How much does basic accounting cost for a company in Switzerland?

Cost overview for accounting services by legal form

Accounting costs in Switzerland vary considerably depending on the legal form, size, and complexity of your company. The legal form is the most important cost factor, as different types of companies have different legal requirements and reporting obligations.

Guide prices by company type (estimate)

Why do costs vary depending on the legal form?

Sole proprietorship: Simplest structure

Lowest costs due to minimal requirements:

• Simple accounting in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations
• Tax return for natural persons (personal taxes)
• No complex capital structures
• Often no VAT liability for low turnover

LLC: Medium complexity

Higher costs due to legal entity status:

• Double-entry accounting with balance sheet and income statement
• Separate tax return for legal entities
• Capital statement and reserve account
• Shareholders' meetings and corporate governance

PLC: Highest requirements

Premium prices due to comprehensive regulations:

• Extended accounting regulations in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations
• Board of directors and general meeting documentation
• Complex capital structures and types of reserves
• Often subject to audit and corresponding coordination

Standard scope of services

Core services for all legal forms

What is normally included:

• Ongoing financial accounting with recording of all business transactions
• VAT returns (if subject to VAT)
• Annual financial statements in accordance with the legal form
• Tax returns for legal entities or natural persons
• Basic advice on accounting and tax issues

Optional additional services

Frequently booked extensions:

• Payroll accounting and personnel administration
• Accounts receivable management and dunning
• Accounts payable monitoring and payment proposals
• Advanced consulting and tax optimization
• Controlling and business analyses

Main cost factors in detail

Business volume and number of documents

The most important variable cost factor:

• 10-50 documents/month: Basic price range
• 51-100 documents/month: Medium price range
• 101-200 documents/month: Upper price range
• Over 200 documents/month: Premium price range

VAT status and complexity

Significant impact on costs:

No VAT liability:

• Annual savings: CHF 600-1,200
• Simpler booking structure
• Less processing effort

VAT liable (net tax rate):

• Additional costs: CHF 150-300 per quarter
• Simplified billing
• Standardized processes

VAT liable (effective method):

• Additional costs: CHF 200-400 per quarter
• Detailed input tax recording
• Higher processing effort

Personnel costs as a cost driver

Employees significantly increase complexity:

• Managing director without other employees: CHF 100-300 additional/month
• 1-5 employees: CHF 300-600 additional/month
• 6-15 employees: CHF 600-1,200 additional/month
• More than 15 employees: Individual agreements

Industry and business model

Different activities require different levels of effort:

Simple services:

• Consulting, IT services, freelancers
• Few, standardized booking processes
• Lower price range

Trade and e-commerce:

• Goods receipts and issues
• Inventory management
• Online shop integrations
• Middle price range

Production and processing:

• Asset accounting
• Cost center accounting
• Raw material and finished goods valuation
• Upper price range

Financial services:

• Regulatory requirements
• Special reporting obligations
• Compliance documentation
• Premium price range

Regional price differences

Swiss market regions

Location influences pricing:

Large cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel):

• 10-20% above the national average
• Higher wage costs for trustees
• Premium services and specialization

Medium-sized cities and agglomerations:

• Average market prices
• Balanced price-performance ratio
• Good accessibility and service

Rural areas:

• 10-15% below national average
• More personal service
• Often longer travel times

Online providers:

• Location-independent pricing
• Often cheaper due to automation
• Digital working methods as standard

Understanding pricing models

Monthly flat rates

Most widespread and predictable:

• Advantages: Even distribution of costs, comprehensive support
• Disadvantages: Potentially higher costs for low usage
• Suitable for: Regular business activities

Annual flat rates

Often cheaper than monthly payments:

• Advantages: 10-15% savings, easy budget planning
• Disadvantages: High upfront payment, less flexibility
• Suitable for: Stable companies with predictable expenses

Hourly billing

Flexible solution for variable requirements:

• Advantages: Payment only for actual work
• Disadvantages: Unpredictable costs, higher hourly rates
• Suitable for: Seasonal businesses or sporadic support

Hybrid models

Combination of flat rates and variable components:

• Basic flat rate for standard services
• Additional costs for special expenses
• Flexible adjustment as your business develops

Findea.ch: Transparent fixed prices for all legal forms

Findea.ch offers cost-effective accounting services starting at CHF 145 per month (excl. VAT) for all types of companies. The digital offering combines modern technology with personal support.

Findea advantages for all types of companies:

• Transparent fixed prices with no hidden additional costs
• Scalable packages for sole proprietorships to corporations
• Digital platform with online dashboard and mobile app
• Personal support from dedicated contact persons
• Complete services including annual financial statements and tax returns

Free quote: At https://www.findea.ch/en/services/accounting, you can request a non-binding quote tailored to your company.

Realize cost savings

Digital optimization

Modern working methods reduce costs:

• Digital document capture via app or upload
• Automated bank data synchronization
• Structured filing reduces processing time
• Online communication minimizes effort

Efficient collaboration

Your cooperation can significantly reduce costs:

• Regular document transmission avoids backlogs
• Complete documentation reduces queries
• Standardized formats speed up processing
• Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings

The right timing strategy

Skilful scheduling saves money:

• Annual financial statements outside the peak season (not March/April)
• Regular coordination instead of firefighting
• Early planning of tax optimizations
• Continuous support instead of sporadic emergency assistance

Avoid hidden costs

Frequent additional costs

Watch out for these potential extras:

• Software licenses for accounting programs
• Communication costs for frequent queries
• Rush fees for short deadlines
• Rework for incomplete documents
• Travel expenses for on-site appointments

Identify cost drivers

These factors often increase costs without being noticed:

• Unstructured document filing increases sorting effort
• Frequent queries due to unclear documentation
• Short-term deadlines lead to time pressure
• Special requests outside standard processes
• Poor digitization slows down processing

Evaluate quality vs. price correctly

What justifies higher prices

Premium costs may be justified in the following cases:

• Specialized industry expertise for complex business models
• Comprehensive tax advice beyond accounting
• Personal support with dedicated senior advisors
• Additional services such as controlling or financial planning
• International expertise in cross-border transactions

Warning signs of suspiciously low-priced offers

Be wary of unrealistically low prices:

• Unclear service boundaries with hidden additional costs
• Lack of qualifications or certifications
• Poor availability or long processing times
• Outdated technology without digital working methods
• No references or poor reviews

Selection recommendations for different types of companies

For individual companies

Focus on simplicity and price:

• Specialized individual company packages
• Digital providers for cost efficiency
• Flat-rate packages for planning security

For LLCs

Balance between costs and service:

• Experience with LLC structures
• Scalable solutions for growth
• Corporate governance support

For corporations

Focus on expertise and compliance:

• Specialization in stock corporation law
• Auditor coordination
• Comprehensive consulting expertise

Conclusion on company accounting costs

Accounting costs in Switzerland vary considerably depending on the legal form, scope of business, and provider selected. Sole proprietorships start at CHF 100-300 per month, LLCs at CHF 200-500, and corporations at CHF 300-700 per month. Modern, digital providers such as Findea.ch with transparent fixed prices starting at CHF 145 per month make professional accounting accessible to all types of companies. The key is to find the right balance between costs, service quality, and the specific requirements of your legal form and industry.