LEARNING CENTER

August 24, 2023

Understanding the Investment: How Much Does Monthly Accounting Cost?

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At Cherokee CPA, we believe in transparency when it comes to pricing. We'll break down our fee structure so you can gain a clear understanding of the investment involved. Additionally, we'll highlight the significant cost-effectiveness of choosing an outsourced accounting firm compared to hiring a full-time in-person accountant.

The Varied Landscape of Monthly Accounting Fees 

Understanding the cost of monthly accounting services involves considering several factors, including the complexity of your financial statements and your company's accounting activity. At Cherokee CPA, we tailor our fees to match your specific needs, acknowledging that there's no "one size fits all" solution.

Navigating the Average Cost 

Let's delve into the numbers. For an average small business client – one with either a complex accounting situation encompassing around 50 business transactions per month or a more straightforward scenario with just under 100 business transactions monthly – the average accounting fee tends to be approximately $500 per month. However, fees can range from $400 to $1,500+ per month based on activity levels and complexities.

It's important to note that our pricing structure involves a fixed monthly fee, covering essential services like bank reconciliations, monthly profit & loss statements, balance sheets, business tax work, sales tax filings, audit representation, and unlimited one-off questions. This fee is established at the conclusion of your discovery meeting and after examining your current financials.  It is also reviewed annually to accommodate any changes in accounting activity and other variables.

Factors Influencing Monthly Accounting Rates

Two main factors influence your monthly fee:

1. Number of Accounts and Monthly Business Transactions 

The number of checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, loans and volume of business transactions conducted each month plays a significant role in determining your fee. Our pricing is largely shaped by what we call your “complexity scored”. Revenue is also a factor in this score. Added revenue and more transactions require additional time and effort from our accountants to maintain accurate books and statements.

2. Complexities in Accounting Services 

The intricacies of your accounting needs also influence your fee. These complexities can include:

- Multiple business locations: If your business operates in multiple locations, the workload for our accountants increases. Separate profit and loss statements for each location and potential additional tax filings contribute to the added complexity.

- Sales tax management: Outsourcing sales tax filings adds a layer of complexity. While it saves you time, it requires our accountants to calculate the tax and manage the filing process.

- Additional Factors: Other factors like large inventories, additional owners and software integrations all add a layer of complexity for our staff accountants and affect your pricing.

Cost-Effective Outsourcing vs In-Person Hiring 

Hiring an in-person, full-time accountant can incur substantial costs, often ranging from $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially when considering salary, benefits, and other expenses. In contrast, partnering with an outsourced accounting firm, such as Cherokee CPA, offers cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. Annually, our fees are only a portion of what a full-time hire expense would be.

Unlocking Financial Efficiency with Cherokee CPA 

When it comes to monthly accounting costs, Cherokee CPA's transparent fee structure ensures you understand the investment. From tailored pricing based on your needs to the substantial cost savings of outsourcing, we're here to provide your small business with a seamless and affordable solution. If you're ready to explore how Cherokee CPA can empower your financial management, schedule a free consultation today. Your financial success is our priority, and we're dedicated to helping you achieve it without breaking the bank.

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CHEROKEE CPA SERVICES PC

101 Mountain Brook Drive, Suite 101
Canton, Georgia 30115
Monday - Friday 9am-5pm