How much does an accountant cost?

In short: an accountant for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Quebec costs on average around $2,000 per year, ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on your industry, business volume, and the services you choose. This is a guideline, not a fixed price: the final cost will be determined in consultation with your accountant. Bankeo will present you with an accountant who fits your budget, free of charge.

This is the first question most entrepreneurs ask, and the honest answer is: "it depends." But it depends on specific, quantifiable factors. Here are the actual orders of magnitude, where they come from, and what makes the bill go up or down.

The overall range: approximately $2,000 per year

Based on requests received by Bankeo since 2023, the median annual fee for an accountant for a Quebec SME is around $2,000 , ranging from approximately $500 to $6,000 . These amounts apply to all profiles, from sole traders to incorporated companies , and are exclusive of taxes .

The sector-by-sector breakdown is publicly available in the Bankeo Fee Barometer . The key takeaway is that these are indicative ranges. Your actual fee will be determined directly by the accountant, based on your specific situation.

Why such a difference between $500 and $6000?

Two companies can pay double for an "accountant". Five factors explain almost the entire difference.

• The volume of transactions. The more invoices, payrolls and bank transactions you have, the more time bookkeeping takes.
• Tax complexity. An incorporated business, with a management company, dividends or activities in several provinces, requires more work than a self-employed worker under a simple regime.
• The level of service. Simple accounting doesn't cost as much as comprehensive support with taxes, advice, and planning throughout the year.
• Your sector. Catering, construction, technology, health, real estate: each profession has its deductions, its obligations and its pitfalls.
• The state of your records. Up-to-date accounting is less expensive than catching up on several months or years of work.

What you pay, depending on the service

The word "accountant" covers several realities, and each has its price.

• Bookkeeping is the most common and, generally, the most affordable engagement: we record your transactions, track GST and VAT, and keep your accounts in order.
• The production of declarations (corporate tax, personal tax, tax returns) is added depending on the complexity of your case.
• Support and advice (tax planning, incorporation, optimization, business decisions) represent the most strategic and variable part.
• The certification of financial statements (audit or review engagement) is a specialized service, required in certain cases, which must be performed by a CPA.

You don't always need everything. Many entrepreneurs primarily pay for bookkeeping and tax returns and add consulting services as needed.

Paying the right price, without sacrificing quality

The cheapest option isn't always the best, and neither is the most expensive. The right price is the one that matches your actual needs.

• An accountant who understands your industry can cost less and save you more on taxes, because they know your deductions.
• A price announced in advance , with what is included and what is not, avoids unpleasant surprises.
• You don't necessarily need the biggest firm: an independent accountant specializing in your niche is often more relevant and more affordable.

Before entrusting your figures to someone, also verify the professional's credentials: insurance, registration with a professional body if they present themselves as a CPA, a legitimate business, and customer reviews. This is precisely what the Bankeo Index looks at.

And what about Bankeo in all this? It's free.

An important point, as it comes up often: Bankeo is completely free for you, the entrepreneur. You pay the accountant directly, at the price agreed upon with them. Bankeo earns its revenue from the accountants in its network, never through your invoice.

In practice, you describe your business, we present you with a free accountant who matches your sector and budget, and you agree on the price directly with them. And if the relationship is no longer suitable, even later on, we find you another one, at no cost.

Do you want a fair price, tailored to your situation? Find your ideal accountant, for free.

In summary

• An accountant for a Quebec SME costs on median approximately $2,000 per year , ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on the sector, volume, and services. Details can be found in the Bankeo Barometer .
• The difference is mainly explained by the volume, tax complexity, level of service, sector and the status of your files.
• The right price corresponds to your actual need, not to the most expensive or the cheapest option.
• Bankeo presents you with the right accountant for free : you pay him, never Bankeo.