Cost of an Accountant in Switzerland (2026): Rates, Fees & Hidden

In 2026, average hourly rates range from CHF 120 (junior) to CHF 250 (expert). Full accounting costs around CHF 1,500–3,000 per year for sole proprietors and CHF 300–800 per month for corporations (excluding payroll). Private tax returns typically cost between CHF 150 and CHF 500+. Be cautious with “low-cost” digital providers that charge extra for every entry or call.

The opacity of fiduciary rates: breaking the taboo

You’ve likely experienced this before. You browse the website of a fiduciary in Geneva or Zurich, look for the "Rates" tab, and find... a contact form. Not a single number. Nothing.

Why the silence? Because in Swiss accounting, "it depends" is the golden rule.

Yet, as a business owner or freelancer, you need to budget. Whether you are a graphic designer in Lausanne or the CEO of a ten-person Sàrl in Fribourg, the cost of your compliance isn't a surprise expense—it’s a fixed line on your balance sheet.

In 2026, with automation and the rise of software like Bexio, Winbiz, or Abacus, the lines are shifting. We are seeing two worlds emerge: hourly billing (traditional) and flat-rate packages (modern). At Fed Finance, where we recruit these experts daily for companies, we see the real invoices. Here is what you need to know to avoid overpaying.

Hourly Rate vs. Monthly Flat Fee: The Duel

Before discussing your legal status, you need to understand how you are billed. This is often where the difference lies between a manageable invoice and a nasty surprise at year-end.

The Classic Approach: The Hourly Rate

This is the historical model of Swiss fiduciaries (Fiduciaires). You pay for time spent.

The Rate: It generally fluctuates between 130 CHF and 180 CHF per hour for an experienced accountant. For a certified Swiss CPA (Expert-comptable diplômé) handling complex mandates or audits, the meter quickly rises to 200 CHF – 350 CHF per hour.
The Risk: If your documents are messy or stuffed in a shoebox, the accountant will spend 4 hours just sorting them. The result? A 600 CHF bill just for filing.
For Whom? Ideal if you have very few accounting entries (less than 10 per month) or need very specific, one-off advice.

The Modern Approach: The Monthly Flat Fee

Becoming increasingly common thanks to digitalization. You pay a fixed subscription that smooths out your annual budget.

The Rate: Starts at 150 CHF / month for very small structures, climbing to 800 CHF+ for active SMEs.
The Advantage: No surprises. The annual closing (the balance sheet) is often included or spread over the monthly payments.
The Trap: Check the fine print. Often, payroll management, VAT returns, or advisory phone calls are billed on top of the package.

How much does it cost based on your legal status?

The number one factor determining your quote isn't the prestige of the fiduciary, but the legal structure of your business. The Code of Obligations (CO) does not impose the same rules on a freelance graphic designer as it does on a limited liability company.

Sole Proprietorship (Raison Individuelle): The "Light" Option

If you are a consultant, therapist, or artisan operating as a Sole Proprietorship with a turnover under 500,000 CHF, you can breathe easy. You are generally not required to keep double-entry bookkeeping, but simply a statement of "income and expenditure."

Estimated Annual Budget: Between 1,500 CHF and 3,000 CHF.
What this includes: Recording of accounting documents (client/supplier invoices), a simple annual closing, and your private tax return (which includes your business figures).
Expert Tip: Be careful—as soon as you hit 100,000 CHF in turnover, VAT registration becomes mandatory. This adds about 400 to 800 CHF per year for preparing quarterly returns.

Capital Companies (SA / Sàrl): Strict Compliance

For a Sàrl (GmbH) or an SA (AG), the game changes. You are a separate legal entity. Swiss law demands rigorous double-entry bookkeeping, standardized salary management, and formal financial statements.

Estimated Annual Budget: From 3,500 CHF to 10,000 CHF+ for a small structure (1 to 5 employees).
As a Monthly Package: Expect between 300 CHF and 800 CHF per month.
What you are really paying for: It’s not just data entry. It’s the guarantee that your accounts comply with commercial law, that your depreciations are fiscally sound, and that you won't face a tax adjustment. Note that if your SA is subject to a "limited audit" (contrôle restreint), you will need to add 3,000 to 5,000 CHF just for the statutory auditor.

The "A La Carte" Costs (Variables)

This is often where the shoe pinches. You sign up for a 400-franc package, but the final invoice reads 700. Why? Because specific recurring tasks are billed on top.

Here are the average rates observed in French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel) for 2026:

Payroll Management: This is the most time-consuming task. Count on 30 CHF to 50 CHF per payslip per month. This price covers declarations to social security (AVS/LPP) and withholding tax. For 5 employees, that’s already an extra 2,400 CHF per year.
VAT Returns: If not included in the package, a fiduciary charges between 100 CHF and 250 CHF per quarterly statement.
Corporate Tax Return: Often billed separately from the accounting closing, costing between 500 CHF and 1,500 CHF depending on complexity (inter-cantonal tax allocations, special statuses).
The "Quick Call": Need advice on optimizing dividends vs. salary? That is where the expert hourly rate (250 CHF+) kicks in.

The Tipping Point: When should you stop outsourcing?

There comes a moment in the life of a Swiss SME when the fiduciary’s bill becomes heavier than the cost of an employee. This "tipping point" usually occurs when your staff exceeds 15-20 employees or when your transaction volume requires daily responsiveness.

In 2026, recruiting an in-house accountant isn't just about costs; it's about control. Having a financial expert in the office next door allows you to react in real-time, rather than waiting for March of the following year to see how you performed.

Accountant Salaries in Switzerland (2026 Market Data)

If you decide to internalize, here are the gross annual salary budgets to anticipate (excluding employer social charges of approx. 15-20%). These figures are derived from the latest salary grids of our partners and placements made by Fed Finance in French-speaking Switzerland:

Junior Accountant / Assistant (0-3 years):Annual Gross Salary: 70,000 CHF – 85,000 CHFProfile: Data entry, invoicing, bank reconciliation. Does not handle the closing alone.
Annual Gross Salary: 70,000 CHF – 85,000 CHF
Profile: Data entry, invoicing, bank reconciliation. Does not handle the closing alone.
Senior Accountant / Swiss Certified Specialist (3-7 years):Annual Gross Salary: 90,000 CHF – 115,000 CHFProfile: Autonomous up to the closing, VAT management, complex payroll. This is the most sought-after profile by SMEs.
Annual Gross Salary: 90,000 CHF – 115,000 CHF
Profile: Autonomous up to the closing, VAT management, complex payroll. This is the most sought-after profile by SMEs.
Finance Manager / Head of Accounting:Annual Gross Salary: 120,000 CHF – 160,000 CHF+Profile: Strategy, internal audit, group reporting, team management.
Annual Gross Salary: 120,000 CHF – 160,000 CHF+
Profile: Strategy, internal audit, group reporting, team management.

The Equation is Simple: If your fiduciary bills you more than 6,000 CHF per month (72k CHF/year) and you still spend hours scanning documents yourself, hiring a Junior or an 80% Accountant becomes immediately profitable.

The Verdict for Your 2026 Budget

Do not choose your accountant the way you choose a mobile phone plan. In Switzerland, a rate that looks "too good to be true" (e.g., 99 CHF/month for a Sàrl) often hides a costly reality: every question will be billed, every data entry error you make will be corrected at a high price, and tax advice will be non-existent.

For 2026, the winning strategy is:

Freelancers: Aim for hybrid solutions (Swiss software like Bexio + annual review by a fiduciary) for a budget of 2,000 CHF/year.
Micro-enterprises (<10 employees): Opt for a clear monthly package (including VAT and closings) around 400-800 CHF/month.
Growing SMEs: As soon as complexity increases, contact a specialized recruitment agency like Fed Finance to evaluate the cost of internal talent. The investment is often recovered in less than 18 months thanks to financial process optimization.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fiduciary cost per month for a Sàrl in Switzerland?

For an active Sàrl (LLC) with few employees, expect an average package between 300 CHF and 800 CHF per month. This rate generally includes bookkeeping and VAT but often excludes the annual closing (balance sheet) and payroll management.

What is the hourly rate of a Swiss CPA in 2026?

Rates vary by expertise. A junior accountant charges between 100 and 140 CHF/hour, a holder of the Federal Brevet charges 150 to 200 CHF/hour, and a certified audit expert (Expert-comptable diplômé) charges between 250 and 400 CHF/hour.

Is an accountant mandatory for a Sole Proprietorship?

No, it is not legally mandatory if your turnover is under 500,000 CHF. You are only required to keep simplified accounts (income/expenses). However, outsourcing the tax return and VAT is highly recommended to avoid tax adjustments.

What is the Real Cost of an Accountant in Switzerland? 2026 Rate Guide