What does accounting cost?

The cost of accounting services includes both the work performed and any software used in collaboration with the accounting firm. There are several pricing models for the labor component, such as hourly billing, transaction-based pricing, value-based pricing, and fixed pricing. Software costs typically come directly from the software provider. Let’s take a closer look at what accounting services actually cost.

Different accounting pricing models

Unfortunately, there is no single correct pricing model. For a micro-enterprise, an actual or even hourly rate might be the best fit, while larger companies typically opt for a fixed monthly fee. The industry commonly uses four main pricing models, often combined in various ways.

What software do we use – and why?

At Valjas, we use modern and reliable financial management tools to make things smoother for both our team and our clients. Our main accounting software is Netvisor, which enables real-time financial tracking, automated processes, and seamless collaboration between the entrepreneur and our accounting team. We also work with Procountor, especially for clients who already use it or whose needs match its features. It’s a user-friendly option for managing day-to-day finances, invoices, and reporting. Payroll is also handled with Netvisor and Procountor.

For expense management we recommend Bezala and Zevoy – both make it easy for employees to snap a photo of a receipt, categorize the cost, and send it straight to accounting. These tools save time, reduce errors, and keep your records tidy without the paper clutter.

By choosing the right software for each task, we ensure accuracy, efficiency, and transparency — and help our clients stay one step ahead.

Hourly billing

In the hourly rate model, you pay based on the time your accountant spends on your finances. This means that your monthly invoice can fluctuate significantly. Additionally, each financial year requires the preparation of financial statements and a tax return (for limited companies), which can cost 2 to 3 times the usual monthly workload.

In regional areas, hourly rates typically start at €55–60 (VAT 0%), whereas in the capital region, where accountant salaries are higher, pricing reflects this. Based on my experience, hourly rates in the Helsinki area range from €65 to €95 (VAT 0%).

Efficiency also plays a role in pricing. An experienced accountant may process materials faster, reducing the total hours billed—but this is not always a given.

Export debit note

In transaction-based pricing, costs are determined by the number of accounting entries made. For example, a single bank transaction generates two accounting entries, as it affects two different accounts. If the transaction includes VAT, it may create two or three entries, depending on the accounting software.

This pricing model has become outdated, especially with the rise of electronic financial management. The number of entries can vary based on both the accountant’s workflow and the software used.

I once attended a product training session where a competing accounting entrepreneur was struggling with this issue. They realized that switching to a new accounting software would significantly increase the number of entries, but they couldn’t pass these additional costs on to their clients. The discussion consumed much of the session, yet in the end, the entrepreneur didn’t switch to a more logical pricing model—despite the clear inefficiencies.

Transaction based pricing

The accounting price is based on the actual amounts realised. A voucher refers to a single accounting transaction. For example, you send a sales invoice to a customer, this creates one voucher in the accounting. Or you receive a purchase invoice from a customer, this is also one voucher in the accounting.

The preparation of financial statements and tax returns is usually charged separately under this model.

Fixed Pricing Model

Fixed pricing has become increasingly common in recent years. The cost is typically based on transaction volume, usually measured in accounting entries (vouchers). For example, a fixed-price package might include 20 transactions per month, while others use a tiered system—0–10 vouchers, 11–25 vouchers, and so on. Billing is done retroactively based on the actual number of transactions. You submit your financial data, the accountant processes it, and you are invoiced accordingly.

Fixed-price packages can start at under €100 per month, but it’s essential to check what’s included. Financial statement preparation and tax returns are often charged separately. Additionally, some packages don’t include advisory services, meaning you might have to pay extra for consultations.

Some firms advertise low-cost fixed pricing for SMEs, but these often lack essential services, leading to extra hourly charges. For instance, I once encountered a case where a firm’s package did not include processing receipts for card purchases, which were instead billed separately at an hourly rate. Considering most companies have at least some card transactions, this can quickly lead to unexpected costs.

Fixed pricing offers predictability—ideal if you want certainty over your accounting expenses. It also eliminates differences in efficiency between accountants, ensuring you pay for results rather than time.

At Valjas, we primarily use fixed pricing, but for some clients, an hourly model is more suitable—especially when the workload is difficult to estimate. In some cases, clients prefer hourly billing for flexibility.

Payroll pricing

The cost of payroll services depends on what’s included. Payroll processing is a common addition to accounting services, and it is typically charged per payslip—meaning you pay a set fee for each salary calculation. The standard price is €15–20 per payslip (VAT 0%). If automated time-tracking software is used and the company has over 50 employees, the price often decreases.

The service description should clearly outline what’s included in the per-payslip fee. Additional services, such as manual payslip adjustments or notifications to Kela, are usually billed separately. Similarly, more in-depth advisory services on topics like employment contracts or collective agreements may come at an extra cost.

I’ve also come across firms that charge per payslip for payroll but use hourly billing for accounting. In such cases, how can the client be sure that payroll-related tasks aren’t double-billed under the hourly rate? Transparency in pricing is crucial to avoid unexpected costs.

Accounting management software

Pricing for financial management software is often complex and difficult to navigate. For example, both Netvisor and Procountor have dozens of different pricing tiers, making it challenging for non-experts to determine the actual cost. For a one-person business, the starting price is typically around €20–30 per month (VAT 0%), but costs can quickly increase based on factors like the number of invoices sent and received.

When choosing accounting software, avoid getting locked into a system that ties you to a specific accounting firm. Some solutions, like Talenom Online, cannot be transferred elsewhere—meaning you’d have to change both your accounting firm and software to switch providers. Even with more traditional software, switching can be complicated or costly. For example, Visma Fivaldi allows clients to transfer their environment to another accounting firm, but the old firm may charge additional fees on top of Visma’s standard transfer cost.

By contrast, Netvisor and Procountor offer more flexibility—you can easily transfer them to another accounting firm or even bring financial management in-house if needed.

How do I compare offers?

• The basis for payroll pricing? Does the payday matter for pricing? I have come across some competitors where the most popular paydays, the 15th and the last of the month, cost more in payroll.
• What is the timetable for closing the month, i.e. when are the accounts completed each month? Will a tighter schedule cost extra?

In the pricing of the harness, we have included the preparation of financial statements and tax returns in the fixed monthly fee. Competitors often do not include these in the price and when comparing quotes, remember to also take into account the cost of preparing the accounts, which can be a significant cost on an annual basis.

The following point is not directly related to pricing, but is worth bearing in mind when choosing an accountancy firm. Check the experience of the accounting firm in your business sector. Accountants are not experts in all fields, although this may sometimes be thought to be the case. For example, there are many different aspects to managing the accounts of businesses such as car dealerships, construction companies, care homes, restaurants and health service providers.

Pricing examples*

Below are some indicative examples of pricing for accounting, payroll and software. We price each client individually based on the volume of transactions and the client’s business. For example, the cost of accounting is increased by different sales channels. For example, the cost of accounting for e-commerce sales increases.

The Netvisor transaction fees shown below are always based on the actual volumes of the customer and are billed according to the actual transaction. In practice, invoice volumes always vary from month to month and the cost of the software lives on the transaction volumes.

All example prices below are subject to VAT 0%

One-person professional services firm

Turnover of €100 000 per year, the company employs the entrepreneur himself. The client sends 5 sales invoices and receives 8 purchase invoices per month. The entrepreneur draws a salary once a month. 1 Bezala user.

• Share of accounting work 160 € / month
• Payroll 20 €/ month
• Bezala 9,90 € / month
• Netvisor software;
  • Core package 46 € / month
  • Payroll charge 6 € / month
  • Transaction fees (e.g. sending and receiving e-invoices) 21 € / month

=Total 262,9 € / month

Startup company

Turnover is not yet accumulating. Business expenses per year, i.e. cash burn of €250 000 per year. 3 employees. 10 purchase invoices per month, 25 receipts per month. 3 Bezala users.

• Accounting work 200 € / month
• Payroll 3 x 20 = 60 € / month
• Bezala 3 x 9,90 € = 29,70 € / month
• Netvisor software;
  • Core package 46 € / month
  • Payroll charge 3 x 6 = 18 € / month
  • Transaction fees (e.g. sending and receiving e-invoices) 28,70 € / month

=Total 382,4 € / month

A service business employing four people, for example a restaurant

Turnover 280 000 euros per year, four salaries per month. 5 sales invoices are sent per month, the majority of sales are generated through the POS system. 35 purchase invoices per month, 15 receipts per month. There are 2 Bezala users.

• Accounting work 350 € / month
• Payroll 4 x 20 = 80 € / month
• Bezala 2 x 9,90 € = 19,80 € / month
• Netvisor software;
  • Core package 108 € / month
  • Payroll charge 4 x 6 = 24 € / month
  • Transaction fees (e.g. sending and receiving e-invoices) 62,19 € / month

=Total 643,99 € / month

Expert services, for example, an IT services company or an advertising agency

Turnover 1 2000 000 euro, 12 employees, 40 purchase invoices received per month, 30 sales invoices sent per month and 5 Bezala users.

Total

• Share of accounting work 800 € / month
• Payroll 4 x 20 = 80 € / month
• Bezala 5 x 9,90 € = 49,50 € / month
• Netvisor software;
  • Professional package 360 € / month
  • Payroll charge 13 x 4,46 = 57,98 € / month
  • Transaction fees (e.g. sending and receiving e-invoices) 117,14 € / month

=Total 1464,62 € / month

*prices updated 2025, prices may vary.

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