How much do accountants cost your business?

You can find the latest average salary for accountants and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) on Indeed Salaries.

Services such as bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, payroll, budgeting, audits, business consulting and IRS support can each carry distinct rates. The hourly rate you pay an accountant may also vary depending on your location and the size of your organization.

Factors that can affect accountant pricing include:

• Complexity and scope of the work required
• Experience levels
• Type of work you require
• Size of the accounting or recruiting firm
• Location

Freelance accountants sometimes charge hourly or based on your business’s net or gross revenue, while others may have a flat rate fee along with some variable costs.

“Hiring an accountant isn’t just about staying compliant. It’s about protecting your time and making better decisions. A skilled accountant can uncover financial blind spots and opportunities you may otherwise miss, helping you focus on running your business instead of reconciling the numbers.”

—Ashlee Malet, MBA in accounting

Benefits of hiring an accountant

There are many advantages to hiring an accountant, particularly for small and growing businesses. The primary benefits include:

• Reduced the likelihood of financial reporting errors
• Better adherence to your budget
• More time for you to prioritize tasks and your employees
• Up-to-date information about your finances and revenue
• Ability to make quick budgetary decisions based on hard data

If you operate a business as a sole proprietor, an Accountant can help you:

• Claim deductions for business-related expenses
• Ensure you’re paying the correct amount of income tax
• Explain the necessary forms you must complete and file each year

Depending on your needs, you might also hire a tax accountant or a certified public accountant (CPA) to assist with complex tax planning, maximize deductions and improve record keeping.

FAQs about how much accountants cost your business

What does an accountant do?

Accountants manage and interpret financial records for businesses or individuals. Depending on your company’s needs, they may:

• Prepare accounts and tax returns
• Audit and analyze your finances
• Perform risk analysis and financial forecasting
• Monitor your budget
• Offer advice on where to cut costs to drive revenue
• Create financial reports based on available data

How do accounting costs impact a business?

Accounting costs are typically treated as overhead expenses, but they can directly influence profitability and risk management. If you are a small business owner, factor accounting fees into your overhead expenses when planning your budget. In many cases, the cost of an accountant is offset by time savings, improved compliance and better financial planning.

How do I find a reputable accountant?

To find a qualified accountant, start by clearly defining your business needs, such as tax support, bookkeeping, financial analysis or long-term planning. If you’re a business owner looking to hire an accountant, consider job boards like Indeed, professional associations and networking groups. Partnering with schools or universities or connecting through professional platforms can also help you reach strong candidates.