Guides
How to Choose an Accounting Firm in Athens: A Complete Guide
Published · 8 min read · NS Accounting & Tax Office
Choosing an accountant is one of the most critical decisions for a freelancer or a company. A good accounting firm in Athens does far more than file returns: it tracks deadlines, prevents penalties and helps you make decisions with real numbers in front of you.
This guide summarises what we see every day at our office in Athens: what to check before handing over your books, which questions separate a true partner from a simple service provider, and how the cost is realistically formed.
What to check before choosing an accountant
Before signing anything, confirm that the accounting firm holds an active accountant–tax adviser licence and is a member of the Economic Chamber of Greece. The licence class also determines which type of books they may legally keep.
The second criterion is specialisation. An accounting firm in Athens serving mostly salaried employees works differently from one experienced with private companies, intra-EU transactions or e-shops. Ask directly whether they have clients in your sector.
Third, technical readiness. myDATA, ERGANI, EFKA and electronic payments require certified users and modern software. Ask how documents will be exchanged and how often you will receive reports.
Location and physical presence
Even in the era of digital signatures, being able to visit the office matters. An accounting firm in Athens with a stable, accessible location makes document handling, signatures and planning meetings far easier.
Communication and response times
Ask who your point of contact will be and how quickly they answer emails. Slow communication is the number one reason businesses change accountant — not price.
Questions you should ask
A short list of questions clarifies things fast: Who personally handles my file? What exactly does the monthly fee include and what is billed extra? How am I notified about deadlines? What happens in the event of a tax audit?
Also ask how the transition from your previous accountant works: which records are transferred, which credentials are needed and how long until your file is fully up to date.
Finally, ask whether tax planning is offered, not just data entry. The difference shows at year end, when decisions on expenses, depreciation and dividends have already been made in time.
How much does an accounting firm in Athens cost
Cost depends on the type of books, document volume, number of employees and whether VAT applies. Indicatively, an employee's annual return costs far less than monthly support for a freelancer with single-entry books, while a private company with double-entry books and payroll is in another bracket.
Be careful with very low quotes: they usually exclude payroll, ERGANI, intra-EU filings or audit support. Ask for a written quote that states explicitly what is included.
The most expensive firm is not necessarily the best, but the cheapest one almost always costs more in penalties and missed tax relief.
Red flags to watch for
Avoid arrangements with no written agreement, where you are not given copies of submitted forms, or where you are asked to sign returns without explanation. A promise of a 'guaranteed' tax reduction without reviewing your data is a serious warning sign.