How Much Does a Small Business Accountant Cost in BC?
How much does a small business accountant cost in BC? It depends on what you need: bookkeeping, payroll, corporate tax filings, financial statements, and ongoing advice all involve different work. The best comparison is a written quote for a clearly defined annual service package.
Whether you operate in Surrey, Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, or Vancouver Island, compare scope and service quality alongside price.
Typical Services and Budgeting Ranges
The figures below are illustrative budgeting ranges, not a verified market survey or TSB CPA's price list. Actual quotes can fall outside them depending on complexity and the work included.
Monthly bookkeeping: $400–$1,000+ per month.
Payroll processing: $100–$500 per month, potentially plus per-employee fees.
Corporate year-end and T2 return: $2100–$4,000 or more. Confirm whether compilation financial statements are included.
Owner's personal tax return: $220–$1,500, with additional complexity priced separately.
GST/PST filings: sometimes bundled, or $150–$300 per standalone filing.
Bookkeeping cleanup: $500–$2,000 or more.
Hourly CPA advisory work: an illustrative budget of $300–$600 per hour.
A relatively straightforward incorporated business might budget $550–$750 per month for a package, but inclusions matter. Do not assume bookkeeping, payroll, year-end statements, corporate and personal tax returns are all covered. Visit our pricing page or request a current scoped quote.
Fixed Fees vs. Hourly Billing
Fixed Monthly Fees
Fixed fees help with budgeting when the work is predictable. Confirm transaction limits, employee counts, reporting frequency, software charges, and access to advice. CRA audits, cleanup, and special projects may be extras.
Hourly or Project Fees
Hourly billing can suit work whose scope is uncertain, such as historical cleanup or a complex business purchase. Project fees suit defined deliverables. Ask for an estimate and a discussion before the scope materially expands.
5 Things That Drive Your Cost
Transaction volume: more transactions and accounts create more reconciliation work.
Record quality: organized receipts and complete records reduce avoidable cleanup.
Employees and contractors: payroll, slips, and other reporting add recurring tasks.
Number of entities: each corporation or partnership may need separate books and filings.
Complexity: inventory, rentals, cross-border activity, and major transactions can require additional analysis.
What Value Should You Expect?
Accounting support should help you understand cash flow, keep up with deadlines, and make informed decisions. Planning opportunities may include owner compensation, equipment purchases, and available credits. Tax savings are not guaranteed and should not be assumed to exceed the fee.
A useful arrangement can combine your own invoicing and receipt collection with professional reconciliation, filing, and planning support.
Speak With a BC CPA
TSB Chartered Professional Accountant Inc. serves business owners across British Columbia, including the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island. Book a free consultation to discuss your business and next steps.
Tristan Bagri, CPA
Founder & Director
Tristan@tsbcpa.ca | 778-707-4699
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doing My Own Bookkeeping Cheaper?
It can be if you have the time and knowledge to maintain reliable records. Factor in your time and the cost of correcting errors. A shared approach often works well.
Is the First Consultation Free?
TSB CPA offers a free consultation. Use it to explain your business and clarify scope before requesting a quote.
Can I Switch Accountants Mid-Year?
Yes. Review your engagement terms and coordinate records, access permissions, and outstanding deadlines with the new firm.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and the rules for the relevant year. Consult a qualified professional before acting.
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