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LEARNING CENTER

Understanding the Investment: How much does accounting cost?

We get it — one of the first things you want to know is: “So… what’s this going to cost me?”

Fair question. At Cherokee CPA, we believe in being transparent and keeping it simple. We don’t do mystery invoices, hourly bills that add up faster than your gas tank, or vague ranges that leave you guessing. Instead, we offer one flat monthly fee that covers everything you need to keep your books clean, your taxes planned, and your business financially healthy.


Breaking Down Monthly Accounting Fees

Accounting fees can vary depending on the complexity of your business’s financial activity. That’s why we customize our pricing to fit your unique needs. We know every business is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work.


What to Expect

For some small businesses, our monthly fee starts around $650 — but depending on your size and complexity, it could be much more. Don’t worry — we’ll figure that out together in your discovery meeting (no surprises later).

What’s Included?

✔️ Bookkeeping & reconciliations
✔️ Monthly financial statements (a.k.a. “Know Your Numbers” report)
✔️ Year Round Tax Strategies, tax planning & twice-a-year projections
✔️ Year-end business tax return
✔️ Sales tax filings (Only if you need them)
✔️ Year-Round Access to your team via direct email, phone and meetings (yes, even your CPA!)
✔️ Compliance support from the team you trust

We determine this fee after your discovery meeting and a review of your current financials. Plus, we revisit it annually to account for any changes in your business activity.


What Affects the Price?

Think of it like your cable bill — the more channels you add, the higher the bill. Only here, “channels” = business activity. Your fee is shaped by:

  1. Number of accounts & transactions
    More accounts and more transactions = more work for our team to keep everything balanced.

  2. Complexities in your business

    • Multiple locations = multiple profit & loss statements.

    • Sales tax filings = extra math (fun for us, not for you).

    • Big inventories, multiple owners, franchise requirements, fancy software integrations… all of these add to your “complexity score.”


I’m behind on my accounting and need back work done. What will that cost me?

The cost for back work depends on how much work is needed and how far behind you are. It will be equivalent to the monthly accounting fee for each month of unfinished work.

Example: 12 months of back work = 12 monthly fees.

We’ll assess your situation and provide a clear estimate to get you back on track.

Will I also need to pay for my accounting software?

We exclusively work with QuickBooks Online. If you already have a file, we are thrilled to use your current file. If you need a new subscription, we have monthly pricing as cheap as $15 a month and up (depending on how many users you have and your needs within QBO).

Why Not Just Hire Someone In-House?

Because it’ll cost you $80,000–$100,000+ a year (plus benefits, plus training, plus you crossing your fingers they don’t quit during tax season).

With Cherokee CPA, you get an entire team of pros for a fraction of that cost — and no awkward office birthday parties required. 🎂


The Bottom Line

We keep pricing predictable, fair, and customized to your business. No one-size-fits-all. No hidden surprises. Just straight-up, year-round support from a team that actually cares about your success.

👉 Ready to see your custom plan? schedule a free consultation today.

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