hour you are not serving customers.
How Can You Get an Accurate Quote from Us?
Get in touch and tell us about your business. We will scope what you need and give you a tailored quote.
Having these ready helps:
- Your ABN and business structure
- The accounting software you use, if any
- The number of employees
- Your most recent BAS or tax return
Collab Accounting is a Xero and QuickBooks Practice Agent. We are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, an ASIC Registered Agent, and ISO 27001 and 9001 certified. We work with small businesses across Australia. Call us on +61 468 230 549 or book a free consultation. We will get back to you with a clear, tailored quote.
FAQs
Is a fixed-fee accountant better for a small business?
Often, yes. A fixed fee gives you a known cost for a defined scope, which makes budgeting easier. Just confirm what is included, and what would fall outside the fee.
Do accountants charge extra for ATO queries?
Some do. Others include routine correspondence in the fee. Ask before you sign so there are no surprises.
Can I switch accountants’ mid-year?
Yes. You can change accountants at any time. Your new accountant will ask for access to your records and may contact your previous accountant for a handover.
