$600 USD for a paper certificate and funds verification?

[FairPriceMan]

While applying for a business visa for SA, a chartered accountant quoted me $600 to verify that I had the necessary funds and provide a certificate (PDF).

The job does not take even 5 minutes. The visa service provides the information that should be on the certificate.

Is this normal, and if not, where can I find a registered chartered/professional accountant who could do this job?

[Dave A]

You are in the UK looking for a business visa to SA and you were quoted in USD?
Whiffs a bit.

[FairPriceMan]

You are in the UK looking for a business visa to SA and you were quoted in USD?
Whiffs a bit.

This is what I thought. Sad to say, but this behaviour is widespread. I cannot seem to find a sticker price. He is charging $1200 / hour. A chartered accountant!!!