Connect with credible accounting companies in Los Angeles, specializing in medical accounting, fund management, and state and local tax laws, from Beverly Hills to Long Beach. Filter your search by budget, specialty, and team size to find your partner.

Find the Best Accounting Firms in Los Angeles

DesignRush reviews each listed accounting firm in Los Angeles for its accreditations, expertise, and verified client reviews. Some listings may be paid.

United States × California × Los Angeles × $10,000 - $25,000 × Sort by: Avg Hourly Price: Low to High ×Clear Filters
  • More Profits, Less stress, Ledger Labs

    An outsourced accounting and bookkeeping firm with super-strong foundations built by over 12 years of expertise and experience...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    • Business Consulting
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $60/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000

    Ledger Labs Services

    • Accounting
    • Business Consulting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Health Care Industry
    • Music Industry
    • Entertainment Industry
    • Finance Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting Firms in Los Angeles

What are the typical services of an accounting firm in Los Angeles?

An accounting firm in Los Angeles typically provides bookkeeping, payroll management, financial reporting, audits, reviews, and compilations, internal control analysis, and IRS representation. They also offer state and local tax preparation and filing for businesses, individuals, and estates. 

Many also offer business consulting and advisory services, including new business formation, business valuation, CFO advisory, and forensic accounting. 

What industries do they specialize in?

Accountants in Los Angeles support a dynamic range of industries due to the city’s position as one of the largest economies in the world, reporting a GDP of $1.295 trillion in 2023. However, these are the most common sectors that they’re known to specialize in: 

  • Media and entertainment: With the presence of Hollywood and major studios, Los Angeles accounting companies are adept in royalty/residual reporting, production workflows, and entertainment-specific tax planning and filing, such as California’s Film and TV Tax Credit Program. 
  • Real estate: Known for neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Malibu, many local accountants are experienced in development accounting, 1031 exchanges, and navigating California/local property tax considerations.  
  • Technology and SaaS: Due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, many tech and SaaS companies operate in Los Angeles. As a result, LA accountants specialize in R&D tax credits, managing patents and intangible assets, and fractional CFO services for venture-backed startups. 
  • Healthcare: The largest and fastest growing sector in the city, LA accountants are proficient in medical accounting, revenue cycle reporting, and managing multi-entity groups and complex payer mix.  
  • Nonprofit: The 4th largest private employer in California. As such, local firms have strong skills in fund accounting, managing donations and grants, and ensuring record traceability and compliance. 

Many accounting companies in Los Angeles also specialize in startup and small business accounting, helping these organizations maintain profitability, comply with regulations, and determine eligibility for programs, like BTRC and Small Business Exemption. 

What is the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper?

In broad strokes, a bookkeeper has a more limited scope, often only recording and managing a business’s daily transactions. In contrast, a certified public accountant (CPA) provides more comprehensive services, spanning financial reporting, auditing, and advisory services, together with daily recordkeeping. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each: 

 Certified public accountantBookkeeper
Focus
  • Financial recording, reporting, and analysis 
  • Tax planning 
  • Audits and assurances 
  • Transcribing, organizing, and managing payroll and daily transactions, such as receipts and invoices 
Training and licensing
  • Holds a degree in accounting 
  • Has a CPA license from the California Board of Accountancy 
  • No degree or license required 
  • May have certifications, like Certified Bookkeeper from the NACPB (optional) 
Best for
  • Long-term financial strategies and in-depth advisory services 
  • Organizations in highly regulated environments
  • Routine data entry tasks

Can an accountant in Los Angeles represent you in an audit by the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance?

Yes, an accountant in Los Angeles can represent you in audits if they have a California CPA license and the proper power of attorney. 

A qualified LA accountant can guide you through the highly technical audit process, compile the necessary documents and evidence, and assist with negotiations and next steps. In doing so, they can help you manage risks and liabilities. 

What activities could trigger the California or Los Angeles nexus?

Activities that trigger nexus in California and Los Angeles depend on your tax or filing obligation and connection to the state or city, such as where you operate, what you sell, who works for you, and how much revenue you generate. These include: 

  • California sales and use tax: Triggered by physical presence (employees, offices, and other properties, like warehouses and inventory) or economic nexus through a specific sales threshold in California. 
  • California income/franchise tax: Conducting business in the state through sales, payroll, or property levels, without needing to have a physical presence 
  • City of Los Angeles: Having business within the city limits, often tied to requirements, such as the Business Registration Certificate (BTRC) 

While the city and state nexus can be complex, an experienced accountant in Los Angeles can help you adhere to the requirements, reducing the chance for potential penalties, fines, and back taxes. 

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