Introduction

Many business owners in New Zealand look at their accountant’s invoice and wonder, “Why are accounting fees so expensive?” It’s a fair question — and one that usually comes down to misunderstanding what actually goes into quality accounting work.

Behind accurate financial statements, correct tax filings, solid advice, and trustworthy support, there is time, skill, structure, and risk that most people never see.

This guide breaks down:
✔️ How accounting fees in NZ are calculated
✔️ The real time involved in preparing your accounts
✔️ The difference between junior and senior CA work
✔️ Why good accounting often saves you far more than it costs

Let’s demystify the numbers.

What Does a Chartered Accountant Cost in New Zealand?

While every firm charges differently, here are the realistic industry rates:

⏱ Junior Accountant / Intermediate Accountant:

$175 per hour
This covers tasks such as:

• initial reconciliations
• preparing working papers
• drafting financial statements
• GST returns
• basic calculations

⏱ Chartered Accountant Senior Review / Advisory:

$300 per hour
This rate applies to:

• reviewing financial statements
• complex tax matters
• strategic advice
• IRD communication
• high-risk decision making

⏱ Large National Firms:

• Junior staff: $450+/hour
• Partners: $600–$1,000+/hour

If you’re paying $1,200–$2,000 annually, you’re likely receiving mass-produced work — fast, cheap, and low value.
A decent accountant doesn’t operate like that.

Why Do Accounting Fees Seem High? The Skill & Responsibility Behind the Hourly Rate

1. Nearly a Decade of Training

A Chartered Accountant typically trains for around 10 years:

• 3–4 years Bachelor’s Degree
• 3 years CA professional qualification
• 3+ years hands-on advisory experience

That depth of training allows a CA to confidently advise you on financial, legal, and tax matters that have real consequences.

2. Managing Financial & Tax Risk

Accountants protect you from:

• IRD penalties
• incorrect GST filings
• payroll errors
• compliance breaches
• cashflow danger
• poor business structuring

A mistake can cost thousands. A good accountant reduces that risk dramatically.

3. Behind Every “Simple” Set of Accounts Is a Lot of Work

Even the most straightforward business requires substantial work to ensure accuracy, compliance, and risk-free reporting.

Where Do Your Accounting Fees Go? Full Breakdown (Updated With $175 Junior Rate)

Let’s break down a standard single-entity annual accounting job.

Annual Accounting Workflow

Total Estimated Time:

10–15 hours

Total Estimated Cost:

$2,425 – $3,125 (for basic compliance)

This excludes:

• year-round advice
• IRD discussions
• structuring
• forecasting
• cashflow support

GST Compliance:

Add 4–6 hours per year
Cost: $700 – $1,050

“Can I Do It Myself?” – Why DIY Accounting Is a Trap

Technically, yes — you can do your own accounting.

But here’s the reality:

• A junior accountant takes 10–15 hours
• A business owner will take 30–40 hours
• AND likely get key things wrong

Example:
If you miscalculate provisional tax on $100k income, you could face:

• $1,250 late payment penalty
• $2,500 interest charges

A $3,750 mistake — all because of one incorrect assumption.

DIY accounting is slow, stressful, and often expensive in the long run.

Advisory Accounting: The Premium Level Most Businesses Should Have

If you want more than just “lodged tax returns,” you’ll want strategic support.

A CA-led advisory package usually includes:

• 2–3 strategy meetings
• proactive tax planning
• business performance insights
• budgeting & forecasting
• structure reviews
• risk management
• unlimited queries

Expected additional cost:
$1,000–$2,000 per year

This is where businesses usually see the highest return on investment.

So, What Should a NZ Business Budget for Accounting Each Year?

A reasonable annual budget for quality accounting is:

💰 $3,000 – $7,000 per year

This includes:

• annual financial statements
• income tax returns
• GST returns
• CA review
• advisory touchpoints throughout the year

For most NZ small–medium businesses, this is the true cost of accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.

The Hidden Value of a Good Accountant

A quality accountant:

• Saves you time
• Reduces tax
• Prevents IRD penalties
• Improves profitability
• Guides major financial decisions
• Helps during cashflow problems
• Supports growth and strategy
• Reduces stress and uncertainty

When a Chartered Accountant truly understands your business, the relationship becomes one of your greatest assets.

Conclusion: Accounting Fees Are Not an Expense — They’re an Investment

Quality accounting protects your business, your wealth, and your peace of mind.
When you consider:

• the training
• the time
• the expertise
• the risk
• and the value of the advice

…it becomes clear that accounting fees are not just a cost — they’re a return-generating investment in your business's financial health.