Whether you’re just getting started or aiming for serious growth, knowing what to expect can help you find the right fit for your business—and make sure you get the support you need to succeed. 💼💸
In this article, we’ll break down the average cost of hiring an accountant, the services they provide, and how to make sure you’re getting the right support without breaking the bank.
How much does an accountant cost in 2025?
Accountant pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on a few key factors like location, service type, and experience. Whether you’re after monthly bookkeeping, annual tax filing, or high-level financial strategy, here’s what will influence the cost of an accountant in 2025:
Location: An accountant based in New York City will naturally cost more than one based in a rural town. Some accountants also offer services remotely, which can have an impact on cost.
Type of service: For example, full-time financial management for a growing business will cost more than hiring someone once a year to file your small business taxes.
Experience Level: A seasoned certified public accountant (CPA) generally charges more than a bookkeeper or junior accountant.
💡 Tip: The best way to evaluate accounting costs for your unique needs is to ask potential accountants directly. Check out Relay’s accountant and bookkeeper directory to contact multiple accountants and ask the experts questions about your specific situation. 🗣️
Types of accounting services and their costs
The cost of hiring an accountant depends on the services you need—and those needs often change as your business grows. Here’s a look at the most common accounting tasks businesses need help with at different stages, and how much they may cost.
Note: We always recommend seeking a financial professional’s advice when it comes to managing your business’s money. Relay is here to provide recommendations and general guidelines only. If you need help finding an accountant for your business, check out our guide here. ✅
For businesses just getting started
If you only recently started your business or you’re not bringing in much revenue yet, you can likely keep your accounting costs low. Here are a couple of accounting services you may need in the early days of business:
📕 Bookkeeping: If you hire an accountant, they might provide bookkeeping services like recording transactions, reconciling accounts, and preparing simple financial reports. If not, you can also hire a bookkeeper to focus on these tasks. Generally speaking, a freelance bookkeeper can cost $25-$50 per hour, while going through an accounting firm may cost $200-$400 per month.
📄 Basic tax preparation and filing: For startups, taxes are an essential but relatively straightforward task. According to the National Society of Accountants, accountants charge on average $220 for a personal tax return (Form 1040), $903 for an S-Corp tax return, and $913 for a Corporation tax return.
It’s also worth mentioning that many small business owners use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to manage their finances. These platforms are budget-friendly, with subscription fees ranging from $20 to $150 per month, depending on the features you need.
For growing businesses
As your business grows, your financial situation becomes more complex, and the need for accounting support increases. Here are some accounting services you may need and the general costs associated:
📃 Financial statement preparation and analysis: An accountant can prepare and analyze your financial statements on a one-time or ongoing basis. The cost largely depends on the size and complexity of your business, but it’s worth the investment—this service will you stay on top of cash flow, identify financial trends, and make strategic decisions.
💲 Payroll services: When you start hiring employees, managing payroll becomes an important responsibility. You can either hire an accountant to help (with costs varying largely across accountants) or use payroll services like Gusto or ADP, which typically cost $50 to $250 per month, plus a small per-employee fee.
📙 Tax planning and strategy: As your business grows, ongoing tax planning becomes more important to maximize your tax savings and ensure that you remain compliant with tax laws. This service generally costs between $500 to $5,000 per year, depending on the complexity of your tax situation.
For established businesses with more complex needs
Larger businesses or those with more complex financial structures may require full-service accounting. Here’s what you need to know about these potential accounting costs:
🖥️ Full-service accounting and CFO services: Hiring a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or a full-service accounting firm for strategic financial planning can generally cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more per month. This is ideal for businesses that need long-term projections, growth strategies, and high-level financial advice.
🏠 In-house accounting hire: At a certain point, it might make sense for your business to hire an accountant full-time. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an accountant is $68,236 per year but keep in mind that this will vary by location and experience.
📑 Audit preparation and support: If your business is audited by the IRS, you’ll need the expertise of a CPA or another tax professional. The cost will depend, again, on that individual’s location and experience—and the complexity of your financial records—but you can expect hourly rates starting at $200 and reaching as high as $1,000 for the most experienced tax accountants.
Is it worth it to pay for accounting for a small business?
Many small business owners wonder if hiring an accountant is worth the investment. The answer is usually yes. Accounting services offer value far beyond just balancing your books, often helping you save both time and money in the long run.
Here are a few benefits of paying for small business accounting services:
⏰ Saves time: Trying to handle your own bookkeeping can take up valuable time that could be spent doing other tasks to grow your business. By outsourcing to a professional accountant, you’ll free up time to focus on what you do best—running your business.
❌ Reduces errors: Financial mistakes can be costly. Professional accountants are trained to spot potential issues before they become serious problems. They can also help ensure that you comply with tax laws, so you don’t face any surprises come tax season.
🔎 Strategic insights: An experienced accountant, especially a CPA, can provide valuable financial advice and insights into your business’s cash flow, helping you make better business decisions. This guidance can be crucial for long-term growth.
📈 Facilitates growth: As your business grows, financial management becomes more complex. An accountant can help you scale your financial operations, making sure that your accounting methods evolve with your business and stay compliant with important tax regulations in your industry.
💵 Improves cash flow management: Many small business owners struggle with managing their cash flow effectively, which can lead to unexpected complications with finances. Accountants help you keep track of your finances and better plan for upcoming expenses, giving you peace of mind.
However, it’s important to avoid overpaying for services you don’t actually need. If you’re in the early stages of running your business, you might only need basic bookkeeping services or tax preparation, rather than a full-service accounting package. Aligning your accounting fees to your business needs is the best way to get the right support without overspending.
💡 Ready to find an accountant for your business? Check out Relay’s accountant and bookkeeper directory to contact qualified accountants near you.📍
How to choose the right accounting service for your budget
Choosing the right accounting services doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice for your business needs:
💼 Start small: If your business is new, you may only need basic bookkeeping services and accounting software. As your business grows, you can always add more complex services.
💻 Consider outsourcing: Subcontracting a bookkeeper for day-to-day tasks while using a CPA for specialized services like tax returns and financial strategy can effectively balance cost and value.
🤝 Look for free consultations: Many accountants offer a free consultation, giving you a chance to discuss their services, fee structure, and certifications before making a decision.
Ready to add an accountant to your 2025 budget?
The bottom line is that accounting is a smart investment for small business owners looking to grow their business, maintain compliance, and more effectively manage their finances.
While the average cost of an accountant in 2025 can vary based on factors like location and specialization, it’s important to choose an option that aligns with your business needs. Whether you choose a professional accountant or CPA, or choose to rely on accounting software for day-to-day management, the right financial support can make a big difference in your success.
To find an accountant today and start reaching your financial goals, check out Relay’s accountant and bookkeeper directory. 🙌
