What should the quote include?
List bank and payment accounts, transaction volume, payroll needs and the reports you want. Ask when each month will be completed and who resolves missing information.
Which charges need a closer look?
Check old-record cleanup, extra accounts, software subscriptions and year-end handover. Ask whether tax filing is included or belongs to a separate accountant.
Have the provider mark each item as included, optional or charged separately. An item left blank is a question to resolve, not something to count as free.
Before you decide
Compare a normal month and a busy month using the same list of work. Agree on how you will send receipts so avoidable chasing and corrections do not become a recurring charge.
Compare the total you would pay
Put the offers side by side using the same work, dates and quantities. Add required extras and applicable taxes to each starting price. Keep optional upgrades separate so you can choose them deliberately.
- For an hourly price: ask about minimum time, the expected hours and approval before the bill grows.
- For a package: ask about its limits, expiry and the price of work outside it.
- For a deposit: confirm whether it counts toward the total, when the balance is due and what happens if you cancel.
Keep the agreed price and work list together. If the plan changes, ask for the revised total before agreeing to the extra work.
The rewrite date records an editorial update, not a verification of local prices. How we research fees.