Comparing accountants in Quebec is an essential step that many entrepreneurs neglect. According to field data from Bankeo, which has matched more than 12,000 entrepreneurs with accountants since 2023, nearly 60% of SME owners choose their accountant without comparing several offers. The result: fees that are too high, an ill-adapted service or a lack of tax proactivity that is expensive in the long run.
This guide gives you all the tools to objectively compare accountants, decode their offers and identify the professional who really fits your company.
Choosing an accountant without comparing is like signing a commercial lease without visiting other premises. The Quebec market has more than 40,000 active CPAs and thousands of accounting technicians. The differences in price, service and expertise between them are considerable.
When you compare methodically, you can:
Here is the evaluation grid that we recommend to objectively compare accountants in Quebec. Score each accountant out of 10 for each criterion.
| # | Criterion | What to check | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certification and Licensing | Active CPA on the Roll of the Order, public accountancy permit if required | Essential |
| 2 | Industry Experience | Number of customers in your industry, knowledge of specific deductions | High |
| 3 | Transparency of tariffs | Detailed quote, flat rate vs. hourly rate, explicit additional fees | High |
| 4 | Responsiveness and availability | Average response time, availability during tax season, dedicated contact person | High |
| 5 | Included services | Bookkeeping, tax returns, proactive advice, response to notices of assessment | Medium |
| 6 | Technological tools | Customer portal, software used, bank synchronization, e-invoicing | Medium |
| 7 | Reputation and customer reviews | Google reviews, direct referrals, verifiable testimonials | Medium |
| 8 | Proximity and modalities | In-person or remote meetings, geographic coverage, language of service | Variable |
This is the non-negotiable criterion. In Quebec, only a CPA (chartered professional accountant) can perform certain engagements such as auditing, reviewing or compiling financial statements. Check the status of any accountant on the Roll of the Ordre des CPA du Québec.
Please note: an accounting technician or bookkeeper can manage your day-to-day bookkeeping very well, but he or she will not be able to sign your financial statements or represent you before Revenu Québec in the event of an audit.
An accountant who already works with companies in your industry knows the specific tax pitfalls. For example, an accountant specializing in real estate is familiar with the GST/QST rules on new buildings, while an e-commerce accountant understands the obligations related to the interprovincial sales tax.
Always ask for a detailed written quote. A good accountant will clearly explain to you what is included in their package and what generates additional costs. Consult our guide to accounting prices in Quebec to find out the market rates.
Responsiveness is often the factor that distinguishes a good accountant from an excellent accountant. Ask the question directly: "What is your usual response time?" and "Who will be my main point of contact?" A response time of more than 48 hours in normal times is a red flag.
To make a good comparison, you need to know the current price ranges. Here are the average rates observed in Quebec in 2026 for the accounting services most requested by SMEs.
| Service | Low range | High range | Factors of variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly bookkeeping | $150/month | $500/month | Transaction volume, complexity |
| T2/CO-17 return | $800 | $2,500 | Number of companies, activities |
| CPA hourly rate | $100/hr | $200/hr | Experience, Region, Specialty |
| Payroll | $25/employee/month | $60/employee/month | Number of employees, frequency |
| Tax Planning | $500 | $3,000 | Structure Complexity |
| Full SME Annual Plan | $3,000/year | $12,000/year | Turnover, number of employees, services |
These ranges are indicative. To get a price that's right for you, ask for detailed quotes or use a free matching service to receive personalized offers.
A high hourly rate is not necessarily more expensive in the end. An experienced CPA at $175/hour who completes your return in 5 hours costs less than an accountant at $100/hour who takes 12. Always compare the total cost, not just the hourly rate.
The first appointment with a potential accountant is your best opportunity to assess fit. Prepare these questions and write down the answers to compare later. Also check out our guide to preparing for your accounting appointments.
An accountant who is confident in the quality of his service will not hesitate to provide you with references. If the answer is evasive, it is a warning signal.
Beyond the positive criteria, certain behaviors should alert you when comparing accountants. If you spot one or more of these signs, it may be time to consider another option.
Not all entrepreneurs have the same accounting needs. Here's how to orient your comparison according to your situation.
If you mainly need regular bookkeeping, an accounting technician can do the job at a more advantageous rate. Compare offers by focusing on the volume of transactions they can handle, the software used, and the frequency of reports provided.
For your tax returns and tax planning, choose a CPA with proven expertise in corporate taxation. Compare offers based on potential tax savings, not just the price of the service.
SMEs with a turnover of $300,000 or more generally need comprehensive support: bookkeeping, taxation, payroll management, strategic advice and sometimes an audit. In this case, compare full annual plans rather than per-service rates.
Some situations require specialized expertise: incorporation, purchase or sale of a business, restructuring. Look for a specialist in the field and compare on the basis of experience in similar cases.
Comparing accountants yourself takes time and energy. An increasingly popular alternative in Quebec is to use an accounting broker, a service that sorts it out for you.
Accounting matchmaking is a concept born in Quebec. The principle is simple: you describe your company and your needs, and a specialized service puts you in touch with pre-selected accountants who match your profile.
Bankeo, for example, provides access to a network of more than 1,500 accounting firms across Quebec. The team analyzes your business reality, your budget and your specific needs to present you with the ideal accountant. You receive all the information from the accountant found, including the contract and the complete catalog of services, to make an informed decision.
Bankeo compares accountants for you among 1,500+ firms in Quebec. Free, fast and non-binding service.
Find my accountantTo avoid getting lost in the details, here is a 5-step process to effectively compare accountants.
Before contacting anyone, list precisely what you need: bookkeeping, tax returns, payroll, advice, etc. Also determine your realistic annual budget by referring to our 2026 price list.
Use your professional network, the CPA Order's directory, Google reviews or a matching service to build your short list.
Send the same specification to each accountant to get comparable offers. Include your revenue, the number of monthly transactions, the number of employees, and your specific needs.
Schedule a first appointment (often free) with the 2-3 accountants whose offers seem the most interesting to you. Use the list of 15 questions above to structure the interview.
Use the 8-criteria rubric above. Score each accountant out of 10 for each criterion, weight according to your priorities, and identify the best overall value for money.
Ideally, compare at least 3 accountants to get a representative picture of the market. Beyond 5, the process becomes time-consuming without providing much more value.
Yes. Most accountants offer a free initial consultation of 15 to 30 minutes. Matchmaking services like Bankeo are also free for entrepreneurs.
Consult the Roll of the Ordre des CPA du Québec online. You can search by name and check the member's status, public accountancy permit and possible disciplinary sanctions.
For an SME with predictable needs, the annual flat rate offers better budget predictability. The hourly rate is best suited for one-time or variable needs.
Some firms charge a file opening fee ($50 to $300), especially if they need to retrieve your data from a former accountant. This is a legitimate, but negotiable, practice. Make sure that these fees are clearly mentioned in the quote.
Not necessarily. The price depends on the geographic location, the size of the firm and its business model. An accountant in the region can offer a service equivalent to a Montreal firm at a lower cost. The important thing is to compare the overall value, not just the price.
Yes, but check the clauses of your current engagement letter. Some contracts provide for 30 to 90 days' notice. The best time to change is after the close of your fiscal year.
Prepare your latest financial statements, your most recent T2/CO-17 return, a list of your current services with prices, your number of monthly transactions, and your number of employees.
No. The match is based on the compatibility between your needs and the accountant's expertise. Bankeo presents all the information in a transparent way, including the contract and the complete catalog of services, so that you can make an informed decision.
Request a quote from 2-3 other accountants for the same scope of services. If your current accountant is significantly more expensive (20%+) with no clear added value, it's time to discuss it with them or consider a change.
Whether it's filling out the form or talking to our team, we'll get to know you, your business, and the type of bookkeeper you're looking for.
Our solution will find you the 3 accounting specialists that best suit your needs and will contact you at the desired time.
100% free and without obligation, our team will accompany you to ensure the best possible connection with your ideal accountant.
Your request will be processed within a maximum of 48 working hours.
