Are you looking for an accountant for your business in Quebec, but don't know where to start? Getting a free accounting quote is the first step to finding the professional that meets your needs, at the best price. However, many entrepreneurs start without knowing exactly what to ask, how to compare the offers received or what pitfalls to avoid.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the way: from the initial request, to the structured comparison of bids, to common mistakes that cost a lot. Since 2023, Bankeo has matched more than 12,000 entrepreneurs with the ideal accountant through its network of 1,500+ firms across Quebec.
Requesting an accounting quote is not a luxury, it is an essential step for any entrepreneur who wants to choose the right accountant for their business. Here's why this approach is essential.
Accounting rates in Quebec vary widely. A CPA can charge between $100 and $200 per hour depending on their expertise, region and the complexity of your case. Without a quote, you have no basis for comparison to know if the price offered is fair.
A detailed quote protects you from hidden fees. It clarifies what is included in the package (bookkeeping, tax returns, advice) and what will be charged extra. Without this transparency, many entrepreneurs discover unexpected costs at the end of the fiscal year.
Every business has different needs. A general accountant is not necessarily suitable for an SME in construction or technology. The quote allows you to assess whether the professional understands your industry and your specific issues.
There are several methods available to you to get a free accounting quote. Here are the main options available in Quebec in 2026.
Bankeo works like an accountant broker. Rather than simply sending you quotes, the Bankeo team analyzes your needs, your budget and your sector of activity to match you with the ideal accountant from a network of more than 1,500 firms across Quebec.
The entrepreneur chooses the number of accountants he wants to meet. Bankeo presents all the information of the accountant found by the team, including the contract and the complete catalog of services. The process is 100% free of charge and without obligation for the entrepreneur.
Several Quebec sites offer to put you in touch with accountants. You fill out a form with your needs and usually receive offers from professionals in your area. It's fast, but the results are often less personalized than a brokerage service.
You can also contact accounting firms directly. The Quebec CPA directory allows you to find professionals by region and by specialty. This method takes more time, but gives you complete control over your selection.
Asking your business network for recommendations remains a reliable method. An entrepreneur who is satisfied with his accountant will often be happy to recommend him to you. However, an accountant who is great for a company is not necessarily great for yours.
| Method | Cost | Customization | Number of offers | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bankeo Brokerage | Free | High (custom matching) | According to your preferences | Ongoing (post-matching follow-up) |
| Submission Platforms | Free | Average (Standard Form) | 2-3 submissions | None |
| Direct search (CPA directory) | Free | Variable (depending on your steps) | Unlimited | None |
| Word of mouth | Free | Variable | Limited | None |
Not all submissions are created equal. A professional and complete quote should include specific elements that will allow you to make an informed decision. Here is the essential checklist.
The submission must detail each service covered: bookkeeping, filing tax returns (T2, CO-17), payroll management, preparation of financial statements, etc. Make sure that each benefit is explicitly named, not grouped under a vague term such as "general accounting services".
Does the accountant bill by the hour, monthly fee or annual fee? All three models have their advantages. The package offers budget predictability, while the hourly rate can be suitable for one-time needs. Also ask if taxes (GST/QST) are included in the price displayed.
Some services are not always included in the basic package: response to a notice of assessment, representation with Revenu Québec, ad hoc strategic advice , production of special slips. A good quote mentions these extras and their pricing.
Check the notice required to terminate the mandate (often 30 to 90 days), the penalties for early termination and the terms and conditions for transferring your accounting documents. A professional accountant should never hold your documents hostage.
The submission should confirm that the accountant is a member in good standing of the Ordre des CPA du Québec. This ensures that you have a level of competence and ethics that is governed by law. Depending on the type of professional (clerk, technician or CPA), the services offered and the rates vary significantly.
In Quebec, only chartered professional accountants (CPAs) can perform audit, review and compilation engagements. For basic bookkeeping, an accounting technician or a bookkeeper may be sufficient, often at a lower rate. Tailor your quote request to the type of professional you actually need.
Have you received two or three submissions? Comparing accounting offers can seem complex, especially if the formats and services vary from one professional to another. Use this grid of 8 criteria to structure your analysis.
| Criterion | What to check | Suggested weighting |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Included services | Detailed list of services covered by the package | 20 % |
| 2. Pricing | Total price, billing method (hour/package), taxes included or not | 20 % |
| 3. Qualifications | CPA designation, years of experience, sector specialization | 15 % |
| 4. Sector experience | Knowledge of your industry, similar customers | 15 % |
| 5. Availability | Response times, accessibility (email, phone, video) | 10 % |
| 6. Software used | Compatibility with your current tools (QuickBooks, Sage, etc.) | 5 % |
| 7. Contractual conditions | Notice of Termination, Additional Fees, Transfer of Documents | 10 % |
| 8. Reputation | Google reviews, customer references, years in business | 5 % |
The natural reflex is to choose the cheapest. However, an accountant at $80/hour who takes 3 hours to produce your financial statements costs more than an experienced CPA at $150/hour who does it in 1 hour. Analyze the total cost per service, not just the hourly rate.
An accountant who specializes in your field is familiar with the specific deductions, regulatory obligations, and best practices in your industry. For example, an accountant in Montreal who specializes in technology will not charge the same rate or offer the same services as a generalist.
Even with the best intentions, some mistakes in your application can cost you time and money. Avoid these common pitfalls.
Before contacting an accountant, make a list of your specific needs: volume of monthly transactions, number of employees, tax obligations (T2, CO-17, GST/QST), software used, need for strategic advice. The more specific your request, the more accurate the quote will be.
A single offer doesn't give you any points of comparison. Aim for at least 2 to 3 bids to get a realistic picture of the market. This is exactly what a service like Bankeo facilitates, which presents you with options adapted to your reality.
Hidden additional fees can be 20-40% of the total annual cost. Read the conditions carefully: telephone call fees, late filing surcharge, file closure fees.
The cheapest accountant is not necessarily the best choice. A qualified professional who optimizes your taxes can save you thousands of dollars in deductions and tax credits. Consider the return on investment, not just the bill.
A quote is the start of a conversation, not a take-it-or-leave-it offer. Don't hesitate to ask for clarifications, negotiate certain terms, or ask for references from customers in your industry.
To get an accurate and relevant quote, have this information ready before contacting an accountant or filling out an online form.
Legal form (sole proprietorship, joint-stock company, partnership), approximate annual turnover, sector of activity, number of employees and subcontractors. This data allows the accountant to estimate the complexity of your file.
Identify the services you need: financial accounting, bookkeeping, T2/CO-17 filing, GST/QST management, payroll, audit or compilation engagement.
Number of invoices issued per month, number of expenses to be processed, bank accounts to be reconciled. A contractor with 20 transactions per month will not pay the same rate as one who processes 500.
Mention the accounting software you already use (QuickBooks, Sage, Wave, etc.) or if you're starting from scratch. Technological compatibility can influence the price and quality of service.
Most platforms send you generic quotes. Bankeo accounting brokerage takes a fundamentally different approach.
The Bankeo team takes the time to understand your reality as an entrepreneur: your sector, your size, your budget, your specific challenges. It's not an automatic algorithm that sends you random names. A human analyzes your profile and matches you with the most suitable accountant among 1,500+ firms across Quebec.
Bankeo presents you with all the information of the recommended accountant: its detailed contract, its complete catalog of services and its rates. You know exactly what you're getting before you commit.
If the relationship with your accountant is not optimal, Bankeo will continue to support you in finding a better alternative. With traditional submission platforms, once you have put you in touch, you are alone.
Bankeo matches your business with the ideal accountant among 1,500+ firms in Quebec. Free, fast and without obligation.
Find my accountantTo assess whether a bid is competitive, it is useful to know the market price ranges in Quebec in 2026.
| Service | Price Range 2026 | Common billing method |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | $250 to $800/month | Monthly plan |
| T2/CO-17 Returns | $1,000 to $3,500/year | Annual Plan |
| GST/QST Management | $200 to $600/quarter | Quarterly Package |
| Payroll | $25 to $50/employee/month | Per employee |
| Tax Planning | $150 to $250/hr | Hourly rate |
| Compilation Engagement | $1,500 to $5,000/year | Annual Plan |
| Strategic Advice | $150 to $300/hr | Hourly rate |
These ranges are averages for the Quebec market. Actual rates vary depending on the size of your business, the complexity of your case, and the region. For detailed rates by type of service, see our complete guide to accounting prices in Quebec.
Once the best quote has been identified, a few steps remain to get the relationship with your new accountant off to a good start.
Before signing, confirm that the accountant is a member of the Ordre des CPA du Québec via the official directory. It's free and takes less than a minute.
This document formalizes the agreed services, fees, timelines, and responsibilities of each party. This is your protection in case of disagreement.
If you change accountants, make sure to retrieve all your accounting documents from your former professional. Check out our guide to learn how to avoid common mistakes during a transition.
Agree at the outset on the frequency of follow-up meetings (monthly, quarterly) and important tax deadlines. A good accountant is a proactive partner, not just a reactive provider.
More than 12,000 Quebec entrepreneurs have found their ideal accountant thanks to Bankeo. Why not you?
Find my accountantYes. Most accountants offer an initial consultation and a free quote. The Bankeo brokerage service is also 100% free and without obligation for entrepreneurs.
Ideally, you should get at least 2 to 3 quotes to have a solid basis for comparison. With Bankeo, you choose the number of accountants you want to meet.
Typically, an accountant will provide their quote within 24 to 72 hours of the first meeting or completed form. With Bankeo, the match is usually done in a few working days.
Beware of abnormally low prices. Check which services are actually included, if the professional is a CPA, and if there are any additional fees. A very low price can hide unmentioned extras or a lack of experience.
Yes, most accountants are open to discussion, especially if you can offer a recurring mandate. Present competing bids (without naming the professionals) to have negotiating leverage.
The package gives you budget predictability: you pay a fixed monthly or annual amount. The hourly rate is more flexible but less predictable. For SMEs with regular needs, the flat rate is often recommended.
Not necessarily. With online accounting, an accountant in Quebec City can serve an entrepreneur in Gatineau very well. The important thing is the quality of service and expertise in your field, not geographical proximity.
Consult the official directory of the Ordre des CPA du Québec. You can search by name or firm and check that the professional is in good standing.
The engagement letter details the agreed services, fees, frequency of deliverables, the client's responsibilities (providing documents on time), and termination terms. It is a contract that protects both parties.
Absolutely. You have the right to change accountants at any time, subject to the notice provided for in your agreement. The former accountant is required by law to give you your documents. Check out our article on tips for finding your ideal accountant to start over.
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.
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