How this usually works
Prices make sense when you map them to the work being done and the risk or deadlines around it. Start by defining what you need done now (e.g., quarterly BAS, payroll fixed, year‑end tax, catch‑up bookkeeping, software migration) and what you want to avoid (ATO penalties, cashflow blind spots, rework).
Typical Australian examples to benchmark:
- Sole trader on Xero with quarterly BAS and 100–300 transactions/month: bookkeeping + BAS often lands $300–$700/month; year‑end tax $450–$1,200 depending on bookkeeping quality.
- Small company (Pty Ltd) with GST and 2–10 employees: ongoing package $400–$1,200+/month; quarterly BAS $150–$350 each; year‑end financials + company tax return $1,200–$3,500+.
- Catch‑up or cleanup (3–12 months of backlog): fixed fee or $75–$120/hr; commonly $1,500–$6,000+ depending on volume and corrections required.
- Payroll setup and processing: setup $250–$900; ongoing $6–$12 per employee per pay + base fee; STP, super and year‑end STP finalisation usually included in scope.
- Advisory/virtual CFO for growing SMEs: typically $1,000–$5,000+/month depending on cadence, board reporting and forecasting requirements.
If you’re comparing bookkeeping services, BAS agent services, tax accountants, or a small business accountant, ask for scope clarity in writing so the estimate reflects your real volume and deadlines.
Australian context to keep in view
- Hourly guideposts: bookkeepers $60–$110/hr, BAS agents $70–$140/hr, tax accountants $180–$350+/hr, senior tax/advisory $250–$450+/hr.
- Fixed or packaged pricing is common for BAS, payroll and year‑end tax; variable work (cleanup, projects, advisory) may be hourly or milestone‑based.
- Software subscriptions (e.g., Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) are separate to practitioner fees; expect roughly $29–$89+/month plus add‑ons.
- ASIC annual review fees for proprietary limited companies are separate to accounting fees (around $310 at the time of writing) and may be paid via your ASIC agent.
- For BAS and tax, check the provider’s Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) registration. For tax advice, CA/CPA credentials are common.
- Deadlines matter: lodgement program access can extend due dates when you’re with a registered agent, reducing penalty risk and rush fees.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm exactly what’s included: bookkeeping cadence, BAS prep/lodge, payroll setup and processing, super, year‑end financials and tax returns, ASIC agent work, and advisory. Clarify catch‑up/cleanup if you’re behind.
Software fit
Ensure they work confidently with your stack (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks) and any add‑ons (payroll, inventory, bill pay). Ask for the workflow and who does what, not just a list of tool names.
Turnaround and communication
Agree response times, meeting rhythm, and how urgent matters are handled in peak periods (BAS, tax, payroll). Check who your day‑to‑day contact is and what’s the backup plan.
Commercial fit
Compare pricing method (hourly vs fixed vs package), billing frequency, and what’s excluded (ATO/ASIC fees, software). Request an engagement letter that sets expectations, deliverables and exit terms.
Still deciding between roles? See Bookkeeper vs Accountant and BAS Agent vs Accountant to match the right credential to the job.
Best next steps
Write a short brief covering structure (sole trader, company, partnership, trust), software, transaction volume, employees, registrations (GST, PAYG, payroll tax), any backlog, and deadlines. State the outcome you want (e.g., “quarterly BAS on time with no penalties” or “year‑end financials and tax done by X date”).
Then shortlist providers who can price the exact scope you need. If you expect growth or complexity, consider whether a new business accountant or payroll specialist is a better immediate fit—and loop in tax for structure and planning.
When you’re ready, request a written estimate with inclusions, exclusions and timelines so you can compare like‑for‑like.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Does an Accountant Cost?
Typical Australian ranges: bookkeeping $60–$120/hr, BAS $150–$350 each quarter, small business packages $200–$600+/month, company year‑end financials + tax $1,200–$3,500+, sole trader tax return $250–$900, payroll $6–$12 per employee per pay run + base fee, and advisory/virtual CFO $1,000–$5,000+/month. Your price depends on scope, transaction volume, payroll headcount, GST/registrations, number of entities, software and data quality.
Share your details for a tailored quote.
What should I check before deciding?
Confirm scope, pricing model, turnaround, software fit, and credentials (TPB registration for BAS/tax, CA/CPA for tax advice). Ask what’s included/excluded (ATO/ASIC fees, software subs, cleanup/catch‑up) and get an engagement letter.
When should I get professional advice?
Get advice when a decision affects tax or legal obligations—choosing a structure, registering for GST, hiring employees, trust distributions, director loans/Div 7A, asset purchases/finance, cross‑border matters, or when you’re behind on BAS/tax and need a clear catch‑up plan.
What is the safest next step?
Write a one‑page brief (structure, software, volume, deadlines, desired outcomes), compare relevant service pages (Bookkeeping, BAS, Tax, Payroll), and request a written estimate. Use the form below to get started.