The ideal accountant in Estonia: how to choose someone you can trust with your accounts

Experience, good reviews and a low fee do not necessarily mean an accountant is right for your company. Accounting errors can remain unnoticed for a long time, and correcting them may cost more than you saved. Here is how to choose an accountant in Estonia and what to check before you start working together, so you avoid unnecessary costs and problems with the tax authorities.

Why accounting errors are often noticed too late

Accounting errors are not always immediately visible. A business owner may only discover them when a letter arrives from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA): additional tax, late-payment interest and, in some cases, a fine. They then have to find and pay another specialist to put the records right.

In Finance PRO’s 28 years of work, we have seen hundreds of cases like this. In most of these cases, the client had chosen a cheaper accountant to save EUR 200–300 a month, only to find that correcting the mistakes cost considerably more than the savings.

Why an accountant’s fee and job title do not guarantee quality

Accountants in Estonia do not all perform the same tasks. One may simply enter invoices into software, while another prepares tax returns, closes the financial year and communicates with EMTA. We will explore these differences in a separate article, “How accountants differ: roles and qualification levels”.

The price of accounting services does not always reflect the accountant’s qualifications. For example, at a hypothetical hourly rate of EUR 25–40, a monthly budget of EUR 50 would cover only a small amount of work. Such a fee may include a limited range of services or routine transactions. This is an illustrative calculation, not a Finance PRO rate.

When choosing an accountant, look beyond the job title and monthly fee. Focus on the duties they will take on, their experience and their willingness to answer your questions.

How to choose an accountant: six qualities to look for

Below are six qualities to look for when choosing an accountant. A separate article, “Checklist: screen out an unsuitable accountant in 10 minutes”, will cover checks in public registers and questions to ask candidates.

1. Knows Estonian law and keeps up with changes

General accounting knowledge is not enough. An accountant needs to understand the Accounting Act, tax and employment law, data protection rules (GDPR) and the anti-money laundering (AML) requirements applicable to their work.

2. Can demonstrate their qualifications

Ordinary accounting work does not require a professional licence, but a voluntary professional certificate is available. It is awarded by the Estonian Association of Accountants (Eesti Raamatupidajate Kogu). The state register of qualifications lists three levels: Raamatupidaja (Level 5), Vanemraamatupidaja (Level 6) and Juhtivraamatupidaja (Level 7).

A certificate provides a way to verify that the professional’s competence has been assessed externally. Not having one does not necessarily mean an accountant is unqualified: experienced practitioners may work without it. In that case, look for other evidence, such as client references and experience supporting clients through tax audits.

3. Understands the business, not just the numbers

A good accountant understands how your business works. Attention to detail helps them spot reporting errors early. Seeing the bigger picture allows them to understand the company’s position and advise on decisions such as when to pay dividends or whether to hire an employee.

4. Explains things clearly

Your accountant communicates with you, the bank and the tax authorities. If every answer needs deciphering, you may find out about a problem too late.

Ask them to explain a tax question from your own business. Is the answer clear? That is a good sign. If a specialist cannot explain the issue in plain language, working together will be difficult. Language matters too: if you do not speak Estonian, someone needs to understand letters from EMTA and the bank on the day they arrive.

5. Uses accounting software and protects your data

Excel spreadsheets alone are usually not enough to manage the full accounting needs of a growing company. A capable accountant uses accounting software and electronic invoices, letting the software handle routine data entry.

When handing over documents, agree how they will be kept secure. According to the Estonian Information System Authority (RIA), people in Estonia lost EUR 29 million to fraud in 2025, three times the previous year’s figure. The largest individual losses are associated with business fraud. A typical scheme is an email supposedly from a business partner with new bank details. In spring 2026, a company in Pärnu County lost more than EUR 1.6 million this way.

A good accountant keeps documents in a secure system with backups, not just on a personal laptop. They also ensure that the owner retains access to the company’s data. If the accountant leaves, the records must stay with the business.

6. Has a team behind them

Ask who will handle your accounts when your accountant is on holiday or sick.

A reliable accounting firm has procedures and people who can cover for each other. Public registration and reporting data can help you check how long a firm has been operating and how many people it employs. We will explain these checks in the separate checklist.

What to do next

1. Shortlist three candidates. Choosing an accountant is easier when you have a basis for comparison. Start with recommendations from people you know. Ask whether they have been through a tax audit with that accountant and what the outcome was.
2. Check the information available in public registers. Ask candidates about their experience, responsibilities, document security and holiday cover.
3. Compare candidates against the six qualities in this article. Write down their answers so you can decide based on evidence rather than impressions.

How Finance PRO puts these qualities into practice

You can use these six criteria to assess any accounting company in Estonia, including ours.

A second specialist checks each accountant’s work, while a coordinator monitors reporting deadlines. By sharing responsibilities, we keep the work moving even when a team member is ill or on holiday.

Our liability for errors is set out in the contract: if your company is fined because of our mistake, we reimburse the fine. Documents are stored in the cloud, and you can access them at any time.

Would you like to check your bookkeeping? Request a free express accounting audit to help identify potential errors and tax risks. Call +372 5366 6674 or leave an enquiry on our accounting services in Estonia page.

Information checked as of 13 October 2026. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for a consultation. If your circumstances differ, contact us at info@fpro.ee.