Top Accounting Firms

An accounting firm is a company that specializes in various accounting and bookkeeping services for its clients. Accounting agencies ensure that their clients’ financial records are accurate, up-to-date, and within legal frameworks. They help businesses understand the financial “health” of their organizations.

Accounting firms offer a wide range of financial and advisory services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. These services are designed to help clients manage their financial affairs, comply with tax laws, make informed decisions, and achieve their financial goals.  

Here are some of the key services provided by accounting companies:

• Tax planning and preparation 
• Operational bookkeeping and payroll 
• Business development and valuation 
• Financial consulting 
• Mergers and acquisitions guidance 
• Estate and trust planning 
• Financial audits and risk management

An accounting firm is different from a CPA firm in terms of scope and regulations.  

Accounting firms provide a wider range of financial and accounting services. On the other hand, a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) firm specifically offers accounting and auditing services. It’s typically run by CPAs who have passed the CPA exam and are licensed to practice public accounting.  

Accounting firms help their clients with day-to-day financial tasks, including payroll, financial statement preparations, and bookkeeping. On the other hand, CPA firms provide specialized services like tax planning, forensic accounting, and more.  

Additionally, although accounting firms are required to stick to certain standards like generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS), they’re not as regulated as CPA firms.  

CPA firms are bound by a tighter web of regulations. They need to undergo rigorous ongoing education, ethical high bars, and meticulous quality checks. They are also regulated and licensed by state boards of accountancy.

Accounting firms typically charge from $20-50/hour for basic bookkeeping to $300/hour for specialized consulting. [Hello Bonsai] Their costs are usually based on a fixed fee, hourly rate, or percentage of assets managed. That said, costs can vary depending on the firm’s experience level and qualifications, location, and complexity of work.

The average costs per accounting project based on business size are shown in the table below:

Hiring an accounting firm provides expertise in financial management, ensuring compliance with tax laws and financial regulations. These companies: 

• Provide valuable financial guidance and planning 
• Handle financial tasks, freeing up your time 
• Maintain precise financial records 
• Reduce the risk of financial mistakes 
• Give valuable insight into your business’s financial aspect 
• Are often cost-effective compared to hiring in-house staff 

Businesses can gain numerous benefits from outsourcing their accounting needs. For example, in a case study by TGG Accounting, a collaboration between its accounting firm and Flying A Media increased operational efficiency. The agency established a comprehensive accounting manual, integrated new systems, and trained staff.

Here is a step-by-step guide to finding the right accounting firm for your business:  

1. Determine your needs: Identify your specific accounting and financial needs. Determine whether you need tax preparation, bookkeeping, audit services, financial planning, or a combination of services.  
2. Ask for referrals from fellow business owners: Seek recommendations from other professionals in your industry. Referrals can be a valuable way to identify trusted partners and avoid potential pitfalls.  
3. Conduct online research: Online reviews and testimonials can provide unique insight into how the company works and how well it takes care of its clients. 
4. Review their pricing, deliverables, and payment structure: Understand how they charge, (e.g., fixed fee, hourly rate, or retainer). Clarify any hidden costs or minimum contract value. 
5. Check what technologies they are using: Find out if they’re fluent with the latest accounting tools and software like Xero, QuickBooks, and others.  
6. Find out if they’re certified: Are they certified public accountants (CPA), chartered accountants (CA), certified management accountants (CMA), or others? Although bookkeeping and tax regulation don’t necessarily require certified professionals, securing loans and auditing do. 

Need help finding the best accounting firm that matches your business needs? Just tell us what kind of accounting services you’re looking for, and our Agency Team will send you a list of top accounting firms that we think are the best fit.  

Visit the Marketplace to learn more about this free service.

If you’re considering hiring an accounting firm, there are several questions you should ask to ensure they’re the right fit for your needs. Here’s a list of targeted questions to guide your decision-making:  

1. What specific accounting services do you offer? 
2. Do you have experience working with clients of similar industry and size?  
3. Are you adept at using the latest accounting software or tools like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xerox, and more? 
4. Are you open to learning about the accounting tools that my business currently uses?  
5. How do you ensure data security and confidentiality? 
6. How do you identify potential tax-saving opportunities for my business? 
7. What are some of the tax strategies you've implemented for clients in the past? 
8. How do you stay updated on the latest changes in accounting regulations and tax laws? 
9. How can you ensure my business remains compliant with all relevant financial regulations? 
10. How can you assist in long-term financial planning for my business's growth and stability? 
11. Could you provide references from current or past clients? 
12. How do you structure your fees (e.g., hourly rate, flat fee, percentage of revenue)? 
13. How often can I expect updates and reports on my financial situation? 
14. What's your preferred mode of communication? How quickly can I reach you if I have questions or concerns? 
15. How do you handle discrepancies and disagreements regarding finances?

The best accounting firms in the U.S. are the following: