How to compare accountants (step-by-step)
1) Define the job: compliance only (tax, BAS, payroll) or broader support (bookkeeping, reporting, advisory). 2) Map your software and records: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, add-ons, bank feeds, payroll and inventory. 3) Shortlist specialists by need and industry. 4) Request a scoped proposal with deliverables, timelines and fees. 5) Check credentials, references and communication style before you commit.
- For tax returns or BAS lodgements, confirm the provider is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).
- For ongoing accounting and advice, look for CA, CPA or IPA membership and relevant industry experience.
- If you have backlog or a software change, ask for a cleanup or migration plan with clear checkpoints.
Australian context to keep in view
- Registrations matter: TPB registration is required for tax and BAS services; ask for the registration number.
- Qualifications signal breadth: CA/CPA/IPA members usually provide stronger technical review and advisory support.
- Key compliance cycles: BAS (monthly/quarterly), STP payroll, superannuation, fringe benefits, and company tax deadlines.
- Common software: Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online. Confirm who manages bank rules, reconciliations and source documents.
- Data handover: Agree how you’ll share receipts, payroll changes and approvals to prevent rework and missed lodgements.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Ensure the proposal covers the real job: setup, cleanup, bookkeeping cadence, BAS/tax lodgements, payroll, year-end, and management reports.
Software fit
Assess practical depth in your stack (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks, payroll, inventory, eCommerce, receipt capture) and the workflow they’ll use with you.
Turnaround and communication
Confirm deadlines, response times, meeting rhythm, escalation paths, and who signs off on filings and adjustments.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed vs hourly pricing, inclusions, out-of-scope rates, notice periods, and whether you’ll get proactive advice or reactive compliance only.
Pricing: how accountants charge in Australia
Expect three models: fixed packages for ongoing work, hourly rates for flexible tasks, and once-off project fees for setup, cleanup or migrations. Pricing scales with transaction volume, payroll size, entities, and advisory depth.
- Bookkeeping: often $90–$180+ per hour or fixed monthly based on volume and complexity.
- Accountants: $150–$350+ per hour, or fixed monthly for BAS, payroll review, year-end and management reports.
- Projects: scoping call, written plan, milestones and a clear sign-off process help control budget and quality.
If quotes vary widely, compare scope line-by-line and ask for assumptions in writing so you’re comparing like-for-like.
Questions to ask an accountant before you engage
- Which deliverables are included and how often will I receive them?
- Who will do the work day-to-day and who reviews it?
- What’s your TPB registration (if handling tax/BAS) and professional membership (CA/CPA/IPA)?
- How do you work with our software and apps? What will change in our workflow?
- How do you handle urgent issues, ATO queries and year-end planning?
- What will my first 90 days look like, and how will success be measured?
Compare by need: choose the right pathway
Most businesses compare accountants alongside adjacent services. Use these pages to refine your brief:
- Small Business Accountant for end-to-end support and year-round advice.
- Bookkeeping Services for day-to-day transaction processing and reconciliations.
- BAS Agent Services if your priority is accurate BAS and GST reporting.
- Payroll Services for STP, super and leave compliance with confident processing.
- Tax Accountant for company/sole trader returns, planning and ATO matters.
- New Business Accountant for structure, setup and software onboarding.
When to switch accountants
- Missed lodgements, recurring errors or poor communication during deadlines.
- No proactive guidance, only last-minute compliance and surprises.
- Mismatch on software, industry specifics, or growth-stage needs.
- Lack of clarity on fees, inclusions or who is responsible for what.
If any of these apply, document current issues, gather access and files, and plan a clean handover to reduce disruption.
Best next steps
Write down the exact outcome you want first, then shortlist providers against that outcome rather than titles alone. The right fit is the one that can explain the process clearly, set expectations early and connect the work to your wider business goals.
Use the related pages on this site to move into the most relevant pillar, then ask for a scoped proposal before you engage.
Frequently asked questions
What does compare accountants usually involve?
Define the problem, shortlist providers by scope and experience, check TPB registration for tax/BAS, confirm software fit, and compare pricing and turnaround in a written proposal.
How do I know if this service suits my business?
It suits when you’re choosing between providers, cleaning up records, switching accountants, or splitting work across bookkeeping, BAS and tax to improve accuracy and speed.
What should I compare before choosing a provider?
Scope, inclusions, deadlines, fees, industry experience, qualifications (CA/CPA/IPA), TPB registration, software depth, and communication style.
How much do accountants cost in Australia?
Expect fixed packages for ongoing work, hourly rates for ad hoc needs, and project pricing for setup/cleanup. Prices scale with volume, entities and advisory requirements.
Do I need a registered tax or BAS agent?
Yes for tax returns and BAS lodgements. Always confirm TPB registration and ask for the registration number.
What should I read next?
Refine your brief via Small Business Accountant, Bookkeeping, BAS Agent, Payroll and Tax Accountant pages, or use the form below to get matched.