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BUSINESS ADVICE •  2 JANUARY 2026 • 7 MIN READ

How to find the right accountant for your business

Cafe business owners looking at a laptop (representing a search for an accountant).

Maybe you’ve just started a small business and are thinking about hiring an accountant. Or you may have been in the business for a while and feel ready to hire a professional. Finding the right accountant for your small business is not easy.

Considering a lot of small businesses are on a tight budget, the cost of hiring external help is always an important consideration. However, a good accountant for small businesses acts as a financial and business adviser in ways you might not expect.

In this blog, we will explain:

  • What an accountant does
  • How to find the right small business accountant
  • How much does an accountant cost
  • When to hire an accountant
  • How to work with an accountant

What an accountant does

A good accountant provides essential support for your business. While compliance is part of the job (and the most well-known part), it's rarely the full picture. 

Most accountants provide support in the following areas:

Compliance and filings

Accountants handle essential compliance work such as preparing tax returns, filing accounts with Inland Revenue, ensuring GST submissions are accurate, and managing any other tax obligations.

Tax strategy

Accountants identify legitimate tax minimisation opportunities in line with current legislation. They advise on structure, remuneration, dividends, and other tax considerations to ensure decisions are made with clarity and understanding.

Financial insight and reporting

Beyond compliance, accountants can turn financial data into meaningful reports that show how the business is performing throughout the year. This often includes profitability, margins, cash flow and trends, with a focus on explaining what the numbers mean in practical terms.

Planning and strategy

Accountants also support forward-planning, whether that’s budgeting and cash flow forecasting or assessing the financial impact of growth decisions such as hiring, expansion, or pricing changes. Data-led professional advice helps businesses plan with confidence.

Software assistance

Many businesses use accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks. Accountants can help set systems up correctly, ensure data is reliable, and resolve issues or discrepancies when things don't line up.

Ongoing support

Accountants often act as a sounding board as questions arise throughout the year. This support helps business owners make informed decisions and stay on top of their obligations.

When is the right time to get an accountant?

There's no single moment that applies to every business, but certain milestones often trigger the need for support.

These can include:

  • Starting a business or changing structure: Setting things up correctly from the outset helps avoid problems later. An accountant can advise on business structure, registration requirements, and ongoing obligations. 
  • Business growth or increased complexity: Growth often brings new challenges. As complexity increases, so does the risk of errors without proper support. Accountants can support you through these changes such as when you're hiring staff, opening and operating new locations, or dealing with different currencies.
  • GST registration: GST adds another layer of reporting and record-keeping. Many businesses that haven’t worked with an accountant previously may choose to at this stage to ensure they’re compliant.
  • Dealing with the IRD or upcoming deadlines: If tax deadlines or a letter from the IRD causes stress or uncertainty, that's usually an indicator you need external support.
  • Applying for finance or investment: Preparing for loans, investment, or buying or selling a business requires clear, credible financial information. Accountants play a key role in getting everything in order and presenting the business accurately.

It’s also worth considering how much time you’re currently spending on accounting-related tasks compared to your hourly pay. If your hourly rate is $100 and you spend 10 hours a month on accounting tasks, you’re losing $1000 per month at a minimum. If an accountant takes on that work, you’ll likely pay a lot less, and you’ve gained 10 hours that you can use for something else, whether that’s generating more revenue or having some extra downtime.

Tips for finding the right accountant for your business

Not all accountants work in the same way. Finding the right accountant comes down to how well they support you and your business.

Communication style

Your accountant should be able to explain complex issues in plain terms so decisions are easier to make. 

Staying up to date

Tax rules and reporting requirements change regularly. A good accountant keeps up with these changes and flags what's relevant to your business. 

Accessibility

Response times and availability can make a significant difference. Knowing when and how you can get support is often more important than meeting face to face. Waiting weeks for answers can hold your business back.

Working style

Many modern accountants use cloud-based systems, making professional support accessible without a local office or in-person meetings. The most important thing is that your accountant works as a trusted partner, not just a service provider.

Trust and integrity

Your accountant sees sensitive financial information, so trust is essential. A good accountant acts with integrity, providing honest advice and safeguarding your business’s information at every stage.

Key questions to ask or consider when choosing an accountant

  • What does the year-end process look like?
  • How do you help clients minimise tax and plan ahead?
  • What services are included vs optional add-ons?
  • What level of ongoing support can I expect?
  • How will we communicate day to day?

These questions reveal how an accountant actually works, rather than just what services they offer.

Accounting costs and what affects the price

The cost of an accountant in New Zealand depends on your business and the support you’re after. For example, a sole trader with one client and minimal transactions will pay much less than a larger company with employees, stock and more complex reporting.

At the lower end, micro businesses that only want income tax support may only pay a few hundred dollars per year. Small to medium-sized businesses typically pay around $2000 - $5000 per entity per year, either as a fixed monthly rate or an hourly charge.

Several factors influence the cost:

  • Business size and structure
  • Complexity
  • Timing (seeking help right before a deadline can increase fees)
  • Quality of record keeping
  • Experience and qualifications (Chartered accountants often charge more)
  • Location, with higher fees often seen in larger cities (due to larger overheads)
  • Services provided

When assessing the cost of an accountant, value matters more than finding the lowest price. Remember, accounting fees are also tax-deductible, so the cost is partially offset. A good accountant who also works as a trusted business advisor is worth their weight in gold.

So, do you actually need an accountant?

Some very small or simple businesses manage their own accounts at the start. That can work for a time, but as the business grows, obligations increase and decisions carry more weight. Professional support becomes increasingly important. 

For many businesses, an accountant becomes a long-term partner rather than a one-off resource. By working with an accountant year-round you get clearer visibility on your numbers and can make data-driven decisions.

How Beany supports businesses

Beany works with New Zealand businesses that want modern accounting support without relying on traditional physical offices. The focus is on compliance, clarity, and ongoing guidance that helps business owners understand their numbers and make better decisions. 

If you're exploring your options or thinking about switching accountants, a conversation can help you work out what level of support makes sense for your business, without pressure or commitment. Get in touch or book a free consultation to discuss your accounting requirements.

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