Accounting services for business: how to hire well
First: a one-off job or regular bookkeeping
Accounting services come in two kinds. One-off: filing a return, writing up books for past periods, preparing documents for closing a business, dealing with a notice. And regular: monthly bookkeeping, payroll, record-keeping, filings. This also decides how you pay: per task or a monthly fee.
Another important factor is the form of your business. A sole proprietorship, a private limited company, a tax-registered business and a non-profit each have a different set of filings and different risks. The type of activity matters too: trading, manufacturing, exports or services are handled differently.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You don't have to search for accounting firms through online reviews. You write a request in your own words, and accountants and firms in your area (or online) reply in the chat with a price or what it depends on. They compete for your request, so offers often get better. The best one for you is shown first, and reviews are visible next to each.
What to put in your request
- Form of business — sole proprietorship, private limited, tax-registered or not, non-profit.
- What you need — bookkeeping, filings, payroll, rebuilding old books.
- Volume — transactions per month, number of employees.
- Type of activity — trading, manufacturing, services, exports.
- One-off or regular — monthly or a single task.
- Format and city — online or meetings.
- Monthly budget — if you want to name one.
Example: “A private limited company, tax-registered, retail trade with a little export. 3 employees, about 50 transactions a month. I need bookkeeping and filings, online, Ang Mo Kio. Budget up to $89 a month.”
How to compare offers
Don't choose by the lowest figure. Ask each provider for a list: which filings they submit, whether they run payroll, keep your records, advise you, represent you before the tax department. A price difference often exists because one offer includes everything and another is only “filing the returns”.
Ask what will change the price when your volume grows. Find out who will keep your books: one dedicated accountant or a different person each time. Check whether there is a contract and who is responsible for errors.
Common mistakes
- Handing over documents at the last moment: that leads to penalties.
- Not having access to your own portals and bank.
- Not asking for confirmation that the returns were filed.
- Mixing personal and business money in one account.
For individual business owners there is a separate page on bookkeeping for sole proprietors. If you want to automate your books, see accounting software setup and support. Tax questions are best settled with a specialist. More about the service on the “How it works” page.
