Fees for these consultations can sometimes be difficult to quote upfront, especially if the work is more than a basic tax return. As the accountant begins the work it may become far more complex than was first thought, and if the business owner has agreed on an hourly rate, a couple of hours of work can quickly increase from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
Some accounting firms offer fixed price agreements, which provide their clients with some certainty regarding the fees, but this is usually a private arrangement that is not universally available. For the business owner, finding out if the fees they are being charged are fair and comparable to others doing the same work can be difficult.
Our expert accountants have put together a short summary of things to consider when looking at accounting firms.
Things to consider
There are several regulatory and professional bodies that can assist. Before choosing an accountant, regardless of fee arrangements, business owners should check credentials. Ensure the accountant is a member of a professional body such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Institute of Public Accountants or Certified Practising Accountants Australia.
Members must have an accredited tertiary qualification and comply with a set of professional standards. If a client feels their accountant has not complied with these standards, they can make a complaint to the relevant professional body. Business owners should also be aware that only registered tax agents can prepare and lodge tax returns. Accountants who are doing this work must also be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.
As with most decisions, a good place to start is by seeking recommendations from other business owners, including asking them about the fees they are paying. In Australia, the accountancy profession is not regulated so there are no scheduled fees. The marketplace is the final arbitrator of accounting fees, which ensures they stay competitive.
How Carbon Accounting & Tax can help
Our accounting experts set out to give their clients the tools and information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to their business. As small business owners ourselves, we understand the day-to-day struggles that small business owners deal with and we want to help relieve a bit of that stress. Get in touch with our accountants today to start making better and more informed decisions for your business.
