How finding an accountant usually works
A solid find an accountant process starts with a short diagnostic to understand your structure (sole trader, company, trust, partnership), software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks), compliance status (BAS, PAYG, STP, super), and any ATO deadlines.
Typical steps:
- Discovery call: clarify outcomes, deadlines and software access.
- Scope and quote: define deliverables (cleanup, BAS/tax lodgements, payroll, management reports), turnaround and fee model.
- Onboarding: data access, process tweaks, security, and responsibility map.
- Triage and cleanup: fix coding, bank feeds, payroll/STP or overdue BAS first.
- Rhythm: set reporting cadence, advisory touchpoints and year-end timetable.
For tax and BAS work, confirm the accountant or firm is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). Engagement letters should detail scope, privacy, fees and termination terms.
Australian context to keep in view
- Compliance: BAS/GST, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll (STP) and superannuation are core obligations for most employers.
- Registrations: TPB registration is mandatory to charge for tax or BAS services. Look for CPA, CA ANZ or IPA membership for additional assurance.
- Software fit matters: ensure end-to-end workflow competence (bank feeds, source docs, coding rules, approvals, reports and lodgements).
- Security and access: ask about MFA, user permissions, document portals and record retention policies.
- Service model: know whether you need compliance-only or ongoing advisory (cash flow, forecasting, budgets, KPIs, virtual CFO).
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the proposal covers the real job: setup, cleanup, BAS/tax review and lodgement, payroll/STP, management reporting and year-end.
Software fit
Choose an accountant who can explain your entire workflow in Xero/MYOB/QB and any add-ons (e.g. Dext, Hubdoc, ApprovalMax) before you sign.
Turnaround and communication
Check response times, who you speak to, escalation paths in peak periods, and how handover works if your main contact is away.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed-fee vs hourly pricing, inclusions, out-of-scope rates, review cadence, and whether you get proactive guidance or reactive-only support.
Pricing: typical accountant costs in Australia
Prices vary by complexity, industry and how tidy your file is. As a general guide:
- Bookkeeping: $55–$110+ per hour or $300–$1,200+ per month for small businesses.
- BAS review and lodgement: $150–$400+ per statement.
- Payroll processing: from $5–$15 per employee per week, plus setup if required.
- Year-end company tax return and financials: $1,200–$3,500+ depending on size and accuracy.
- Advisory/Virtual CFO: $180–$350+ per hour or fixed monthly packages.
Ask for a fixed-fee scope for routine work and a clear out-of-scope rate for one-off tasks or cleanup.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Which registrations and memberships do you hold (TPB, CPA, CA ANZ, IPA)?
- What is included in the fixed fee and what is out of scope?
- Who will do the work and how will we communicate?
- What does month-one onboarding look like? What happens in month two and three?
- How do you handle urgent matters and ATO correspondence?
- Which software stack do you recommend for my size/industry and why?
- How do you protect my data and control user access?
- What results should I expect in the first 90 days?
Local vs online accountants
Both can work well. Choose based on responsiveness, expertise and workflow clarity rather than distance alone.
- Local: useful for in-person meetings or on-site reviews; may cost more; great for complex multi-entity scenarios.
- Online: broader talent pool; fast digital workflows; often fixed-fee packages; ensure secure document exchange and clear accountability.
Related decisions and next pages
If your need is narrower than “find an accountant”, these pages will take you directly to the right pathway:
- Find a Bookkeeper for day-to-day coding, reconciliations and receipts.
- Find a BAS Agent if you primarily need BAS/GST help and STP checks.
- Find Payroll Services for onboarding, awards, and STP/super processing.
- New Business Accountant for setup, structuring and software selection.
- Accountant Near Me to compare local options.
- Tax Accountant if your driver is year-end and ATO strategy.
- Compare services to weigh options and pricing models side-by-side.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an accountant in Australia?
Define the job to be done, shortlist by software and industry fit, verify TPB registration for tax/BAS and memberships like CPA or CA ANZ, compare fixed-fee scope and response times, then start with a 60–90 day onboarding plan.
Do I need a registered tax or BAS agent?
Yes. Anyone who charges to prepare or lodge tax returns or BAS must be registered with the TPB. Ask for their registration number or check the TPB register before you engage.
How much does an accountant cost?
Bookkeeping $55–$110+ per hour, BAS $150–$400+ per statement, payroll from $5–$15 per employee per week, and year-end company tax $1,200–$3,500+. Pricing depends on scope and file quality.
Which software should my accountant support?
Most small businesses use Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks, with add-ons like Dext or Hubdoc. Your accountant should explain the full workflow, not just name tools.
What documents should I prepare?
ABN/ACN and structure details, access to your accounting file, latest BAS/tax, bank feed status, payroll/STP setup, super details, a current trial balance, and any ATO letters.
Should I hire a bookkeeper or an accountant?
Use a bookkeeper for daily accuracy and an accountant for BAS/tax and strategy. Many businesses use both to keep records clean and compliant.