{"id":12349,"date":"2025-10-30T11:13:05","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T05:43:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/?p=12349"},"modified":"2026-04-17T11:51:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T06:21:18","slug":"average-cost-of-accountant-for-small-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/resources\/blogs\/average-cost-of-accountant-for-small-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"Average Cost of Accountant for Small Business: Fair Pricing Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"12349\" class=\"elementor elementor-12349\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8912869 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8912869\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b990629 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b990629\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>You\u2019ve finally hired an accountant to take care of your books &#8211; but the monthly invoice is not what you were expecting. You\u2019re surprised that the cost of accountants for small businesses is more than what you had bargained for. While outsourcing or hiring an accountant can save time and stress, many small business owners in the UK are unaware of hidden or variable accounting costs. But worry not! In this article, we help you understand the hidden costs in accounting and what small and medium-sized businesses should know before deciding to hire or outsource accountants.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b164235 elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"b164235\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;collapse_subitems&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;,&quot;h5&quot;,&quot;h6&quot;],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_laptop&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of Contents\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__b164235\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__b164235\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__b164235\" class=\"elementor-toc__body elementor-toc__list-items--collapsible\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8c2df4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a8c2df4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">True Cost of Accountant for Small Business\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7fc25d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f7fc25d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The monthly accounting fees for small businesses can start from as low as \u00a350. However, the average cost of an accountant for a small business in the UK can vary widely depending on what\u2019s included in your package. Typically, the average cost of accountant for small business can vary between \u00a3100 and \u00a3150.<\/p><ul><li>Basic bookkeeping and tax returns: \u00a350\u2013\u00a3150 per month<\/li><li>Full-service accounting (including VAT, payroll, year-end filings): \u00a3200\u2013\u00a3500 per month<\/li><li>Comprehensive advisory or larger firms: \u00a3500\u2013\u00a31,000+ per month<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>On average, accounting fees for small businesses in the UK range from \u00a350 to \u00a3150 per month, but that often covers only basic bookkeeping or tax returns.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dc1b39 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3dc1b39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hidden Accounting Fees for Small Businesses in the UK\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-05b90f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"05b90f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There are several layers to the costs incurred by a small business on its accounting functions. Some of these cost factors tend to be overlooked by business owners while budgeting or making plans. In this section, we list some of the items which may not be included in the standard accounting package for small businesses in the UK.<\/p><ol><li><strong>Software and Platform Fees<\/strong><br \/>Some providers may bill cloud accounting platforms (like Xero, QuickBooks, etc.) separately.<\/li><li><strong>Year-end Adjustments &amp; Filings<\/strong><br \/>Year-end accounts and tax return submissions often fall outside monthly bookkeeping packages.<\/li><li><strong>Per-hour consultations<\/strong><br \/>Some accountants charge extra for phone calls, strategic advice, or meetings outside the agreed scope.<\/li><li><strong>Correction of historical errors<\/strong><br \/>Fixing past discrepancies may lead to additional billable hours.<\/li><li><strong>Payroll and VAT returns<\/strong><br \/>Many small businesses assume payroll or VAT filings are included. Often, they\u2019re not.<\/li><li><strong>Business growth costs<\/strong><br \/>As your turnover or number of transactions increases, so do your accounting fees, something many small businesses don\u2019t anticipate, especially when working with an <a href=\"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/services\/accounting-outsourcing\/\">accounting outsourcing<\/a> provider.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9525117 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9525117\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Avoiding Hidden Accounting Fees for Small Businesses\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f30d9a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f30d9a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Hidden charges in accountant services for small businesses can adversely impact their profitability and sustainability in the long run. Clear pricing models are essential to maintaining trust and for precise financial planning.<\/p><p>When comparing accountant services for small business prices, always ask for a full breakdown of what\u2019s included. Follow the actionable tips given below to ensure you avoid hidden accounting fees for small businesses.<\/p><ol><li><strong>Detailed Service Agreements<\/strong><br \/>Always ask for a detailed service agreement which mentions all the inclusions in your accounting package, with the time period of service specified clearly. Also, make sure the exclusions are explicitly mentioned.<\/li><li><strong>Fixed and Variable Pricing<\/strong><br \/>Many service providers offer a fixed fee as well as variable options. When selecting the service model suited to your business, ensure that you know what is included in the packages. While a fixed fee model helps you budget more precisely, variable models account for unexpected requirements.<\/li><li><strong>Latest Technology and Tools<\/strong><br \/>Select a service partner who leverages technology to the full extent. Automation leads to reduced man-hours and, consequently, less accounting costs.<\/li><li><strong>Periodic Plan Review<\/strong><br \/>Review your plan at regular intervals.<\/li><li><strong>Transparent Service Provider<\/strong><br \/>Opt for a transparent service provider to ensure there is transparency in the process throughout. This will help you avoid hidden accounting costs and increase profit margins.<\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7726d01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7726d01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What Fair &amp; Transparent Pricing Looks Like\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2938e76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2938e76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A fair and transparent pricing model generally has the following features:<\/p><ul><li>All basic accounting tasks are included and mentioned clearly<\/li><li>Activities are explicitly mentioned (like VAT, payroll, year-end, etc.)<\/li><li>Add\u2013ons are clearly listed<\/li><li>Optional services like advisory are listed and priced separately<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>On top of this, the line of communication is always clear and open between the business and the service provider so that any grievances can be addressed on time.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6f5153 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a6f5153\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Final Thoughts\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9004cf6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9004cf6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>All small businesses should look beyond the headline cost and review the cost of an accountant for a small business in detail with their service provider. Choosing a service provider who offers clear pricing and open communication will save you money and headaches in the long run. If you\u2019d like to understand what a transparent accounting package looks like, explore our accounting services or <a href=\"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/contact-us\/\">contact us<\/a> to discuss your business requirements.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve finally hired an accountant to take care of your books &#8211; but the monthly invoice is not what you were expecting. You\u2019re surprised that the cost of accountants for small businesses is more than what you had bargained for. While outsourcing or hiring an accountant can save time and stress, many small business owners [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Average Cost of Accountant for Small Business in the UK Explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the average cost of accountant for small business, what\u2019s included in accounting fees, and how to avoid overpaying with transparent pricing models.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Average Cost of Accountant for Small Business in the UK Explained\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Explore the average cost of accountant for small business, what\u2019s included in accounting fees, and how to avoid overpaying with transparent pricing models.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hidden-Costs-in-Accounting.webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@infobefreeltd\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@infobefreeltd\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"shwetha\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Average Cost of Accountant for Small Business in the UK Explained","description":"Explore the average cost of accountant for small business, what\u2019s included in accounting fees, and how to avoid overpaying with transparent pricing models.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Average Cost of Accountant for Small Business in the UK Explained","twitter_description":"Explore the average cost of accountant for small business, what\u2019s included in accounting fees, and how to avoid overpaying with transparent pricing models.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hidden-Costs-in-Accounting.webp","twitter_creator":"@infobefreeltd","twitter_site":"@infobefreeltd","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"shwetha","Estimated reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12349"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12349\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/befreeltd.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}