There is no honest single price for “an accountant”. Cost depends on the work, volume, record quality, risk, complexity, contact level and whether you buy individual tasks or an ongoing package.
What commonly changes the fee?
Scope
Accounts and one return are different from bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, management reporting and regular meetings.
Condition of records
Clean, reconciled digital records are usually less work than incomplete, late or mixed personal and business records.
Volume and complexity
Transactions, employees, VAT schemes, multiple activities, property and international elements affect time and expertise.
Service level
A named adviser, regular planning meetings and faster response expectations may cost more than annual compliance.
How to compare quotes properly
- Give each firm the same honest information
- Ask for the included services in writing
- Identify assumptions and additional-charge triggers
- Check whether software and onboarding are included
- Understand payment frequency, review dates and notice terms
- Compare access and working relationship, not price alone
Why there is no invented price table here: publishing unsupported local figures would create false precision. Obtain written quotes for your actual circumstances.