How Bankeo works

What is Bankeo, in a nutshell?

Bankeo is a free service that connects entrepreneurs with the right accountant, it’s simple and always there to support you. You describe your situation, and Bankeo introduces you to vetted accountants from its network who match your needs, usually within 48 hours. The service is free, with no obligation, and the support continues even after the matching process is complete.

In practical terms, Bankeo is not an accounting firm and does not prepare any tax returns: it is a Trusted intermediary between you and a network of over 1,500 accountants. Bankeo’s role is to understand your situation (self-employed, SME, NPO, or individual) and then connect you with the professional(s) best suited to help you.

The basic idea is simple: finding a good accountant on your own takes time, creates uncertainty, and is often a shot in the dark. Bankeo eliminates this friction. Since 2023, the service has received more than 15,000 requests from entrepreneurs.

How matching works, step by step?

The matching It’s a three-step process: you fill out a short, free application; Bankeo analyzes your situation and shortlists accountants from its network; then, within 48 hours, you’ll typically receive up to three vetted accountants who are a good fit for your needs. You can communicate with them, compare their offerings, and choose freely. There’s no obligation to move forward.

1. You describe your needs. The application takes just a few minutes: your type of business, your situation, and what you’re looking for (bookkeeping, taxes, payroll, catching up on back work, advice). The more specific you are, the better the matching process.
2. Bankeo analyzes and shortlists. The team matches your profile with the network: industry experience, services offered, availability, and work style. The goal isn’t to just give you a random number, but to find the right match.
3. You’ll receive your financial statements, usually within 48 hours. Up to 3 vetted accountants, selected based on your situation. You contact them, ask your questions, and Request a Quote.
4. You choose, with complete freedom. You choose the one you click with, or none at all if nothing seems right. The service is free in any case.

Good to know: The average matching time is 48 hours, but speed is no substitute for finding the right match. Bankeo presents as many accountants as necessary to help you find the right one, not just the first one available.

Why is the service free for entrepreneurs?

Bankeo is completely free for entrepreneurs: you pay nothing to be matched, and you never pay Bankeo. The accountants in the network fund the service: they pay a fee per file, an amount known in advance, to access qualified requests. You only pay for the accounting services you choose.

It’s a simple, transparent two-sided model: on one side, entrepreneurs looking for an accountant can access the service for free; on the other, accountants pay to receive opportunities that match their expertise. This funding from the professional side is what makes the service completely free for entrepreneurs.

An important distinction: the fees you pay go to your accountant, period. You never pay Bankeo: the accountants in the network pay a fee per file, an amount known in advance and independent of your fees, which prevents any conflict of interest regarding the price of your accounting services.

Good to know: “Free” really means free. No credit card required to sign up, no hidden fees, and no subscription fees for business owners. The cost of accounting services depends on the agreement you make directly with the accountant you choose.

What does “vetted accountants” mean?

At Bankeo, a vetted accountant is a professional whose identity, business activities, and reliability have been verified by our network before they are accepted into the platform. Many are CPAs, members of their province’s Order des CPA. “Verified” does not mean that all of them hold the CPA designation; it means that Bankeo ensures the professional’s reliability before introducing them to you.

This step saves you some of the validation work you would otherwise have to do yourself. The network has over 1,500 accountants, and the service has a 4.7/5 rating based on over 180 Google reviews, a sign of the quality entrepreneurs experience.

• Not all accountants are CPAs, and it’s not required for many tasks (bookkeeping, routine filings, consulting). The CPA designation is required primarily for supervised engagements such as an examination or an audit.
• "Verified" refers to a verification process, not a title. Bankeo verifies its network but does not grant any professional designations. You should still verify a CPA designation with the relevant professional association if it is important for your case.
• Verification is no substitute for your own judgment. Bankeo reduces risk early on, but the final decision is yours, after you’ve spoken with the accountants it recommends.

Why introduce up to three accountants instead of just one?

By getting introduced to up to 3 accountants, you can compare different profiles, rates, and personalities before making a decision. Finding the right accountant isn’t just about expertise, it’s also about chemistry, availability, and communication style. By exploring a few options tailored to your situation, you can make a confident choice without feeling pressured to choose just one.

Bankeo’s goal isn’t just to give you a number, but to find the right match. Presenting a few profiles rather than just one reflects a simple reality: two equally qualified accountants won’t necessarily be a good fit for the same person.

• You’re comparing the different approaches. Flat rate or hourly rate, single point of contact or a team, a more direct or more instructional style.
• You confirm that it is appropriate. Someone who’s already familiar with your industry often has the upper hand right from the very first conversation.
• You’re in control. A few options are enough to let you choose without feeling pressured, and not so many that you get overwhelmed.

What if none of the accountants listed are a good fit? Bankeo will show you as many as you need. The “up to 3” is meant to be supportive, not a hard limit: what matters is that you find the right accountant, not that you settle for the first one you come across.

What happens after matching?

After the matching process, we’re still here for you. You’ll work directly with the accountant you’ve chosen to discuss your services and fees, and Bankeo remains available. If the relationship isn’t working out, even months later, we’ll help you find a better fit, at no cost. Our support doesn’t end when you receive your profiles.

This is at the heart of the Bankeo promise: we’re here to support you, always. Matching isn’t a one-time transaction, it’s the start of a relationship that Bankeo continues to nurture.

• The banking relationship is established directly. You agree on the services, schedule, and fees with the professional. Bankeo does not get involved and does not take any cut.
• Bankeo is still available. Have a question, concerns about your matching process, or changing needs? You can always reach out to Bankeo.
• If things aren’t working out, we’ll find you another one. Whether your needs have changed or things just aren’t working out anymore, Bankeo helps you find the right accountant, at no cost and with no need to explain yourself.

You’re never locked in. The service is commitment-free from start to finish: you remain free to make your own choices, and Bankeo is there for you for as long as you need it.

Is Bankeo an accounting firm?

No. Bankeo is not an accounting firm and does not provide any accounting services: it does not prepare your T1/TP1 returns, your T2/CO-17 returns, or your GST/QST returns, nor does it maintain your books. Bankeo is a matching service that connects you with the right accountant. The accountants in the network then handle the accounting and tax work.

• Bankeo : It matches you with the right professional for free, provides a shortlist of vetted accountants, costs you nothing, and continues to support you afterward.
• The Twin Accountant: provides accounting and tax services (bookkeeping, tax returns, taxes, payroll, and advice), bills you directly for the agreed-upon fees, and becomes your day-to-day partner.

In other words, when it comes to your obligations to the CRA and Revenu Québec, it’s your accountant, not Bankeo, who handles them. For tax or accounting advice, you should always consult your accountant.

How is Bankeo different from a directory or a Google search?

A directory or a Google search gives you a list of names; it’s up to you to filter through them, contact them, and verify them one by one. Bankeo does the opposite: it starts with your situation, pre-selects vetted accountants who are a good fit, and presents them to you, usually within 48 hours. You go from a long, blind search to a few relevant options, at no cost.

• Getting Started: A general list to sort through (directory) based on your actual situation, we preselect options for you (Bankeo).
• Verification: at your own expense (directory) versus vetted accountants (Bankeo).
• Suitability: Random results (directory) versus explicitly targeting the right match (Bankeo).
• Effort: Contacting and comparing providers on your own, which takes a long time (directory), versus receiving a few relevant profiles within 48 hours (Bankeo).
• Next: With other providers, you’re on your own afterward (directory), but with Bankeo, we’re here to support you.

A directory answers the question, “Who’s out there?” Bankeo answers the question, “Who’s right for me?” That’s the difference between a list and a matching service: one gives you contact information, while the other guides you to the right professional and stays available afterward.

Who is Bankeo for?

Bankeo is for any entrepreneur or individual looking for an accountant: self-employed individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, incorporated companies, NPO’s, and individuals who need help with their taxes. Whether you’re just starting out, catching up on back work, or switching accountants, the service connects you, for free, with the professional best suited to your situation.

• Self-Employed Individuals who reaches the $30,000 threshold and needs to manage GST/QST, deductible expenses, and tax instalments.
• The Growing SME who needs bookkeeping, T2/CO-17 tax returns, and management advice.
• The Entrepreneur Just Starting Out and wants to get off to a good start (structure, taxes, initial filings).
• The NPO who is looking for an accountant familiar with the specific reporting requirements of nonprofit organizations.
• Individuals who needs to file a tax return and wants a trusted professional to handle their T1/TP1 forms.
• The One Who Fell Behind and needs to catch up on bookkeeping or file past-due tax returns.

Since 2023, Bankeo has received over 15,000 requests: the diversity of the clients we serve shows that the need to find the right accountant, without spending weeks on it, extends far beyond any single type of business.

How much does Bankeo cost for entrepreneurs?

Bankeo is completely free for entrepreneurs. You’re matched with vetted accountants at no cost and with no obligation. You never pay Bankeo: the accountants in the network pay a fee per file, an amount known in advance. You only pay for the accounting services you subsequently choose, directly with your accountant.

How does Bankeo make money if it’s free for me?

For accountants in the network, the service is funded in order to gain access to qualified requests that match their areas of expertise. This two-sided model allows the service to be completely free for entrepreneurs. Bankeo does not take any commission on the relationship you subsequently establish with your accountant.

How long does it take for the matching process to complete with Bankeo?

The matching process takes an average of 48 hours. You fill out a short, free application, Bankeo analyzes your situation, and presents you with up to three vetted accountants who are a good fit. You can communicate with them and choose freely, with no obligation to proceed.

Are the accountants recommended by Bankeo vetted?

Yes. The accountants in the network are vetted before being listed, and many are CPAs who are members of their province’s Ordre des CPA. The network has over 1,500 accountants, and the service has a 4.7/5 rating based on over 180 Google reviews.

Is Bankeo an accounting firm?

No. Bankeo does not prepare your tax returns or maintain your books: it is a matching service that connects you with the right accountant. The accountants in the network are the ones who then handle the accounting and tax work. For tax advice, consult your accountant.

What happens if i’m not satisfied with my matched accountant?

You’re under no obligation to continue. If it’s not a good fit or your needs change, even months later, Bankeo will help you find the right accountant, free of charge. We’ll support you for as long as you need.