How much does an accountant cost? (2025 averages)

For small business owners, understanding how accountants charge—and what you’re paying for—can make a major difference in your bottom line. 

In fact, 21% of business owners say they’re considering adding an accountant or bookkeeper in 2025 to help manage growth and financial complexity. Knowing what to expect helps you budget smarter and avoid surprise costs.

In this guide, we’ll walk through average accountant costs, what drives their rates, and how to decide whether you need a pro, accounting software like QuickBooks, or both. Let’s get into it.

Jump to:

• Average cost of an accountant
• What factors affect the amount an accountant charges?
• What fee structures do accountants use?
• How to determine if an accountant is worth the cost
• How to cut down on accounting costs
• Hiring an accountant vs. using accounting software
• Streamline your accounting and save time

Average cost of an accountant

On average, hiring an accountant in the US costs between $150 and $400 per hour, depending on their credentials, experience, and the complexity of your needs. 

Entry-level accountants and those in rural areas typically charge less, while seasoned professionals in metro areas command premium rates—especially if they specialize in tax planning, audits, or financial strategy.

Pricing can also vary by service. For example, routine tasks like payroll or bookkeeping often come with flat monthly fees, while services like audits or forensic accounting tend to be project-based and more expensive. Understanding these trends can help you budget wisely and match the right professional to your business needs.

What factors affect the amount an accountant charges?

The cost of hiring an accountant depends on several key factors, including location, credentials, experience, and the complexity of the work. While some accountants charge a flat fee, others bill hourly, and the total can vary widely depending on what you need and who you hire. 

Here’s a closer look at what drives those rates:

• Location: Accountants tend to be most expensive in large metro areas like New York or San Francisco, where demand is high and the cost of living drives up fees. Rural and smaller cities typically see lower rates for accountants.
• Credentials: Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or those with advanced degrees often charge more because they bring deeper expertise and meet strict licensing standards.
• Experience: Even with the same credentials, a seasoned accountant will likely charge more because they’ve handled a wider range of scenarios and can offer more strategic guidance.
• Specializations: Accountants with expertise in areas like forensic accounting, international tax, or mergers and acquisitions are usually the most expensive to hire due to the complexity and high stakes of their work.
• Job complexity: The more complex your needs, such as managing multi-entity businesses, inventory-heavy operations, or multiple revenue streams, the more time and skill are required, which can increase the overall price.

What fee structures do accountants use? 

Accountants use a few common pricing models, and the right one for your business depends on the type of work you need and how often you need it. Understanding how these fee structures work can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises when the invoice arrives. 

Whether you're looking for ongoing support or help with a one-time project, knowing how you'll be charged is key to getting the most value.

• Hourly rate: You pay for the actual time your accountant spends working. This is common for consulting, cleanup work, or when the scope isn’t clearly defined. For example, an accountant might charge $150 per hour to review your financial statements or set up your books.
• Fixed monthly rate: You pay the same amount each month for ongoing services like bookkeeping, payroll, or tax filing. This model offers predictability and works well for businesses that need consistent support. For example, you might pay $500 per month for weekly bookkeeping and quarterly tax prep.
• Flat project fee: You pay a one-time amount for a clearly defined service, like filing a business tax return or setting up a new accounting system. For example, an accountant might charge $1,200 to prepare and file your annual corporate tax return.

How to determine if an accountant is worth the cost

Hiring an accountant is an investment, and it should deliver a return. In many cases, the time, money, and stress an accountant saves can far outweigh their fee. From ensuring tax filing accuracy to uncovering financial insights that help you grow, a skilled accountant can offer long-term value and peace of mind. 

For growing businesses, the ROI of hiring an accountant often shows up in fewer costly errors, smoother audits, and smarter decision-making.

Consider how much time you spend on accounting tasks—and what that time is worth. Could you be using those hours to serve customers, manage your team, or grow your business? If you’re losing productivity or struggling with compliance, hiring an expert may save you more than it costs.

To help you decide, ask yourself:

• How complex are your finances?
• With the right tools and knowledge, would you have the time to handle your own accounting?
• If I make an error, what kind of financial damages am I looking at?
• Do I work in a field with strict regulatory requirements or audit risks?
• Is accounting work taking me away from tasks that actually grow my business?
• Am I missing out on deductions, credits, or financial opportunities?

If answering these questions raises concerns, it may be time to bring in a pro.

How to cut down on accounting costs

Accounting doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re strategic about managing it. Streamlining your processes and working smarter with your accountant can help you reduce billable hours, avoid costly errors, and get more value for less money.

Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to ask about different pricing options. Many accountants are open to bundling services, offering flat fees, or adjusting rates based on workload. If you come prepared with organized records and a clear scope of work, you can often reduce your costs by 10-20%.

Automate

Use accounting software like QuickBooks to handle everyday tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and payroll. The right tools cut down on manual data entry, so your accountant spends less time on busywork and more time on strategy.

Outsource

Not every task needs an in-house hire. Consider using freelance or virtual accountants for tasks like monthly bookkeeping, sales tax filing, or year-end cleanup. It’s a cost-effective way to get expert help without the overhead.

Go paperless

Storing receipts, invoices, and financial documents digitally can save time and money. With organized digital records, your accountant can access what they need faster, which means fewer hours billed and better accuracy.

Hiring an accountant vs. using accounting software

But what happens when the accountant's costs don’t fit your budget? Sometimes, hiring an accountant might not be the best decision for your business, but you still have to take care of accounting. 

Calculate how much an accountant will cost your business compared to using accounting software. Accounting software can help you automate your accounting services, track transactions as they happen, and even prepare tax documents and reports. 

Consider looking for accounting software with advanced features such as mileage tracking, invoicing, and time tracking. Accounting software could be a more budget-friendly option, even if you have to hire someone to manage the platform. 

Streamline your accounting and save time

Hiring an accountant can be a smart investment, especially when managing your finances becomes more complex or time-consuming. Whether you need ongoing support or help with a one-time project, understanding how much accountants cost—and what impacts their rates—helps you plan more confidently and avoid overspending.

If you’re ready to cut costs and save time, QuickBooks Online Advanced can help you automate the basics while freeing up your accountant for higher-value tasks.