How Much Does an Accountant Charge Per Month?
If you run a small business, you’ve likely wondered what it costs to hire an accountant. Monthly accounting fees vary based on your business size, complexity, and the type of services you need. On average, accountants charge between $150 and $600 per month, but the cost can be higher for larger or more complex businesses.
Understanding what you are paying for – and whether you need a full accountant or just bookkeeping support – can save you thousands each year.
What Services Do Accountants Offer?
Accountants typically handle higher-level financial tasks, including:
- Preparing and filing business taxes
- Creating financial statements and forecasts
- Advising on cash flow and budgeting
- Guiding business structure and compliance
- Reviewing and signing off on CPA-level reports
- Handling audits or IRS correspondence
If you only need basic transaction tracking and monthly reporting, a bookkeeper or online bookkeeping service may be more appropriate and cost effective.
Typical Monthly Accounting Fees
- Basic Monthly Services: $150-$300/month
- Ideal for freelancers or solopreneurs
- Includes basic monthly reconciliation and quarterly tax guidance
- Mid-Level Business Support: $300-$600/month
- Includes monthly financial reviews and tax planning
- Suitable for growing service-based businesses
- Comprehensive Accounting: $600-$1,500+/month
- Full monthly support, strategic guidance, CFO-level input
- Common for larger firms, ecommerce, or businesses with payroll and inventory
Fees may also be billed hourly, typically ranging from $100 to $350 per hour depending on the accountant’s experience and certifications.
Do I Need an Accountant Every Month?
Not always. Many small businesses use a bookkeeping service monthly and only hire an accountant quarterly or annually for tax filing and financial strategy. This split saves money and keeps your financials organized all year.
Test Case Example
A local salon owner was paying $900 a month to an accounting firm for monthly financials and bookkeeping. After evaluating the actual services, they realized 90 percent of the work was basic data entry and reporting.
They switched to RemoteBooksOnline for monthly bookkeeping at $225/month. Their CPA still files taxes annually for a one-time fee. The business now saves over $600/month without losing quality.
How to Decide Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant
Use a bookkeeper if you need:
- Monthly transaction entry
- Reconciliations
- Financial reports
- Tax prep for your CPA
Use an accountant if you need:
- Strategic tax planning
- Financial forecasting
- Audit or IRS handling
- Guidance on business structure
FAQs
Can I just use a CPA instead of a bookkeeper?
You can, but it is much more expensive. Most CPAs prefer clients to use a bookkeeper so the books are clean before tax time.
Can bookkeeping and accounting be combined?
Yes. Some firms offer bundled services, but many business owners prefer to split these roles for cost control and flexibility.
Is paying monthly better than hourly?
For consistency and budgeting, monthly flat rates are often easier to manage. Hourly billing can be unpredictable.
How do I know if I’m overpaying?
Compare the services you are receiving against what you actually need. If you are paying premium rates for basic bookkeeping, it may be time to switch.
Final Thoughts
Monthly accounting fees vary widely – but not every business needs full accounting support every month. Many small businesses benefit more from consistent, affordable bookkeeping and rely on an accountant only for tax filing and strategic advice. Understanding the difference helps you get the most value for your budget.
Looking for expert bookkeeping at a fraction of accounting firm costs?
Start your free month with RemoteBooksOnline today
Thinking about outsourcing your books? Our outsourced bookkeeping benefits guide highlights how it can save you time, reduce costs, and boost accuracy.
Curious how a virtual bookkeeper operates? Our virtual bookkeeper workflow guide outlines the step-by-step process-from data collection to monthly reporting-so you can see exactly how we streamline your financial operations.
Want to know what a full-charge bookkeeper costs? Our cost guide explains average rates, service scope, and what to expect for your investment.
