đŒ Affordable Accounting Packages That Actually Work â What Every South African Business Needs
- Bryden Nair
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: May 16

Running a business in South Africa isnât easy. Between load shedding, economic uncertainty, and compliance red tape, the last thing you need is an overpriced accounting service that doesnât add value. What you do need is an affordable, reliable accounting partner that truly understands the needs of small and growing businesses.
At Horizon Trading Solutions, we believe quality accounting support shouldnât be a luxury â it should be a necessity every business can afford.
Hereâs why affordable accounting packages matter now more than ever, and what you should look for before choosing a provider.
đ The Cost of Doing Nothing
Many entrepreneurs put off proper accounting support because they think itâs too expensive. But poor financial management can lead to:
Missed SARS deadlines and penalties
Inaccurate VAT or PAYE returns
Cash flow problems
Trouble accessing funding or credit
In todayâs competitive market, having an accountant isnât optional â itâs essential. But that doesnât mean you need to pay top dollar.
đĄ What Should an Affordable Accounting Package Include?
A good accounting package should be:
Tailored to your business size(Startups donât need the same services as large corporations)
Compliant with SARS and CIPC requirements
Flexible and scalable as your business grows
Technology-friendly, using cloud tools for ease of access and updates
At minimum, your accounting package should include:
â
Monthly bookkeepingâ
VAT submissions (if registered)â
Payroll support (if you have staff)â
Management accounts or monthly reportsâ
Annual tax returns and financial statements
đ» What About Doing It Yourself? A Look at the Top 3 Accounting Software Packages in South Africa
Some small businesses consider using accounting software themselves to save money â and while software can help with day-to-day tasks, it still requires time, effort, and tax knowledge to use effectively. Hereâs a quick comparison of the three most popular cloud-based accounting tools in South Africa:
Software | Monthly Price (Starting) | Key Features | Ideal For |
Sage Business Cloud | From R190/month | Invoicing, bank feeds, VAT tracking, payroll add-ons | Freelancers & startups |
Xero | From R425/month | Invoicing, inventory, reporting, third-party integrations | SMEs with growing teams |
QuickBooks Online | From R300/month | Invoicing, bank reconciliations, mobile access | Small businesses |
While these tools are incredibly useful, they:
Do not offer tax advisory or SARS submissions â thatâs still your responsibility.
Often require additional fees for payroll or multi-user access.
Still leave you exposed to penalties if returns are filed incorrectly.
đŹ Thatâs why many clients choose Horizon Trading Solutions â we combine powerful tools with expert advice so that youâre not left navigating compliance alone.
đŒ Horizon Trading Solutions: Packages Built for South African Businesses
Weâve designed our accounting solutions specifically for South African entrepreneurs, professionals, and small businesses.
Hereâs a look at what we offer:
â Starter Package (Perfect for freelancers and side hustles)
Monthly bookkeeping
Income tax return (ITR12)
Annual financial statements
Tax advisory support
â Business Growth Package (Our most popular)
Full monthly bookkeeping
SARS submissions (VAT, PAYE, Provisional Tax)
Monthly management reports
Payroll
Annual financials and business tax returns
WhatsApp support and monthly check-ins
đ Custom packages are available and packages start from as little as R1,499/month â with no hidden fees and expert support included.
đŹ Why Our Clients Choose Horizon
We donât disappear after year-end â weâre hands-on every month.
We use modern software tools to make your life easier.
Weâre led by a Chartered Accountant (SA), ensuring quality oversight.
We care about your growth, not just your numbers.
With Horizon Trading Solutions, you're not just getting an accountant â you're getting a financial partner.
đŁ Final Thoughts
If youâre tired of overpriced accountants who donât deliver, or doing it all yourself and getting nowhere, itâs time to make the switch.
â Affordableâ Compliantâ Tailored to you
Let Horizon Trading Solutions show you how accounting can be simple, transparent, and empowering.
đ© Get in touch today for a free consultation and see which package is right for your business.




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