Are you looking for an accountant for your business in Quebec but don’t know where to start? Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of accounting firms available and worry about making the wrong choice? You’re far from alone. Every year, thousands of Quebec entrepreneurs face the same challenge: how to find THE right accountant for their business needs?
This is exactly where the accounting broker comes in—a concept that is revolutionizing the way Quebec entrepreneurs find their accounting specialists. Just as a mortgage broker helps you find the best loan or an insurance broker guides you toward the ideal policy, an accounting broker analyzes your needs and matches you with the accounting specialist who is the perfect fit for your situation.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what an accounting broker is, how this service works in Quebec, why it’s a beneficial solution for your business, and how Bankeo created the province’s first accounting brokerage service. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, a growing small business, or a company looking to switch accountants, this guide will give you all the information you need to understand and use this innovative service.
An accounting broker is a specialized intermediary who connects entrepreneurs looking for an accountant with accounting firms offering their services. Unlike a simple directory or phone book, an accounting broker plays an active role in the selection process:
An accounting recruitment consultant acts as your partner in the search process, leveraging their expertise in the Quebec accounting market and their network of contacts to save you valuable time and help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
If the concept of an accounting broker seems new to you, that’s normal: it’s directly inspired by proven models in other sectors that you’re already familiar with in Quebec:
The mortgage broker:
The insurance broker:
The accounting broker (Bankeo):
In each of these cases, the broker acts as an independent advisor who works in your best interest, not in the interest of a specific provider. That is the strength of the brokerage model.
Accounting brokerage is a relatively new concept in Quebec for several reasons:
Bankeo was founded in 2022 specifically to fill this gap: to offer Quebec entrepreneurs a personalized accounting brokerage service, modeled after the mortgage brokers they know and trust. Since then, more than 12,000 entrepreneurs have been successfully matched through this service.
The process of finding an accountant is simple, fast, and fully personalized. Here are the four key steps to finding an accountant with Bankeo:
It all starts with a thorough analysis of your situation. A Bankeo expert takes the time to understand:
This step typically involves a 15- to 20-minute phone call, supplemented by an online questionnaire if necessary. The goal is to get a complete picture of your situation as an entrepreneur.
Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, the Bankeo team gets to work. With a network of over 1,500 partner accounting firms located throughout Quebec, the broker uses a combination of algorithmic and human matching:
Unlike a generic quote platform that sends your request to 10 random accountants, the broker carefully selects providers to ensure you’re presented with only the best options.
The broker then presents you with the selected accountants along with all relevant information:
The broker then arranges meetings (in person or online) between you and the selected accountants. You decide how many accountants you’d like to meet—there’s no set number. Some business owners prefer to meet with 2–3 candidates to compare them, while others are satisfied with a single, highly targeted recommendation.
The broker's role doesn't end with the initial introduction. They guide you through the entire selection process:
The broker's goal is simple: to ensure a successful, long-term partnership with an accountant who is the perfect fit for your needs.
| Step | Duration | Brokerage shares | What you do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Needs Assessment | 15–20 min | Initial consultation, questionnaire, analysis of your company profile | Answer questions about your business, your needs, and your budget |
| 2. Personalized matching | 24–48 hours | Search across a network of over 1,500 firms, filter results, check availability, and make a final selection | No action required—the broker handles everything |
| 3. Overview of Options | 1–2 weeks | Submitting accounting profiles, scheduling meetings, and conducting briefings before each meeting | Meet with the selected accountants, ask your questions, and compare their proposals |
| 4. Signing the mandate | 1–2 weeks | Assistance with contract analysis, transition support, and post-twinning follow-up | Choose your accountant, sign the engagement letter, and get started |
Total duration of the process: between 2 and 4 weeks on average, depending on your availability and the complexity of your needs.
Now that you understand how an accountant broker works, let’s see how this service compares to traditional methods of finding an accountant in Quebec.
The Ordre des CPA du Québec provides an official directory that helps you find certified public accountants throughout the province.
Benefits:
Limitations:
The CPA Order's directory is an excellent tool for verifying that an accountant is certified, but it won't help you choose the right accountant for your business.
Many entrepreneurs find their accountant through referrals: a friend, a business partner, their banker, or another business owner. This is a common approach, but it has its limitations.
Benefits:
Limitations:
Word of mouth can be a good starting point, but it shouldn't be your only method of selection. As Protégez-Vous points out, it's important to compare several options before making your choice.
Several websites offer to connect you with accountants through a quote request form. You fill out the form, and you’ll receive calls or emails from several firms.
Benefits:
Limitations (and pitfalls):
Bidding platforms may seem convenient, but they are often a source of frustration for contractors, who find themselves overwhelmed by calls for bids and proposals that are difficult to compare.
The accounting broker combines the best aspects of each method while eliminating their drawbacks:
| Method | Customized Matching | Network access | Easy comparison | Support | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPA Directory | ✗ | ✓ (comprehensive) | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
| Word of mouth | ✗ | ✗ (1 option) | ✗ | ✗ | Free |
| Bidding Platform | ✗ | ✓ (unfiltered) | ± | ✗ | Free |
| Accounting Broker (Bankeo) | ✓ | ✓ (1,500+ practices) | ✓ | ✓ | Free |
Let’s now take a look at the concrete benefits you get from using an accounting broker like Bankeo.
Finding an accountant on your own can easily take 10 to 20 hours of your time:
With an accounting broker, the process takes only 2 to 4 hours:
The broker handles the research, screening, and coordination for you, allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.
By working with a broker like Bankeo, you gain access to a network of over 1,500 partner accounting firms located throughout Quebec:
This diversity ensures that you’ll find an accountant who perfectly matches your needs, whether you’re a self-employed professional, a growing startup, or an established small business with complex needs.
The broker doesn't just send you a random list of accountants. Instead, they perform a personalized match based on:
This matching process ensures that the accountants you meet are truly qualified to assist you, not just available.
Bankeo's accounting referral service is completely free for Quebec entrepreneurs. You pay nothing:
Why is the service free for you? Bankeo is compensated through account setup fees and service fees charged to partner accounting firms. These fees are the same for all firms and do not affect the rates for your accounting services. Bankeo verifies this before approving an accountant for its network. You pay the same rates as if you were to contact the firm directly.
An accounting broker acts as your independent advisor. Unlike an accounting firm that sells you its own services, the broker has no vested interest in steering you toward a specific accountant. Their goal is to find the best fit for your business, as this is what ensures a successful long-term partnership.
This neutrality is valuable for:
Are accounting brokers regulated in Quebec?
Unlike certified public accountants (CPAs), who are regulated bythe Ordre des CPA du Québec, accounting brokers are not governed by a specific professional association. However, brokers must comply with Quebec’s consumer protection and advertising laws.
Bankeo is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in its brokerage services: confidentiality of client information, transparency regarding its business model, and the quality of its network of partner accountants (all of whom are certified based on more than 10 quality criteria specific to Bankeo).
Our accounting referral service is designed for all entrepreneurs and businesses in Quebec who are looking for an accountant or want to switch accountants. Here are the types of clients who benefit most from our service:
If you’ve just incorporated your business or are in the startup phase, finding the right accountant from the very beginning is crucial. A good accountant doesn’t just file your tax returns—they help you organize your finances, choose the right legal structure, optimize your tax situation, and avoid costly mistakes.
An accounting broker is particularly helpful for new entrepreneurs because:
Is your business growing, are your accounting needs becoming more complex, and is your current accountant no longer able to meet your needs? Now is the right time to work with a broker.
Growing small and medium-sized businesses often need:
The broker will help you find a firm withthe industry expertise and growth potential needed to support your company's growth trajectory.
Are you unhappy with your current accountant? There are many reasons to switch accountants:
Switching accountants may seem complicated, but with the help of a broker, the process is simple and seamless:
Some industries have very specific accounting needs that require in-depth industry expertise:
An accounting broker has in-depth knowledge of a network of accountants specializing in each industry. They can connect you with an expert who understands the specific challenges of your sector and can provide tailored strategic advice.
Now that you understand what an accounting brokerage is and how it works, let us introduce you to Bankeo, the pioneer of accounting brokerage in Quebec.
Bankeo was founded in 2022 with a simple yet ambitious mission: to revolutionize the way Quebec entrepreneurs find an accountant.
Our founders themselves experienced the frustration of searching for an accountant who could meet their specific needs as entrepreneurs. They found that:
Bankeo has therefore launched Quebec’s first accounting brokerage service, modeled after the proven mortgage brokerage model. Today, we are proud to have helped more than 12,000 entrepreneurs find the perfect accountant for their business.
Bankeo works with a network of over 1,500 partner accounting firms located throughout Quebec:
Our network includes:
All of our partner firms have been evaluated and certified based on more than 10 quality criteria specific to Bankeo. Our network includes bookkeepers, accounting technicians, CPAs, and tax specialists, ranked according to our selection criteria to highlight the best candidates based on each entrepreneur’s needs.
Since our launch, we have helped more than 12,000 Quebec entrepreneurs find their ideal accountant. Our clients come from a wide variety of industries:
Our customer satisfaction rate is over 95%, and the vast majority of our clients continue to work with the accountant we matched them with after two years of collaboration.
The Bankeo brokerage service is 100% free for Quebec entrepreneurs. You pay nothing for:
Bankeo is compensated through account setup fees and service fees charged to partner firms. These fees do not affect the rates for your accounting services. You pay the same rates as if you had contacted the firm directly.
Bankeo's matching process combines technology and human expertise to find you the perfect accountant:
This hybrid approach (technology + human) allows us to combine the speed of automation with the insight of human judgment, ensuring you receive high-quality matches.
100% free brokerage service - Access to over 1,500 firms in Quebec - Personalized matching
Find my accountantIf you're considering using an accounting broker, here are the five key criteria to evaluate to ensure you choose a high-quality broker:
A good broker should have access to a broad and diverse network of accounting firms. The larger the network, the better your chances of finding an accountant who perfectly matches your needs.
Questions to ask:
Bankeo: A network of over 1,500 partner firms across Quebec, including regional firms, small specialized firms, and independent accountants (CPAs, tax technicians, and bookkeepers).
The core of the brokerage service is matching your needs with available accountants. A good broker must have a rigorous process that combines technology with human expertise.
Questions to ask:
Bankeo: In-depth analysis via phone call (15–20 min), hybrid matching (algorithm + human validation), presentation of the best options based on YOUR needs.
A reputable broker should give you a clear idea of the rates you can expect from the accountants they refer to you. Price transparency is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Questions to ask:
Bankeo: Estimated pricing provided upon submission of financial statements, detailed written quotes, and complete transparency regarding costs.
A broker’s work shouldn’t end once the agreement is signed. A good broker provides follow-up after the match to ensure that the relationship with the accountant gets off to a good start.
Questions to ask:
Bankeo: Systematic post-matching follow-up, assistance if issues arise with the accountant, and help with switching accountants if necessary.
Finally, as with any service, customer reviews are a valuable indicator of the broker’s quality. Look for testimonials from business owners who have used the service.
Questions to ask:
Bankeo: Over 12,000 entrepreneurs matched, 95%+ satisfaction rate, verified Google reviews, and customer testimonials available upon request.
Be wary of brokers who try to steer you toward a specific accountant
A reputable broker should remain impartial and act in YOUR best interest, not in the interest of a particular accounting firm. If a broker strongly pressures you to choose a specific accountant, that’s a red flag.
At Bankeo, our goal is always to find you the best fit, regardless of the firm. Our priority is your long-term satisfaction, because that is what ensures a lasting relationship and a satisfied client.
Accounting brokers are not governed by a specific professional association, unlike CPAs (who are regulated bythe Ordre des CPA du Québec). However, they must comply with Quebec’s consumer protection and advertising laws. Bankeo is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards: confidentiality, transparency, and network quality (all our partners are certified based on more than 10 quality criteria specific to Bankeo).
The Bankeo brokerage service is 100% free for business owners. You pay nothing for the assessment of your needs, the matching process, the introduction to accountants, or the support provided. The fee you pay to the accountant is not affected by our services.
Bankeo is compensated through account setup fees and service fees charged to partner accounting firms. These fees are the same for all firms and do not affect the rates for your accounting services. Bankeo verifies this before approving an accountant. You pay the same rates as if you were to contact the firm directly.
Absolutely not. The Bankeo service is non-binding. If none of the accountants we suggest are a good fit for you, you’re free to decline. You can also ask Bankeo to suggest other options until you find the accountant who’s the perfect fit for you.
It’s up to you. Bankeo doesn’t require you to meet with a specific number of accountants. Some business owners prefer to meet with 2–3 accountants to compare options, while others are happy with a single, highly targeted recommendation. We adapt to your preferences and schedule.
Yes, absolutely. Many of our clients use Bankeo specifically to switch accountants. We help you identify what hasn’t been working with your current accountant, find a new accountant who better meets your needs, and facilitate the transition (transferring files, communicating with your former accountant if necessary).
Bankeo has access to a network of over 1,500 partner firms across Quebec. These partners have been selected and evaluated based on more than 10 quality criteria specific to Bankeo. Our network includes bookkeepers, accounting technicians, CPAs, and tax specialists. We categorize partners according to our selection criteria and entrepreneurs’ requests to ensure we always match them with the best candidates.
The entire process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on your availability and the complexity of your needs. The matching phase itself is quick (24–48 hours). The rest of the time depends on how long it takes to schedule meetings with the accountants and for you to review the proposals you receive.
Yes, the service is truly free for business owners. You don’t pay anything—not now, and not later. Bankeo is compensated through account setup fees and service fees charged to partner firms. These fees are the same for everyone and do not affect your accounting rates. Bankeo verifies this before approving an accountant.
Generic referral platforms send your request to multiple accountants, who then contact you directly. You often receive 5–10 calls from different firms, with no filtering or guidance. As a broker, Bankeo performs a targeted selection process: we analyze your needs, search our network for the most suitable accountants, and present you only with the best options. We then guide you through the entire process until the contract is signed. That’s the difference between receiving 10 unsolicited calls and being guided by an expert toward the right choice.
Accounting brokerages represent a true innovation in the way Quebec entrepreneurs find their accounting professionals. Inspired by the proven model of mortgage and insurance brokers, accounting brokerages offer a personalized, efficient, and free solution to simplify your search.
The key benefits of accounting brokerage:
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur starting a business, a growing small business in need of specialized expertise, or a company looking to switch accountants, an accounting broker can save you valuable time and help you avoid the costly mistakes that come with making the wrong choice.
Bankeo, a pioneer in accounting matchmaking in Quebec since 2022, has already helped more than 12,000 entrepreneurs find the perfect accountant for their business. Our mission is simple: to revolutionize the search for an accountant by offering a personalized, transparent, and 100% free matching service.
Ready to try an accountant matching service? Find out how Bankeo can help you find the right accountant for your business in just a few clicks.
Try Bankeo's brokerage service—free of charge and with no obligation
Start my searchWhether you fill out the form or talk to our team, we will get to know you, your business and the type of bookkeeper you are looking for.
Our solution will find you the 3 accounting specialists that best fit 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 match with your ideal accountant.
Your request will be processed within 48 working hours.
