The cost of accounting is a central question for every business in Switzerland. Whether you are self-employed, a start-up or an established SME, understanding the different options and their prices helps you make the best choice for your budget. This guide compares 2026 market rates, the different formulas available and AX-Fiduciaire packages.
The different options for managing your accounting
In Switzerland, three main options are available to you:
- In-house accountant: you hire an accountant on a full-time or part-time basis
- Fiduciary at hourly rate: you entrust the accounting to a fiduciary that charges by the hour
- Fiduciary with fixed package: you subscribe to an all-inclusive monthly package (as at AX-Fiduciaire)
Cost of an in-house accountant
Hiring an in-house accountant represents a significant investment:
| Cost item | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| Gross salary (qualified accountant, Geneva) | CHF 72,000 - 90,000 |
| Employer social charges (~15%) | CHF 10,800 - 13,500 |
| BVG (occupational pension) | CHF 5,000 - 8,000 |
| Continuing education | CHF 1,000 - 3,000 |
| Accounting software (licence) | CHF 1,200 - 5,000 |
| Office space (workstation) | CHF 6,000 - 12,000 |
| Holiday/illness replacement | CHF 2,000 - 5,000 |
| Annual total | CHF 98,000 - 136,500 |
To these costs add the risk of dependence on a single person. In case of departure or extended absence, accounting continuity may be compromised.
Hourly rates of fiduciaries in Switzerland
Hourly rates vary according to the professional's qualification level and the region:
| Profile | Hourly rate | Typical assignments |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting assistant | CHF 80 - 120 | Entry recording, filing |
| Qualified accountant | CHF 120 - 150 | Bookkeeping, VAT, annual closing |
| Fiduciary expert | CHF 150 - 200 | Annual closing, tax advisory, audit |
| Certified accountant | CHF 180 - 250 | Audit, strategic advisory, structuring |
With an hourly rate, the total cost depends on the number of hours required, which varies according to transaction volume and accounting complexity. For a typical SME, expect between 5 and 20 hours per month, or a monthly budget of CHF 600 to CHF 3,000.
Monthly packages: the AX-Fiduciaire solution
Our monthly packages offer total cost predictability and comprehensive coverage of accounting needs:
| Plan | Start-up | SE | ME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | CHF 149.- | CHF 229.- | CHF 349.- |
| Annual price | CHF 1,788.- | CHF 2,748.- | CHF 4,188.- |
| Entries/month | 40 | 80 | 150 |
| Bookkeeping | Included | Included | Included |
| VAT return | Included | Included | Included |
| Annual closing | Included | Included | Included |
| Tax return | Included | Included | Included |
| Monthly reporting | - | Included | Included |
| Budget forecast | - | - | Included |
AX-Fiduciaire vs market comparison
Here is a complete comparison for a typical SME (approximately 60 entries/month, VAT-registered):
| Service | AX-Fiduciaire (SE package) | Traditional fiduciary (hourly rate) | In-house accountant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping (monthly) | Included | CHF 600 - 1,500/month | Included in salary |
| VAT return (quarterly) | Included | CHF 200 - 500/quarter | Included in salary |
| Annual closing | Included | CHF 2,000 - 5,000 | Often outsourced |
| Tax return | Included | CHF 500 - 1,500 | Often outsourced |
| Dedicated contact | Yes | Variable | Yes (1 person) |
| Total annual cost | CHF 2,748 | CHF 10,000 - 25,000 | CHF 98,000 - 136,500 |
The AX-Fiduciaire package represents savings of 70 to 90% compared to traditional solutions, while offering the same level of service and expertise.
What factors influence accounting costs?
Transaction volume
This is the primary factor. A company with 20 entries per month will cost significantly less than a company with 200 monthly entries. Volume depends on the number of invoices issued and received, bank movements and payroll entries.
Business complexity
Certain activities are more complex to account for:
- Import/export: import VAT, customs clearance, foreign currencies
- Multi-currency: exchange differences, balance sheet conversion
- Real estate: property management, complex depreciation, capital gains
- E-commerce: numerous micro-transactions, multiple marketplaces
- Holding: investments, intercompany dividends, transfer pricing
Number of employees
Each employee generates additional entries: monthly salaries, social charges, BVG contributions, annual AHV returns, salary certificates. The more employees you have, the greater the accounting volume.
VAT registration
Companies registered for VAT must maintain more detailed accounting (breakdown by VAT rate, reconciliation) and produce quarterly returns. The choice between the effective method and the flat-rate net tax debt method also impacts accounting work.
Working method
Digitalisation reduces costs. If you submit your documents digitally (scan, bank export), data entry work is reduced. Using automated bank accounting (in Odoo or Bexio) can reduce the number of hours required by 20 to 40%.
Cost of ancillary services
Beyond bookkeeping and closing, certain services are generally charged separately on the market:
| Service | Average market price | AX-Fiduciaire |
|---|---|---|
| Company tax return | CHF 500 - 1,500 | Included in package |
| Self-employed tax return | CHF 300 - 800 | From CHF 250 |
| Payslip (per employee/month) | CHF 30 - 50 | On request |
| Tax advisory (per hour) | CHF 150 - 250 | CHF 150 |
| Company formation (LLC) | CHF 2,500 - 5,000 | From CHF 2,500 |
How to choose the right plan?
Here are our recommendations based on your profile:
Self-employed / Freelance (< 40 entries/month)
The Start-up plan at CHF 149/month is ideal. It covers all your needs: bookkeeping, VAT, annual closing and company tax return.
Small business / 1-10 employees (40-80 entries/month)
The SE plan at CHF 229/month is recommended. It includes monthly reporting that gives you regular visibility on your company's financial health.
SME / 10-50 employees (80-150 entries/month)
The ME plan at CHF 349/month offers comprehensive support with budget forecasting and variance analysis, essential for managing a company of this size.
Large SME / 50+ employees (150+ entries/month)
For larger companies, we offer custom packages. Request a personalised quote.
AX-Fiduciaire tip: Our packages have no annual commitment. You can start with the Start-up plan and upgrade to the SE or ME plan as your business grows.
Why price should not be the only criterion
The lowest price is not always the best choice. Here are the essential criteria to evaluate:
- Service quality: accuracy of accounts, meeting deadlines, responsiveness
- Tax expertise: a good accountant saves you far more in taxes than their fees. See our tax optimisation guides
- Transparency: clear pricing, no surprises or hidden fees
- Technology: modern tools, real-time data access
- Comprehensive approach: accounting, taxation, payroll integrated under one roof
Ready to optimise your accounting costs? Request your free quote and receive a personalised offer within 24 hours.