Why CPA Pricing Is So Confusing (And What You Should Know Before Hiring One)

Ever wondered how your CPA decides what to charge you? It’s not as simple as pulling a number out of a hat—but it’s also not as exact as most clients think. In this post, Jon Markee, your Builder CPA, pulls back the curtain on how accountants price their services, why the current model is often flawed, and what you—as a home builder—can do to make the relationship work better for everyone involved.

Most CPAs Gravitate Toward Clients They Like

Let’s be honest: the accounting industry isn’t the goldmine it used to be. Most CPAs today simply want to work with people they genuinely enjoy. If a CPA clicks with a client’s personality and values, they’re more likely to go the extra mile—even if the price isn’t perfect. So when you're hiring a CPA, finding someone you like and can build a strong relationship with often matters more than finding the cheapest one.

The Subscription Model: A Guess at Best

Many accounting firms now use a subscription model—billing a fixed amount each month for an expected level of service. But here's the problem: it’s often just a best guess.CPAs estimate how long tasks will take and price accordingly, but the reality is, things rarely go exactly as planned. If the workload turns out to be heavier than expected, they’re left deciding whether to quietly absorb the cost or have an awkward conversation about raising fees.

The Real Risk: Mispricing

Pricing accounting services is tricky. If a CPA underestimates the work involved, they may end up doing unpaid labor. If they overestimate, the client might feel they’re being overcharged. It becomes even harder when the extra workload isn’t just a one-time spike—but an ongoing increase.

This is why the industry may eventually move toward a usage-based model—charging based on how much activity or complexity your business actually brings in month-to-month.

Why Hourly Billing Doesn’t Work Either

You might think, “Why not just charge by the hour?” Unfortunately, hourly billing often causes more confusion than clarity. Clients tend to scrutinize their invoices and wonder why tasks took so long, even if the time spent was valid. And it’s nearly impossible for CPAs to fully explain everything they do behind the scenes—like fixing reconciliations, digging into complex transactions, or cleaning up past messes.

What You Can Do as a Client

If you're concerned about pricing, don't be afraid to ask your CPA for a breakdown. Most will gladly explain what they’re doing for you—it’s just that many of the tasks happen in the background to give you peace of mind.And if you feel the fee doesn’t match the value, it’s completely fair to open a conversation about it. A good CPA will either adjust the scope or help you understand the unseen value they’re providing.

Final Thoughts

CPA pricing isn’t an exact science. It’s based on estimates, trust, and a whole lot of invisible work. If a quote surprises you, ask why. You may uncover just how much effort your CPA is putting in to keep your financials clean and your stress low.

The best relationships happen when you like your CPA, trust their work, and communicate openly about expectations.For more honest insights from someone who works exclusively with builders, stay tuned with Jon Markee, your Builder CPA.