Accountant for startups and tech companies

Between sprints, funding rounds, and a team that’s doubling in size, the accounting for a Quebec startup is nothing like that of an established business. You have to document R&D starting with the very first prototype for SR&ED, prepare monthly accrual-basis financial statements for investors, track the burn rate and cash flow, account for prepaid subscriptions, and manage payroll that changes every quarter. A generalist accountant who only discovers SAFEs or convertible notes during due diligence ends up costing the company dearly in terms of credibility, and sometimes in dilution.

That’s exactly why we’re here. We’ll connect you, for free, with the ideal accountant for your startup: a vetted accountant from our network who specializes in SR&ED, investor reporting, and rapid growth. We’ll introduce you to as many as you need, with no obligation, and we’ll stay by your side as your business grows.

• Claiming SR&ED without missing a thing: a 35% refundable federal tax credit for CCPCs, provided you document the work as you go through each sprint, not six months later.
• Keep your burn rate and cash flow statement up to date: Your investors want 18 to 24 months of runway and reliable monthly statements, not a rough estimate.
• Handling payroll costs that have tripled in one year: source deductions, CNESST contributions, group insurance, and stock options, whose taxable benefit must be managed at the right time.
• Recognizing SaaS revenue correctly: Annual subscriptions collected in advance are deferred revenue, a point that any due diligence review will scrutinize.
• Selling internationally without running into trouble: sales are zero-rated under the GST/QST, but U.S. sales tax thresholds (often US$100,000 per state) must be monitored.
• Quickly exceed the $30,000 small supplier threshold: GST/QST registration comes sooner than you think and allows you to recover the taxes paid on your expenses.
• Plan early for an exit: Small Business Eligible Shares (SBES) may qualify for a lifetime capital gains exemption (over $1.25 million) upon sale.

• File Q2 (federal) and CO-17 (Quebec) returns every year, even if you’re operating at a loss: your carryforward losses have tax value for profitable years.
• Form T661 for SR&ED must be filed no later than 18 months after the end of the fiscal year, along with the contemporaneous technical documentation required by the CRA during an audit.
• Registration for GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) once taxable sales exceed $30,000 over four calendar quarters; zero-rated sales outside Canada must be documented.
• Source deductions from each paycheck (income tax, QPP, QPIP, employment insurance, HSF) and T4 summaries and RL-1 to be filed in February.
• Taxable gain from stock options to be calculated and reported on Form T4 for employees who exercise their options.
• Accounting for SAFEs, convertible notes, and equity rounds in accordance with NCECF, or under IFRS if your investors require it.
• Payroll and R&D subcontracting records to support the Quebec Credit for Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (CRIC).

Can you help me with SR&ED? Yes. Several accountants in our network prepare SR&ED claims. In Canada, the refundable federal credit is 35% on the first $6 million for a CCPC, and Ontario adds 8% (OITC). In Quebec, the Research, Innovation, and Commercialization Credit (CRIC) applies to eligible work.

Do you have accountants who are experienced in investor reporting? Yes, just specify this in your request: we’ll connect you with an accountant who specializes in funded startups. Monthly accrual-basis financial statements, burn rate and cash flow tracking, and clear reports for your investors and board. Many also prepare your books in advance of due diligence for your next funding round.

How much does an accountant cost in this sector? According to the Bankeo Fee BarometerBased on 1,248 real-world cases (2024-2026), the median fee for an accountant in Quebec is around $3,000 per year, ranging from $500 to $6,000 depending on the industry and complexity of the work. The Bankeo matching service is free: you pay your accountant directly at standard market rates.

How can I switch accountants for my startup without any stress? We’ll handle it with you. You tell us what’s not working anymore, we’ll introduce you to a new accountant experienced with startups, and the transition goes smoothly: we’ll transfer access to your accounting tools, your SR&ED files, and any pending tax returns. The matching service is free, with no obligation, and we’ll support you for as long as you need.

Local or Remote Accountant for a Tech Startup? Both options work very well in your industry: cloud-based accounting allows for remote monthly monitoring, no matter where you’re located. A local accountant is still convenient for meetings with your investors or board of directors. Let us know your preference in your request, and we’ll match you with the ideal accountant, whether nearby or online.

How do you account for a SAFE or a convertible note? These instruments are accounted for in accordance with NCECF, or under IFRS if your investors require it, and their classification (debt, equity, or hybrid instrument) depends on the conversion terms. If misclassified, they distort your balance sheet and will be flagged during due diligence. An accountant experienced with funded startups documents the treatment as soon as the agreement is signed, which reassures your investors in the next funding round.