Cost of Hiring an Accountant

Last updated: 9^th Jun 2019

The cost of accounting services in Australia varies depending on the specific service. Bookkeeping services cost around $40/hr, while personal tax services are at approximately $60/hr. For business accounting and advice, the average rate is at about $48/hr.

Where do these prices come from?

All prices stated in this article are based on FY 2016 pricing data compiled by ServiceSeeking.com.au. The figures resulted from a comprehensive analysis of quotes submitted by Accountants on the site from July 2015 to July 2016.

Accounting prices from real customers

Roxane from Vic: Tax Return Review
Job details: Refund estimate was quite low so she needed an accredited tax agent to review the details of her tax return.
TOTAL COST: $99

Michael from NSW: Personal Tax Return
Job details: Client is a truck driver who needed help preparing and lodging his tax return
TOTAL COST: $180

Laurence from Vic: Sorting of Tax Returns
Job details: Needed help as client hasn’t done tax returns for several years
TOTAL COST: $375

Dean from NSW: Accountant Verification
Job details: Required a letter from an external accountant as proof that their small business is still trading and is profitable
TOTAL COST: $220

How the type of project affects cost

At around $72.01 per job, bookkeeping has the lowest average cost among the three most common accounting services in Australia. Meanwhile, business accountants charge approximately $134.77 to manage business finances.

If you’re looking for a tax accountant to handle your personal tax returns, you need to prepare around $101.29 to pay for their service.

Where is your accountant based?

Click the infographic image to expand.

Bookkeeping services in New South Wales have an average price of $35/hr, while bookkeeping costs in Victoria are only slightly higher at approximately $37/hr. In Queensland, bookkeepers charge around $44/hr.

Personal tax services in New South Wales cost around $40/hr. This is a lot lower than the average rate of tax accountants in Queensland, which is $60/hr. Victoria has the most expensive rate for personal tax services with an average price of $66/hr.

The cost of business accounting and advice in New South Wales and Queensland is fairly even at about $45/hr. In Victoria, though, the average cost of business accounting services is at around $50/hr.

If you are looking to get your books in order, you can check out ServiceSeeking.com.au’s list of the best accountants in your area.

Pricing information correct as at August 2016.