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 rates.
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 pay an annual price set in advance (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.
AX-Fiduciaire rates
Our prices are published and annual: you know your budget in advance. All amounts are in CHF, excluding VAT; "from" indicates a starting price for a simple file.
| Service | AX-Fiduciaire price | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Annual closing only | from CHF 1,500 per year | Very simple mandate: annual closing, balance sheet and income statement |
| Accounting with bookkeeping | from CHF 2,000 per year | Bookkeeping up to 300 entries per year, annual closing |
| More than 300 entries per year | On quote | Bookkeeping, annual closing, tailored reporting |
| Interim closing | from CHF 450 per closing | Interim accounts to steer the company during the year |
| VAT returns | from CHF 800 per year | Returns and filing with the FTA |
| Company tax return | from CHF 800 per year | Preparation and filing of the return |
| File opening | CHF 500 - 700, one-off | Takeover and set-up of the file |
| Ad hoc work | CHF 175 per hour | Accountant's hourly rate, for anything outside these services |
AX-Fiduciaire vs market comparison
Here is a complete comparison for a small business (approximately 25 entries per month, i.e. 300 per year, VAT-registered):
| Service | AX-Fiduciaire | Traditional fiduciary (hourly rate) | In-house accountant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping and annual closing | from CHF 2,000 per year | CHF 5,000 - 13,000 per year | Included in salary |
| VAT returns | from CHF 800 per year | CHF 800 - 2,000 per year | Included in salary |
| Tax return | from CHF 800 per year | CHF 500 - 1,500 | Often outsourced |
| Dedicated contact | Yes | Variable | Yes (1 person) |
| Total annual cost | from CHF 3,600 | CHF 6,300 - 16,500 | 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 | from CHF 800 per year |
| Self-employed tax return | CHF 300 - 800 | from CHF 800 per year |
| Payslip (per employee/month) | CHF 30 - 50 | from CHF 40 |
| Tax expert (per hour) | CHF 150 - 250 | CHF 350 |
| Company formation (LLC) | CHF 2,500 - 5,000 | from CHF 1,000, excluding official fees |
How to choose the right plan?
Here are our recommendations based on your profile:
Self-employed who keep their own books
The annual closing alone, from CHF 1,500 per year, is enough: we prepare the balance sheet and income statement from your accounts. The tax return is extra, from CHF 800 per year.
Small business (up to 300 entries per year)
Accounting with bookkeeping, from CHF 2,000 per year, covers bookkeeping and the annual closing. VAT returns and the company tax return are added if needed, each from CHF 800 per year.
SME (more than 300 entries per year)
The price is set on quote according to your volume. To track your profitability during the year, add interim closings, from CHF 450 each.
Large SME / 50+ employees
For larger companies, we offer a tailored offer, including administrative outsourcing (CHF 900 - 1,800 per month for 5 to 10 hours). Request a personalised quote.
AX-Fiduciaire tip: Our mandates have no annual commitment. You can start with the annual closing alone and move to accounting with bookkeeping 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.