How much should your startup actually spend on accounting?
Most startups end up coordinating between a bookkeeping platform, a tax preparer, a payroll provider, and a fractional CFO who doesn't talk to any of them. We do all of it in one place, led by a seasoned CFO with real fundraising, M&A, and IPO readiness experience, with the kind of availability the bigger firms structurally can't offer.
Run your stage and size through the calculator below for an honest estimate of what proper finance operations actually cost at your stage. Then book 30 minutes with us to confirm the fit. No sales pitch, no obligation, no Big 4 retainer disguised as a quote.
Estimate your actual cost
Built on the rates our team actually charges, not the marketing prices you see on competitor sites. Adjust the inputs to your real situation, including states you operate in (which competitors usually leave out and which materially changes the number).
Company Profile
Stage and operating volume
Add-ons
Estimate
Total cost of accounting
Breakdown
By service line
| Service | Cadence | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | monthly | $700 |
| Payroll | monthly | $680 |
| Federal & State Tax Return | annual | $2,500 |
| Fractional CFO | monthly | $3,000 |
| Total / yr | $55,060 | |
The estimate assumes a typical C-Corp Delaware entity, payroll handled via a PEO, and software subscriptions billed separately. Your real quote depends on geography, complexity, and how clean your current books are. That last variable is the one founders underestimate; if the books need cleanup before we can run them properly, we'll tell you straight before you commit to anything.
What that price includes
We don't sell rigid tiers. We scope what your stage actually needs. Most engagements include some combination of the following.
Bookkeeping and monthly close
Accrual-basis bookkeeping, monthly reconciliation, and a real close on a real cadence. Books that will survive a Series A diligence without a panicked weekend of cleanup. This is the foundation every other service depends on.
Payroll and compliance
Multi-state payroll setup and oversight, federal and state tax compliance, 1099s, sales tax where applicable, and the quiet compliance work that doesn't make headlines until it goes wrong. We coordinate with your PEO or payroll provider so nothing falls between the cracks.
Tax and R&D credits
Federal and state tax returns, quarterly estimates, and the R&D payroll tax offset that most pre-revenue startups leave on the table. If you qualify, we run the calculation, file Form 6765, make the Section D election, and capture the credit against your quarterly payroll taxes. Real money, often $50K to $200K a year for a typical engineering-heavy startup.
Fractional CFO
Strategic financial leadership when you need it, without the cost of a full-time hire. Investor reporting, cash forecasting, pricing models, fundraising support, and the board-meeting prep work that distinguishes a real CFO from a senior bookkeeper. Many of our engagements start with the first three blocks and add this when the founder is ready to delegate the financial leadership layer.
Use any combination. We'll tell you which combination fits your stage, even if it means recommending less than you asked for.
Founders who chose us over the bigger firms
"The knowledge and experience that Oran brings to a growing company is priceless. Oran brings all the qualities of an in-house CFO."
"Their team provided outstanding ongoing accounting and payroll services for our operations. They ensured we met all U.S. regulations and reporting standards."
"Oran and his team handle our US bookkeeping and payroll with precision and consistency. Beyond their professionalism, they bring a truly personal approach and genuinely care about our business."
Why founders choose us over the bigger firms
The bigger firms (Kruze, Pilot, Bench) have polished marketing, packaged tiers, and large junior teams executing the actual work. That model works for many startups, and we're not going to pretend otherwise. But for a meaningful set of founders, it's not the right fit.
Here's what we do differently. Our practice is led by a seasoned CFO for VC-backed startups with deep, hands-on experience in fundraising, M&A, and IPO readiness, plus more than 15 years inside venture-backed companies and over $250M raised. That experience isn't sitting in a senior partner's office while a junior associate handles your account. It's running your account directly. When you're preparing for a Series B raise, scoping a strategic acquisition, or getting investor-ready, you're working with someone who has been on the other side of all three conversations, not someone reading a checklist about them.
Everything in one place. Bookkeeping, payroll, tax, R&D credits, fractional CFO, and the strategic work around capital events. One firm, one point of contact, one set of books, one team that knows your business. You don't coordinate between three vendors and watch things fall through the cracks.
High availability. The bigger firms route you through a queue. We don't. When you have a question on Monday afternoon that affects a Wednesday board meeting, you get an answer Monday afternoon. That responsiveness is one of the top three things our clients mention in their feedback, and it's the thing the larger firms structurally can't match because of their team model.
The first 30-minute consultation is free, and we'll tell you honestly if a packaged firm like Kruze is the better fit for your stage. We'd rather refer you than mis-sell you.
More from our clients
"The knowledge and experience that Oran brings to a growing company is priceless. Oran brings all the qualities of an in-house CFO."
"Their team provided outstanding ongoing accounting and payroll services for our operations. They ensured we met all U.S. regulations and reporting standards."
"Oran and his team handle our US bookkeeping and payroll with precision and consistency. Beyond their professionalism, they bring a truly personal approach and genuinely care about our business."
"Oran is a member in our management team as part time CFO. He is very committed, doing all his tasks fast and efficiently and always with a big smile."
"Oran brought clarity and structure to our financial operations at a critical time. His experience with investor reporting and strategic planning was instrumental."
"We've had an outstanding experience for our HR needs. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and truly understands the complexities of US compliance."
"Oran is your trusted partner for growing a venture-backed startup."
"I know Oran from his days as FireBlade CFO. We had a great collaboration around capital raising and ongoing work."
"Oran is a diligent financial officer; from whom I've learned a lot of financial management and investments."
"Oran helped me register my company in the US, obtain an EIN number, and open a bank account. The service was great, he was there for me every step of the way."
"Oran's team manages our bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance, and they do it all with a level of care and attention to detail that gives us real peace of mind."
"Oran has been an invaluable partner in navigating US tax planning for our fund. His deep understanding of both financial landscapes gives us confidence."
Common questions
Get an honest answer in 30 minutes
A free 30-minute consultation. We'll scope your actual needs, give you a specific quote in writing, and tell you honestly if we're the right fit or if a packaged firm like Kruze would serve you better. No follow-up sales pressure, no obligation, no Big 4 retainer disguised as a quote.
If we're not a fit, we'll tell you in the first call and recommend who is.