Accounting
How to Start a Successful Business in South Africa as a Foreigner
A guide to help foreign entrepreneurs with the legal, financial, & regulatory tight-ropes necessary to establish a successful business in South Africa.
Fixed-fee monthly accounting
Accounting Services
Our fixed-fee monthly accounting gives you a complete finance function without the overhead of an in-house team. We handle the books, the compliance and the reporting — and give you the insight to grow.
What's included
Everything you need, handled
- Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations
- VAT, income tax and provisional tax handled end-to-end
- Annual financial statements
- Cloud accounting software subscription
- Management accounts and growth advice
One fixed fee
Predictable monthly pricing with no hourly billing or surprises.
Zero admin
We do every follow-up, filing and reconciliation for you.
Real insight
Clear reporting that helps you make confident decisions.
A small business accountant who actually knows your numbers
When you run a growing business, you need more than someone who files paperwork once a year. As your small business accountant, we get to know how your business actually works, so the advice you get fits your reality, not a generic template. You speak to people who remember your name and your goals.
Our fixed-fee accounting model means no surprise invoices and no clock-watching when you call with a question. You pay one predictable monthly amount and get a full finance function behind you. If you also need day-to-day record keeping, our bookkeeping services slot in neatly alongside your accounting.
Fixed-fee accounting services built around SME owners
Most Cape Town and Stellenbosch SME owners do not want to manage a payroll for an in-house finance team. Outsourced accounting gives you senior-level expertise at a fraction of that cost, with our monthly accounting packages scaling as you grow. You get the chartered accountant insight of a larger firm without the overhead.
Beyond the books, we help you read them. Management accounts, cash-flow guidance and growth advice turn raw figures into decisions you can act on. Need tidy income tax and VAT support or compliant annual financial statements too? It is all handled under one fixed monthly fee.
Staying SARS-compliant without the stress
SARS deadlines, provisional tax estimates and VAT returns have a way of creeping up. As your accountant, we track these dates for you and prepare submissions accurately and on time, so penalties and late-payment interest stop eating into your margins. You stay focused on running the business.
We work in modern cloud accounting software, which means your numbers are always current and we can spot issues early. Whether you are in Cape Town, Stellenbosch or elsewhere in South Africa, you can reach us easily. Have a look at how getting started with Thryv works whenever you are ready.
FAQs
Accounting Services: common questions
How much does a small business accountant cost at Thryv?
We charge one fixed monthly fee rather than hourly rates, so you always know what you are paying. The exact amount depends on your transaction volume, VAT status and the services you need. We agree it upfront, with no surprise invoices, and review it as your business grows.
Do you work with businesses outside Cape Town and Stellenbosch?
Yes. While we are based in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, our cloud-based approach means we comfortably support SME owners across South Africa. Your records stay current online, we meet by video or phone when needed, and you get the same responsive service wherever your business is based.
What is included in your monthly accounting packages?
Each package typically covers monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations, VAT, income and provisional tax, annual financial statements, cloud software and management accounts with growth advice. We tailor the mix to your business so you only pay for what you genuinely need, all under one predictable fee.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Absolutely. Switching is simpler than most owners expect. With your permission we liaise with your previous accountant, gather your historical records and handle the SARS profile transfer. We manage the admin so the move is smooth and you experience no gap in your compliance or reporting.
Do I still need a bookkeeper if I have an accountant?
It depends on your volume. Some clients use our bookkeeping and accounting together so daily records and higher-level reporting stay joined up. Others handle basic capture in-house while we manage reconciliations, compliance and statements. We will recommend the most cost-effective split for your situation.
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Other services
Bookkeeping
Outsourced bookkeeping services that keep your books accurate and up to date, so you always know where your small business stands — and reclaim hours every week.
Learn moreTax Services
Income tax, provisional tax and VAT handled by registered tax practitioners who keep your business compliant with SARS and legally pay less tax.
Learn morePayroll
Outsourced payroll services with PAYE, UIF, SDL and Department of Labour submissions handled, so your team is paid right and on time, every month.
Learn moreReady to let your business thryv?
Book a free, no-obligation call and discover how a fixed-fee accounting partner can take the stress off your plate.