How Much Do Small Business Accountants Cost? What to Expect and What You’re Really Paying For
- Kim Elwell
- 12 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever searched “how much do small business accountants cost?” you’ve probably noticed the answer isn’t always straightforward. Pricing can vary widely depending on your business size, services needed, and how hands-on you want your financial support to be.
Let’s break it down clearly, and show you what you should actually expect when investing in professional accounting support.
What Does a Small Business Accountant Do?
Before discussing costs, it’s important to understand the range of services a small business accountant provides. These professionals handle many tasks that keep your financial records accurate and compliant:
Bookkeeping & Ledger Management
They maintain detailed records of all financial transactions, ensuring every dollar is accounted for.
Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation
Accountants compare your records with bank and credit card statements to spot discrepancies and correct errors.
Financial Statements & Reporting
They prepare profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports that show your business’s financial health.
Tax Preparation & Compliance
Accountants organize your records to make tax filing easier and help you meet all tax obligations on time.
Payroll Processing
Managing employee payments, deductions, and tax filings accurately and on schedule.
Budgeting & Forecasting
They help plan your business’s financial future by creating budgets and forecasting revenue and expenses.
Average Cost of Small Business Accounting Services
Small business accounting costs typically fall into a few common pricing models:
Hourly Accounting Services
Many accountants charge by the hour, often ranging from $50 to $300+ per hour depending on experience and location. While this can work for one-off projects, it can become unpredictable for ongoing support.
Monthly Accounting Packages
More businesses are moving toward flat-rate monthly plans. These usually range from $300 to $1,500+ per month, depending on transaction volume and services included.
Monthly plans provide consistency, better financial oversight, and fewer surprises when tax season arrives.
Full-Service Accounting Support
Comprehensive accounting services that include bookkeeping, payroll, reporting, and tax readiness typically fall on the higher end of monthly pricing — but they also provide the most value and time savings.
This image shows a small business accountant carefully reviewing financial documents, highlighting the detailed work involved in managing business finances.
What Impacts the Cost of Accounting Services?
Several factors affect what you’ll pay:
Number of monthly transactions
Payroll complexity
Number of bank and credit card accounts
Reporting needs
Industry requirements
Tax compliance workload
The more moving parts your business has, the more support you’ll likely need.
What BAS Offers: Simple, All-Inclusive Pricing
At Business Accounting Systems, we offer all-inclusive monthly accounting plans starting at $129 per week. This pricing model allows business owners to get professional financial support without unpredictable hourly fees or surprise invoices.
Our monthly accounting services include:
Bookkeeping & Ledger Management
Detailed tracking of every transaction to maintain clean financial records.
Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation
Regular checks to ensure your books match your bank and credit card statements.
Financial Statements & Reporting
Monthly profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports tailored to your business.
Tax Preparation & Compliance
Keeping your financial data ready for tax season to minimize stress and errors.
Payroll Processing
Managing employee payments and tax filings accurately and on time.
Budgeting & Forecasting
Helping you plan for growth with clear financial projections.
This plan offers a predictable weekly cost that covers all essential accounting needs, making it easier to budget and avoid surprise fees.
Business Accounting Systems vs. Typical Accounting Options
Feature | Business Accounting Systems (BAS) | Hourly Accountant | DIY Accounting Software |
All-Inclusive Pricing | ✅ Flat weekly plans starting at $129 | ❌ Pay-per-hour (costs vary monthly) | ✅ Low monthly fee |
Predictable Monthly Cost | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Bookkeeping Included | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ You do it yourself |
Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation | ✅ Included | ⚠️ Often extra | ❌ Manual |
Financial Reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) | ✅ Included | ⚠️ Usually add-on | ⚠️ Basic only |
Payroll Processing | ✅ Included | ⚠️ Extra fee | ❌ Requires separate tool |
Tax-Ready Books Year-Round | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Depends on engagement | ❌ DIY responsibility |
Dedicated Accounting Team | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Single contact | ❌ None |
Ongoing Support & Guidance | ✅ Proactive | ⚠️ Reactive | ❌ None |
Stress Level for Business Owner | ✅ Low | ⚠️ Medium | ❌ High |
How to Decide If Monthly Accounting Services Are Right for You
If you are a small business owner juggling multiple roles, monthly accounting services can be a smart choice. Consider these factors:
Complexity of Your Finances
If you have multiple income streams, employees, or inventory, professional accounting can save you headaches.
Time Constraints
Outsourcing accounting frees up your time to focus on customers and business growth.
Tax Obligations
If you want to avoid penalties and ensure compliance, regular accounting support is crucial.
Growth Plans
Accurate financial data helps you make smart decisions about hiring, investing, and expanding.
Is Hiring a Small Business Accountant Worth It?
For most small business owners, the answer is yes.
Professional accounting support doesn’t just save time, it creates clarity. When you understand your numbers, you can plan better, avoid surprises, and operate with confidence.
Instead of reacting at tax time, you stay prepared all year long.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the cost of small business accountants helps you make an informed decision about managing your finances. While prices vary, monthly accounting services like those from Business Accounting Systems offer a clear, all-inclusive option starting at $129 weekly. This investment not only keeps your books accurate and compliant but also frees your time and supports better business decisions.
If you want to reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and focus on growing your business, consider partnering with a professional accounting service. Accurate, timely financial management is a foundation for success.