Accounting fees and your first appointment: what to ask

A useful accounting quote starts with a clear description of the work. Before comparing fees, make sure you are comparing the same service, period and level of support.

Regans provides a quote before work begins. This guide explains how to prepare for that conversation; it does not set a new price list or promise a free consultation.

Describe the outcome you need

Explain whether you need an individual tax return, business tax work, ongoing bookkeeping, BAS support, payroll or help understanding your records. If several jobs are involved, list them separately.

Say which period needs attention, whether another adviser has completed part of the work and whether an obligation is approaching. Do not assume an initial enquiry means the work has been accepted.

What can affect the scope?

The work required can depend on the entities involved, the number and type of records, how current the bookkeeping is, the periods outstanding and the complexity of the circumstances. Ongoing support and a one-off job can involve different responsibilities.

Missing records, unreconciled transactions or work outside the initial request may need to be discussed before a final scope is clear. Ask how any additional work would be explained and agreed.

Questions worth asking about a quote

What service and reporting periods are included? What information do I need to supply? Is catch-up work included or separate? Who will maintain the records between appointments? What happens if the scope changes? How and when will payment be arranged?

If a price is described as a starting price, ask how it applies to your circumstances. A headline amount is not a personalised quote.

What should I prepare?

Bring a short description of your circumstances, your main questions and a list of the records available. Business owners should note their accounting software, the last period completed and any unresolved items. You can use the Business Readiness Kit to organise this without putting sensitive details into a general enquiry.

Ask the team for the appropriate way to provide documents. Do not send passwords, authentication codes or detailed personal identifiers in a social message.

Requesting an appointment

Use the appointment request page or call (02) 4774 9090. The team will contact you to confirm the next step and discuss what is needed. The request itself does not confirm an appointment time, fee or completion date.

The office is in Gregory Hills. See the Macarthur office guide for the full address and current hours.

For businesses, Regans bookkeeping services provide a starting point for discussing records, payroll and reporting support.