The verdict in three sentences
In Montreal, vertical CPA SaaS (35 to 65 CAD/user/month) is convenient but standardized, forcing your workflows into the vendor's mold. A custom build (45 000 to 95 000 CAD) digitizes bookkeeping, filings and client tracking around your exact process and local requirements. Result: financial-statement turnaround cut by 40 %, client portfolio served +30 % without hiring, ROI within two fiscal years.
Vertical SaaS vs custom build
The monthly SaaS fee looks small, but standardization and rework erode the apparent saving.
| Item | Vertical CPA SaaS | Custom Kolonell build |
|---|---|---|
| Entry cost | 0 to 3 000 CAD | 45 000 to 95 000 CAD |
| Monthly cost | 35 to 65 CAD/user | Hosting + maintenance 900 to 2 200 CAD/mo |
| Year 1 (6 staff) | 2 520 to 4 680 CAD | 55 800 to 121 400 CAD |
| Workflow fit | Standard | Native, tailored |
| Filing automation | Partial | Semi-automated |
| Support | Vendor tier | Dedicated, local |
| Software ownership | No | Yes |
The productivity gain, quantified
Leaving spreadsheets and automating checks frees significant time. Estimate for a 6-staff firm (2026 order of magnitude).
| Item | Before (spreadsheets) | After (custom) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial-statement turnaround | 15 days | 9 days (-40 %) |
| Hours saved/month/staff | - | 11 h |
| Clients served without hiring | base 100 | 130 (+30 %) |
| Data-entry errors | frequent | -60 % |
| Avoided hire cost | - | 62 000 CAD/year |
Mini case study
Marc, partner at a 6-staff CPA firm in Montreal, ran everything on spreadsheets and had hit a capacity ceiling. He invests 75 000 CAD in a custom tool (bookkeeping, filings, client tracking). Gain: 11 h/month/staff, i.e. 792 h/year for the team, and a portfolio growing from 100 to 130 clients without hiring. By avoiding a 62 000 CAD/year hire and billing 30 % more clients, ROI lands in 16 months, including 18 000 CAD/year of maintenance.
FAQ
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How much does custom accounting software cost for a Montreal firm in 2026?
From 45 000 to 95 000 CAD depending on scope (bookkeeping, filings, client portal). Budget 900 to 2 200 CAD/month for hosting and maintenance.
Why not just take a cheaper vertical SaaS?
It is convenient but rigid; forced workarounds and rework often cancel the apparent monthly saving above a certain client volume.
What is the build timeline?
Three to four months from scoping to production, with a phased migration off existing spreadsheets.
Does it automate filings?
Yes, filings are semi-automated from the bookkeeping data, reducing errors and shortening statement turnaround.
Can we integrate online payment collection?
Yes, payment integration lets you collect fees and track settlements directly inside the tool.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your headcount, case volume and recurring filings, and we will price a bookkeeping + filings + client-portal scope with an indicative 45 000-95 000 CAD budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
