How much does a small business accountant cost in Calgary?
Monthly bookkeeping for a typical Calgary small business runs $300–$1,200/month depending on transaction volume. Corporate T2 preparation commonly ranges from $1,500–$3,500 annually. We offer transparent flat-rate packages — book a free consultation and receive a written quote within 24 hours with no obligation and no surprise fees.
What does a small business accountant actually do?
A small business accountant handles bookkeeping, GST/HST filing, corporate T2 returns, payroll, CRA correspondence, and year-end financial statements. Beyond compliance, a good accountant also provides proactive tax planning — helping you structure compensation and business decisions to minimize your tax burden legally. At Swift, our team covers everything under one roof.
Do I actually need an accountant for my incorporated Calgary business?
Yes — incorporated businesses are legally required to file a corporate T2 return with CRA each year, and this requires professional expertise well beyond DIY software. Even for sole proprietors, a qualified accountant typically saves clients far more in recovered deductions and avoided penalties than the fees cost. As your business grows, proper accounting also ensures your structure stays CRA-compliant year after year.
What is the best accounting service for small businesses in Calgary?
The best service is one that combines bookkeeping, tax, and payroll under a single team with transparent flat-rate pricing — so nothing falls through the gap between your bookkeeper and your accountant. Swift Accounting has served Calgary small businesses since 2011 with a 4.9-star Google rating and a perfect track record on CRA filing deadlines across Calgary, Calgary NW, Okotoks, and surrounding communities.
Do you serve small businesses in Calgary NW and Okotoks?
Yes — our office is in Kensington NW and we serve businesses throughout Calgary NW, Okotoks, Airdrie, Cochrane, and across Alberta. We work with most clients remotely, so onboarding is straightforward regardless of your location. Whether you're a tradesperson in the NW, a retailer in Okotoks, or a professional services firm anywhere in the Calgary area — same dedicated team, same service.
How do I switch from my current accountant?
Switching is simple and costs you nothing. You authorize us to request your prior-year returns and records from your current accountant — we handle all communication. We review what we receive, identify any gaps, and onboard you within a few days. Many clients are surprised to find missed deductions or unfiled obligations from prior years that we catch during this initial review.
How quickly can you get my books caught up?
Most catch-up bookkeeping projects — including businesses 1–2 years behind — are completed in 2–4 weeks depending on transaction volume and availability of source documents. We prioritize getting you current quickly so CRA deadlines aren't missed and your corporate return can be filed without delay. Many clients discover significant missed deductions during the catch-up process.
What accounting software do you use?
We're proficient in QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, Wave, and Sage. We'll recommend and configure the best platform for your business and train your team on it. QuickBooks Online is our standard — it's cloud-based, integrates with your bank, and gives you real-time visibility into your numbers from anywhere.
