Operating a small business, perhaps a diner or a gift shop, keeps you busy with orders, customers, and inventory. But the money side, such as monitoring sales or making payments to your staff, seems like a giant headache. Curious about the cost to hire an accountant?
We understand how challenging it is to balance money issues and expand your business, so we've created this blog to break down the expenses and benefits of hiring an accountant. From having your books to preparing for expansion, we'll spell it out in plain, no-nonsense language.
Let's make sense of how the expense to hire an accountant complements your small business budget and keeps you on course!
What's the Cost to Hire an Accountant?
So, what's the cost to hire an accountant really about? For small businesses, it varies depending on what you need and who you might hire. Freelance pros or part-time accountants bill $500 to $3,000 per month, whereas full-time accountants might cost $60,000 to $100,000 annually, too expensive for small shops.
Imagine having a tiny ice cream shop. A part-time accountant can keep an eye on your expenses and sales, such as freezers or cones, for a few hundred dollars a month. They're more like a buddy who organizes your money so you can serve ice cream stress-free.
What Determines the Cost
- Kind of accountant: part-time, freelance, or firm.
- Services such as bookkeeping or payroll.
- How large or complicated your business is.
Why the Cost to Hire an Accountant is Worth It
Small businesses have a lot on their plate, serving customers, stock-up, shelves, and more. The cost to hire an accountant is worth it since it saves your time and keeps your records in line with regulations. They do the work of logging sales or paying employees, freeing your time to do what you love.
Suppose you own a small bike shop. An accountant can sort out repair charges and parts expenses, keeping your books tidy. That leaves you free to repair bikes rather than worrying about figures, so the cost is a good value for your shop.
Small Business Benefits
- Saves you hours from accounting duties.
- Keeps your records accurate and rule-compliant.
- Allows you to concentrate on expanding your shop.
Bookkeeping Fees with an Accountant
Accounting is the heart of your company, and having an accountant for it is usually a cost-effective expense. Firms or part-time accountants charge $500 to $2,000 per month to monitor expenses, sales, and payments, utilizing software. This is ideal for companies such as diners that require accounting for restaurants.
For a little craft shop, an accountant can record yarn or paint sales and monitor supply expenses, building easy reports to display your profits. This keeps your books legal and indicates where your money's headed, all for a reasonable fee.
Bookkeeping Advantages
- Monitors every dime in and out.
- Adheres to financial regulations with ease.
- Provides you with crisp profit pictures.
Payroll Expenses with an Accountant
Got staff? Payroll can be a pain. Hiring an accountant to do payroll will cost you $200 to $1,000 per month, depending on how big your crew is. They calculate wages, establish direct deposits, and get payroll records in order, freeing up your time and keeping you in line.
Let's say you have a small daycare. An accountant can take care of payroll for your teachers, ensuring everyone gets paid on time and records are compliance-ready. This gets your business running smoothly without payroll woes, so the cost is a good bargain.
Payroll Benefits
- Smoothly handles wages and payments.
- Maintains payroll records in compliance.
- Saves you payroll nightmares.
Compliance Costs with an Accountant
Financial rules can feel like a maze, but an accountant makes sure your records follow them, avoiding fines or audits. The cost to hire an accountant for compliance is often rolled into bookkeeping or payroll fees, ranging from $500 to $3,000 a month. They know local and federal standards, perfect for small businesses.
For a web-based jewelry business, your accountant can verify that sales and expense accounts are correct and available for any audit. This allows you to concentrate on stringing necklaces rather than stressing about regulatory mistakes. Fino Partners can connect you with accountants who keep prices low.
Compliance Wins
- Accurately follows financial regulations.
- Prepares books for audits.
- Saves you from expensive errors.
Growth Planning Costs with an Accountant
An accountant isn't all about numbers, surprise. They make your business grow. It may cost $1,000 to $3,000 a month to hire an accountant to plan. It depends on what you need advice on. They examine your finances to cut costs or plan large steps, such as opening up a new shop.
For a small food truck business, the accountant can analyze profits and recommend lower-cost suppliers or assist in planning for a second truck. This makes the expense a tremendous investment in expanding your business in 2025 without second-guessing.
Growth Planning Benefits
- Identifies how to save money.
- Assists in planning large moves.
- Provides useful, growth-oriented guidance.
Why an Accountant Beats Doing It Yourself
Having your bookkeeping done may look like a cost-saver, but it consumes time and can result in blunders. The fee to employ an accountant, $500 to $3,000 per month, is usually less than the hours and frustration of do-it-yourself. And they provide expertise to make your records compliant, unlike software alone.
For a small diner, an accountant can do bookkeeping and payroll, so you can cook burgers rather than digging through receipts. Their experience saves you from costly mistakes, so the expense is a better gamble than doing it yourself.
Accountant vs. DIY Benefits
- Saves time with expert bookkeeping.
- Provides expert, compliant assistance.
- Reduces errors versus DIY.
Most Important Cost Breakdown for Hiring an Accountant
|
Service |
Cost Range (Monthly) |
Business Impact |
|
Bookkeeping |
$500-$2,000 |
Keeps records accurate, compliant |
|
$200-$1,000 |
Saves time, meets regulations |
|
|
Compliance Support |
$500-$3,000 |
Avoids fines and audit stress |
|
Growth Planning |
$1,000-$3,000 |
Helps your business grow smarter |
This table breaks down the accountant's costs and benefits.
Helpful Links
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bookkeeper in the USA?
- Cost Comparison: In-House Accountant vs Remote Staff
- CPA vs Accountant Costs: How Much Should You Budget?
Hiring an accountant can be your business's life-saving investment in 2025. For $500 to $3,000 monthly, accountants take care of bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance, keeping your books neat and regulation-ready. Whether you have a diner or a jewelry store, they save you time and let you grow in confidence. The Fino Partners can find you budget-friendly accountants who suit you. Call The Fino Partners today to discuss the cost to hire an accountant and keep your small business on the move!
