How to find a good accountant for your business

Published Monday 11 May 2026

Table of contents

• Know when you need an accountant
• Choose a certified or chartered accountant
• Look for an accountant with relevant expertise
• Know what services to expect
• Understand accountant costs and pricing
• Find qualified accountant candidates
• Questions to ask potential accountants
• Protect your business data
• Consider location and accessibility
• Interview multiple candidates and negotiate fees
• Do background checks before deciding
• Trust your instincts when making the final choice
• Find the right accountant and keep your finances on track
• FAQs on choosing the right accountant

Key takeaways

• Choose a certified or chartered accountant (CA or CPA) with relevant industry experience, and verify their registration on the Tax Practitioners Board register before engaging their services
• Interview at least three candidates, request references from businesses similar to yours, and compare pricing models to find the best value for your specific needs
• Look for an accountant who uses cloud-based accounting software, prioritises data security, and can scale their services as your business grows
• Trust your instincts alongside your research; the right accountant should communicate clearly, respond promptly, and feel like a genuine partner in your business success

Know when you need an accountant

Recognising the right time to hire an accountant can save your small business money and prevent costly compliance mistakes. Several common triggers signal it's time to bring in professional support.

You might need an accountant if you're experiencing any of these situations:

• Starting a new business and needing to choose the right structure (sole trader, partnership, company, or trust)
• Your tax obligations are becoming more complex, for example, registering for GST or managing BAS lodgements
• Your business is growing and you need financial strategy, cash flow forecasting, or budgeting support
• You're spending too much time on bookkeeping and compliance instead of running your business
• You've received a notice from the ATO or need help responding to an audit
• You're planning a major change, such as hiring employees, expanding interstate, or restructuring

Even if your finances feel manageable now, an accountant can identify tax savings and growth opportunities you might miss on your own. To understand the full scope of support available, explore what an accountant does for small businesses. The earlier you get professional advice, the stronger your financial foundations will be.

Choose a certified or chartered accountant

A certified or chartered accountant has completed rigorous education, training, and professional development overseen by recognised accounting bodies. This means they're held to high ethical and competency standards that protect your business.

Here are the key qualifications to look for:

• Chartered accountant (CA): completed degree-level study plus a professional competence program that includes three years of mentored practical experience
• Certified practising accountant (CPA): met specific experience requirements and holds a professional certification, which requires a qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) member: completed relevant qualifications and ongoing professional development

Certification matters because it ensures your accountant has advanced knowledge of tax laws and is bound by ethical codes and continuing education requirements. With CPA Australia alone having more than 173,000 members worldwide, you have a large pool of qualified professionals to choose from.

Before engaging any accountant, verify their registration on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) register. The TPB is the government body that regulates tax practitioners in Australia. Searching the register confirms that your accountant is legally authorised to provide tax advice and prepare your tax returns.

Look for an accountant with relevant expertise

The right accountant for your small business should have direct experience with businesses like yours. Relevant expertise means they already understand your industry's challenges, compliance requirements, and growth opportunities.

Consider these areas when evaluating expertise:

• Experience with businesses at your revenue level and stage of growth
• Understanding of your industry's unique tax obligations, regulations, and reporting requirements
• A track record of supporting businesses as they scale
• Proficiency with cloud-based accounting software and digital workflows
• Knowledge of connecting accounting tools with other business systems

Ask potential accountants for client references and case studies that demonstrate their experience with businesses similar to yours. A good accountant should be able to point to specific examples of how they've helped businesses in your industry.

Know what services to expect

Proactive tax planning and strategic advice separate a good accountant from a great one. Understanding the range of services available helps you get the most value from the relationship.

Services you can expect from a proactive accountant include:

• Tax optimisation: identifying legal deductions and tax-efficient business structures
• Cash flow planning: providing forecasting and working capital management advice
• Business structure advice: recommending optimal entity types for tax and liability purposes
• Compliance monitoring: keeping you updated on regulatory changes affecting your business

Your accountant should also help you identify specific tax savings, such as:

• Business expense deductions for office costs, professional development, and equipment purchases
• Home office claims for the legitimate portion of utilities, rent, and maintenance costs
• Vehicle expenses based on your business use percentage
• Professional fees for legal, accounting, and consultancy costs related to your business

Be cautious of any accountant who suggests aggressive tax positions that seem too good to be true. A trustworthy professional will clearly explain the difference between legal tax planning and risky strategies, and will always document their advice properly.

Understand accountant costs and pricing

Accountant fees vary significantly depending on your business size, complexity, and the services you need. Knowing the common pricing models helps you compare quotes and negotiate confidently.

Here are the most common pricing structures:

• Hourly rates: you pay for actual time spent on your work ($100–300+ per hour)
• Fixed monthly fees: predictable costs for ongoing bookkeeping and support
• Annual packages: comprehensive service bundles for tax preparation and compliance
• Percentage of revenue: fees tied to your business turnover (typically 1–3%)

To get the best value, try these strategies:

• Request detailed written quotes from all candidates so you can compare like for like
• Ask about discounts for bundling multiple services together
• Negotiate fee adjustments as your business grows
• Discuss monthly versus quarterly payment options to suit your cash flow

When comparing costs, calculate the total annual cost under each pricing model. Consider what's included, whether the pricing scales with your growth, and whether you prefer fixed or variable costs.

Find qualified accountant candidates

Using professional directories and referral networks is the most reliable way to find qualified accountants for your small business. These resources connect you with professionals who have been vetted by recognised industry bodies.

Start your search with these professional body directories:

• CPA Australia's Find a CPA tool: search by location, specialisation, and services offered
• CA ANZ's Find a CA tool: locate chartered accountants across Australia and New Zealand
• IPA's Find an Accountant tool: search the Institute of Public Accountants directory
• Xero advisor directory: find accountants and bookkeepers experienced with Xero

Beyond directories, peer referrals are valuable. Ask other business owners in your network about their experiences. Focus on referrals from businesses similar to yours in size, industry, and complexity.

When evaluating referrals, consider these factors:

• How similar the referring business is to yours in industry, size, and structure
• Whether the accountant handles the specific services you need
• The referrer's satisfaction with communication, responsiveness, and pricing
• Whether the accountant supports businesses at your stage of growth, whether you're a sole trader, partnership, or company

You can also review client feedback on platforms like Google, LinkedIn, and industry-specific review sites to round out your research.

Questions to ask potential accountants

Asking the right questions helps you systematically compare candidates and find the accountant who fits your business best. Prepare a consistent set of questions so you can evaluate each candidate fairly.

Start by reviewing their professional credentials:

• What qualifications and certifications do you hold?
• How many years have you been in practice?
• What industries or business types do you specialise in?

Then assess their communication and working style:

• How do you prefer to communicate with clients (email, phone, video calls)?
• What's your typical turnaround time for queries?
• How do you explain complex financial concepts to non-accountants?

Ask about their technology and software approach:

• Which accounting software do you use most frequently?
• Are you open to working with your preferred platform?
• Do you use cloud-based solutions for collaboration and data sharing?

Finally, clarify how you'll divide responsibilities. You can handle routine tasks like data entry, invoice creation, and expense categorisation. You might also consider whether to hire a bookkeeper for day-to-day record-keeping. Your accountant should focus on higher-value work like bank reconciliation, tax preparation, payroll processing, and financial analysis. Cloud-based accounting software makes it simple for you and your accountant to work on the same figures securely.

Protect your business data

Your accountant will have access to sensitive financial information, so it's important to understand how they protect your data. Ask about their security practices before sharing any business records.

Key questions to ask about data protection include:

• How do you store and back up client data?
• Do you use cloud-based accounting software with built-in encryption and access controls?
• What's your process for securely sharing financial documents?
• How do you comply with Australian privacy laws and the Australian Privacy Principles?
• Do you have cyber insurance in case of a data breach?

Avoid accountants who rely on emailing spreadsheets or unencrypted files. Cloud-based accounting platforms provide a much safer way to share data, with features like role-based access, automatic backups, and audit trails.

A security-conscious accountant should also have clear policies for what happens to your data if you end the relationship. Ask whether they'll return or securely delete your records, and get this confirmed in writing.

Consider location and accessibility

Your accountant doesn't need to be in the same city, but their availability and communication style should match your preferences. Cloud-based accounting software allows accountants to work effectively from anywhere.

Benefits of working with a remote accountant:

• Access to specialists regardless of geographic location
• Often more competitive pricing than local firms
• Flexible collaboration through video calls and shared software access

Benefits of working with a local accountant:

• Face-to-face meetings when needed
• Understanding of regional business conditions and local networks
• Ability to attend important business meetings in person

Regardless of location, make sure your accountant understands the tax laws and regulations that apply to your business. If you operate across multiple states, confirm they can handle interstate compliance requirements.

Interview multiple candidates and negotiate fees

Interviewing at least three qualified candidates gives you a clear basis for comparison. Use a consistent structure so you can fairly evaluate each accountant's approach, communication style, and pricing.

Follow these steps to prepare for your interviews:

1. Prepare a standard set of questions to use with every candidate
2. Gather your financial statements, tax returns, and business plans to share during the meeting
3. List the specific accounting services and level of support you need
4. Decide which factors matter most: price, expertise, communication, or technology

During each interview, cover these topics:

1. Review their qualifications and relevant experience
2. Discuss their approach to your specific business needs
3. Learn how they work with clients and handle ongoing communication
4. Get a detailed fee structure and payment terms in writing

Don't be afraid to negotiate. Many accountants are open to adjusting their fees, especially if you can offer a long-term commitment or bundle multiple services together.

Do background checks before deciding

Checking references is one of the most important steps in choosing an accountant. Speaking directly with current and past clients gives you insight into the accountant's real-world performance.

Ask each candidate for three to five references from businesses similar to yours. Focus on recent clients (within the last one to two years) and include at least one long-term relationship.

When speaking with references, ask these questions:

• How satisfied are you with the accuracy and timeliness of their work?
• How responsive are they to questions and concerns?
• Do you feel their fees are reasonable for the services provided?
• How well do they handle complex situations or urgent requests?
• Do they meet deadlines and follow through on commitments?

Watch out for these red flags:

• Reluctance to provide references (professional accountants should offer them readily)
• Only very recent clients, which may indicate high turnover
• Vague or scripted-sounding responses from references

Keep reference calls brief (10–15 minutes) and listen carefully for hesitation. What references don't say can be just as telling as what they do.

Trust your instincts when making the final choice

After completing your research, trust your instincts alongside your analysis. You'll be sharing sensitive financial information and working closely with this person for years, so the relationship needs to feel right.

Pay attention to these positive signals:

• You feel comfortable discussing financial concerns openly
• They explain things clearly without using unnecessary jargon
• They ask thoughtful questions about your business goals
• They're transparent about their fees and processes

Be cautious if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Pressure to sign a contract immediately
• Vague or evasive answers about their experience or processes
• Unrealistic promises about tax savings or guaranteed outcomes
• Poor listening skills or a tendency to interrupt

Take your time with this decision. Sleep on it, review your notes from all your interviews, and consider who you'd want managing your finances for the long term. The right accountant becomes a trusted adviser who supports your business growth and success.

Find the right accountant and keep your finances on track

Choosing the right accountant is one of the most important decisions you can make for your small business. Pairing a trusted accountant with powerful cloud-based accounting software helps you stay on top of your finances, save time on admin, and focus on growing your business. Try Xero today and get one month free.

FAQs on choosing the right accountant

Here are some frequently asked questions about finding and choosing the right accountant for your small business.

How do you know if an accountant is good?

A good accountant communicates clearly, explains complex financial topics in plain language, and proactively offers advice tailored to your business. Look for strong qualifications (CA or CPA), positive references from other small business owners, and a genuine interest in understanding your goals. They should also be responsive, well-organised, and comfortable using modern accounting software.

How much does an accountant cost for a small business in Australia?

Costs vary depending on the services you need. A straightforward annual tax return might cost a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive monthly bookkeeping and advisory services could range from a few thousand to several thousand dollars per year. Always request a detailed written quote upfront so you can compare fees across candidates.

What's the difference between a CA, CPA, and IPA accountant?

All three are recognised professional designations in Australia, each requiring specific education and experience. Chartered accountants (CA) complete a professional competence program through Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. CPAs are certified through CPA Australia. IPA members are accredited through the Institute of Public Accountants. All three are bound by ethical codes and continuing professional development requirements.

Can you use a remote accountant for your small business?

Yes. Cloud-based accounting software makes it easy to collaborate with an accountant anywhere in Australia (or beyond). Remote accountants often offer competitive pricing and greater flexibility. The key is ensuring they understand the tax laws and regulations that apply to your business, regardless of where they're located.

How do you verify an accountant's credentials in Australia?

Search the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) register at tpb.gov.au to confirm your accountant is legally registered to provide tax services. You can also check their membership status directly with CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ, or the Institute of Public Accountants through their online directories.