How to Find a Shopify Accountant or Bookkeeper [2025 Guide]

Written by: Geoff Gualano

September 29, 2023 • 4 min read

Shopify logo on a yellow background

Managing your Shopify store’s finances can quickly become overwhelming.

Many merchants start out managing their own books but soon realize that a specialized Shopify accountant or bookkeeper can save them time, prevent costly mistakes, and provide valuable financial insights to help grow their business.

In this guide, we’ll help you find a Shopify accountant who’s a great fit for your business.

Key takeaways:

  • The A2X Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory is the quickest and easiest way to find a Shopify accountant.
  • A specialized Shopify accountant understands Shopify-specific financial complexities, including fees, sales tax, and bulk payment reconciliation.
  • This guide answers key questions Shopify merchants have about hiring an accountant, when to do it, and what to look for.

Watch this video to learn more about the A2X Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory.


Why do Shopify merchants need a specialized accountant?

Running a Shopify store involves unique financial challenges that generalist accountants may not fully understand. A specialized Shopify accountant ensures accurate bookkeeping, compliance, and financial strategy tailored to ecommerce businesses.

Generalist accountant vs. Shopify accountant

A generalist accountant serves businesses across different industries and may not be familiar with Shopify’s platform fees, payment gateways, and tax complexities. A Shopify accountant, on the other hand, specializes in ecommerce businesses, offering expertise in:

  • Shopify’s financial structure
  • Sales tax compliance across different states and countries
  • Payment gateway fees and reconciliation
  • Multi-currency and international sales considerations

Teresa Slack, CEO of Financly, provides a specific example of how a specialist Shopify accountant can help you understand your margins:

When determining your selling price for your products, be sure to include not only the cost of the product but the cost to package and ship the product to you or your warehouse so it can be sold. Don’t forget any other related costs such as your packaging, product info inserts or labour to package and prep your product for sale. Understanding your true costs can ensure you set a profitable selling price – and a specialist Shopify accountant can help you with this.

Key financial challenges for Shopify businesses

  1. Bulk payouts: Shopify payouts include multiple sales, fees, refunds, and taxes, making reconciliation complex.
  2. Payment gateways: Each payment processor (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) has its own fees that must be properly accounted for.
  3. Sales tax compliance: Unlike Amazon and Etsy, Shopify does not automatically remit sales tax, requiring sellers to track and remit taxes manually.
  4. High order volume data: Large transaction volumes can slow down bookkeeping software if not managed correctly.
  5. International sales: Selling globally introduces foreign exchange complexities and compliance with VAT/GST regulations.
  6. Digital expenses: Ecommerce businesses have unique expenses like Shopify subscription fees, online advertising, and fulfillment costs that impact profitability.

When should you hire a Shopify accountant

Your business stage determines when and why you need a Shopify accountant:

🛒 Starting Out (Ecommerce Novice)

  • Still learning the Shopify platform
  • Uses spreadsheets for bookkeeping
  • Should you hire an accountant? Not essential, but hiring one early can ensure a strong financial foundation.

🚀 Growing Business (Ecommerce Pioneer & Warrior)

  • Increasing sales, considering expansion
  • Managing tax compliance and inventory tracking
  • Should you hire an accountant? Yes, a Shopify accountant can optimize bookkeeping, sales tax handling, and financial forecasting.

💼 Scaling Up (Ecommerce Wizard)

  • Managing high order volumes across multiple channels
  • Operating internationally and using third-party logistics
  • Should you hire an accountant? Absolutely! A specialized accountant is essential to manage complexity and drive business growth.

How to find the right Shopify accountant

Criteria for choosing a Shopify accountant

When selecting an accountant, look for:

  • Ecommerce experience: Proven expertise with Shopify businesses.
  • Sales tax knowledge: Ability to manage multi-state and international tax compliance.
  • Familiarity with Shopify tools: Proficiency with A2X, QuickBooks, and Xero.
  • Advisory services: Can provide financial insights beyond bookkeeping.

Where to find a Shopify accountant

  1. A2X Directory – A vetted network of ecommerce accountants.
  2. Networking – Ask other Shopify sellers for recommendations.
  3. Social media & online listings – LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Reddit ecommerce communities.

Ready to find the right accountant for your Shopify store?

Search the A2X Directory now and connect with an expert ecommerce accountant today!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about Shopify accountants

A Shopify-focused accountant understands platform fees, payment gateway deductions, multi-currency sales, and sales tax obligations – all of which generalist accountants may overlook. This expertise helps to keep your books accurate, compliant, and ready to fuel growth.
Generalists work across many industries, while Shopify accountants work primarily with ecommerce sellers. They can reconcile bulk Shopify payouts, track fees from PayPal or Stripe, and navigate multi-state or international tax rules – skills that save you time and reduce costly mistakes.
Starting out: Nice-to-have for solid foundations. Growing: Recommended for optimizing bookkeeping, inventory, and tax compliance. Scaling: Essential – large order volumes, multiple channels, or global sales demand expert support.
Many pair A2X (for payout breakdowns) with either QuickBooks Online or Xero for general ledger work, plus tax automation tools for accurate filings.
The A2X Ecommerce Accountant & Bookkeeper Directory lists pre-screened experts worldwide, saving you hours of searching and reference-checking.
Absolutely – just ensure the new firm specializes in Shopify and gets full access to your historical data so the handover is seamless.
Go to the A2X Directory and complete the “Match Me” form. Or, browse the A2X Directory, shortlist a few specialists, and schedule discovery calls – a 15-minute chat is often enough to gauge fit and next steps.
Find an ecommerce accountant

Find an ecommerce accountant

The A2X Directory is a global network of expert ecommerce accountants ready to help businesses like yours.

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