Business Accounting Durban is for established businesses that need a complete, reliable finance function rather than a once-a-year set of books. Trading companies, logistics operators, manufacturers, professional practices and retailers around Durban, Pinetown, Umhlanga and the port.
The job is the same in each case: accurate monthly numbers, submissions filed on time, and a year-end that does not turn into a three-month project.
Your turnover, number of monthly transactions, staff count and current software. Firms will quote a fixed monthly fee against that.
Get Quotes From Accountants in DurbanThe Monthly Cycle
A functioning business accounting service runs to a calendar. If a firm cannot describe theirs, that is a warning.
| Timing | What should happen |
|---|---|
| Working days 1 - 5 | Bank feeds reconciled, supplier invoices captured |
| Working days 5 - 7 | Payroll processed, EMP201 filed and paid by the 7th |
| Working days 7 - 12 | Debtors and creditors reconciled, stock adjusted |
| Working days 12 - 15 | Management accounts issued with commentary |
| By the 25th | VAT201 filed and paid where applicable |
| Quarterly | Review of margins, overheads and cash forecast |
| Annually | Financial statements, ITR14, CIPC annual return |
In-House Versus Outsourced
Most Durban businesses under about R50 million turnover outsource rather than employ. The comparison is not fee versus salary, it is fee versus total employment cost plus software and supervision.
| In-house bookkeeper | Outsourced firm | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | R18,000 - R30,000 all-in | R3,500 - R18,000 |
| Software licences | Your cost | Usually included or at cost |
| Leave and sick cover | Your problem | Firm's problem |
| Technical review | Needs an external accountant anyway | Built in |
| Year-end statements | Extra cost | Often bundled or discounted |
| Best suited to | High volume, daily transactions on site | Most SMEs under R50m |
Many businesses run a hybrid: an internal clerk captures invoices and an outside firm reviews, reports and files. For a fuller breakdown of that model see Accountants Durban.
What Good Looks Like
- A named contact. One person who knows your business, not a shared inbox.
- Deadline tracking. The firm tells you what is due before it is due, not after SARS penalises you.
- Access to your own data. Your own login to the accounting file, not screenshots on request.
- Clean handover documentation. Trial balance, ledgers and supporting schedules you could hand to another firm tomorrow.
- A fixed fee with a defined scope. Ad hoc hourly billing on routine work makes budgeting impossible.
Business Accounting Durban Prices
Indicative monthly fees for a full business accounting service, excluding VAT.
| Business size | Indicative monthly fee | Typically includes |
|---|---|---|
| Under R1m turnover | R1,800 - R3,500 | Bookkeeping, VAT if registered, basic reporting |
| R1m - R5m turnover | R3,500 - R8,000 | Full bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, management accounts |
| R5m - R20m turnover | R8,000 - R18,000 | Above plus creditors, debtors and stock reporting |
| R20m - R50m turnover | R18,000 - R40,000 | Multi-entity, part-time FD input |
| Year-end financial statements | R6,000 - R25,000 | Usually billed separately |
| Company tax return (ITR14) | R2,500 - R8,000 | Usually billed separately |
| Catch-up work, per year behind | R6,000 - R25,000 | Depends on volume and records |
Indicative Durban ranges, not a quotation. Transaction volume matters more than turnover. A R3 million business with 900 monthly transactions costs more to service than a R10 million business with 60 invoices.
Send your monthly volumes and get fixed fees back rather than a range.
Compare Business AccountantsFrequently Asked Questions
What does business accounting cost per month in Durban?
Roughly R1,800 to R3,500 a month under R1 million turnover, R3,500 to R8,000 between R1 million and R5 million, and R8,000 to R18,000 between R5 million and R20 million, excluding VAT and year-end work.
Is outsourcing cheaper than employing a bookkeeper?
Usually, below about R20 million turnover. A full-time bookkeeper costs R18,000 to R30,000 a month all-in once you add UIF, leave, software and supervision, and you still need an external accountant for the year-end.
How quickly should monthly accounts be ready?
Aim for working day 10 to 15 after month end. Anything past day 20 is too late to act on, and a firm that routinely delivers in the following month is not giving you management information.
Can I change accountants mid-year?
Yes. The new firm sends a professional clearance letter to the old one and requests the trial balance, ledgers and supporting files. Your data belongs to you, though a firm may withhold work until outstanding fees are settled.
Do I need management accounts as well?
If you make decisions on stock, pricing, headcount or credit, yes. If the business is small and stable, the monthly trial balance and a bank reconciliation may be enough.
Related Accounting Services in Durban
Accountants Durban is a free quote-comparison service. The accounting, tax and audit work is carried out by the independent firms and practitioners that quote you, and your engagement is with the firm you appoint. Ask each firm for its registration details, professional body membership and a written engagement letter before appointing anyone.
Business Accounting Durban. Compare fixed monthly fees from accounting firms covering Durban businesses.
Get 5 QuotesGet Business Accounting Durban Quotes
Send your turnover, transaction volume and staff count, and firms will quote a monthly fee.
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