Our directory features trusted San Francisco accounting firms serving SoMa, the Financial District, Mission District, and Pacific Heights, with expertise across tech startups, real estate, hospitality, and biotech. Compare firms by pricing, size, and reviews to find the right local partner.
Find The Best San Francisco Accountants For Your Business
30 Companies - Rankings updated: May 03, 2026
Every San Francisco accountant on DesignRush is vetted for service scope, compliance expertise, and verified client feedback. Some placements may be paid.
Let us save you time & money.
Dimov Tax offers expert domestic and international tax and financial services, including individual and business tax preparation, cryptocurrency and stock taxation, IRS/state notice resolution, forensic accounting, M&A consulting, property management accounting, CPA letters, and tailored strategies. [... see all Dimov Tax reviews ]Top Services:
- Accounting
- Payroll
- Bookkeeping
- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Portfolios Count
- 4 Projects Listed
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsDimov Tax Services
Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.Clients and Projects
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Audit Accounting Project for Energy & Mining Company All Choice Energy, LLC 
Audit Accounting Project for Manufacturing Company TEDA TPCO America Corporation 
Audit Accounting Project for Retail Company United Wholesale LLC 
Audit Accounting Project for Corporate Services Company Backcountry Broadband LLC
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileGoogle Apple Cisco Ebay Uber PayPal
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileDimov Tax Reviews & Testimonials
Accounting Review from Dmitrii Legetskii
This company helped us set up our accounting system from beginning to end. I am a serial entrepreneur with experience working with many different accounting groups and this one has been the most responsive overall. They have helped us with registering the business, putting together payroll, and getting our quarterly tax returns filed. They have been also very helpful with giving personal tax advice. I would recommend them to any other friends and especially other business owners.
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Accounting Review from Setty McIntosh
Services 2 years in a row. George Dimov is now my C.P.A. Excellent, organized, thorough and timely. We were impressed with their patience, courteousness, and efficiency.
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Accounting Review from Undisclosed
They were easy to deal with. George Dimov, CPA successfully delivered the project as per the client's requirements. The service provider utilized Email and messaging apps for effective responsiveness and communication. They were also easy to work with. Ultimately, the client was satisfied with the partnership.
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Legally employ anyone, anywhere with one click.
Remofirst was founded in 2021, remote-first since the very beginning. Our mission is to simplify the way companies build remote teams. We believe in people, excellence, and delivery. Our pricing starts at $199/month. [... see all Remofirst reviews ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Minimal Budget
- Under $1,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsRemofirst Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileMastercard University of Cambridge Zocdoc Labster Microsoft
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileRemofirst Reviews & Testimonials
Customer Support Review from Janice Kay Mamo
Remofirst provided outstanding support for our remote team, making the entire process seamless and stress-free. Their dedicated account manager handled everything efficiently, from work permits to onboarding team members across multiple countries. Their personalized approach and streamlined EoR service exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended for hassle-free global workforce management!
Show moreCustomer Support Review from Martin P.
RemoFirst enables me to work remotely and stay compliant in my home country. It’s also very helpful for submitting and managing expenses, making it a great addition to my primary HR platform with its admin features. The platform is simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate, with more than adequate functionality for getting things done efficiently.
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Customer Support Review from Kaniyet Rayev
RemoFirst’s pricing stood out to me among competitors, along with their 24-hour support, which is important when you’re hiring people around the world. Their platform has been easy to use and our onboardings have been smooth. I would definitely recommend using RemoFirst as your EOR for any global hires.
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IT, Business, BPO, Audit, Tax and Advisory are just the beginning.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) is an IT, project management, audit, tax, AgTech, and BPO company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with over 50 U.S. offices and access to a global network or member firms in over 135 countries. We offer a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, operations, technology and [... view Grant Thornton profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 1000 & Up
- Average Hourly Rate
- $35/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
- Portfolios Count
- 2 Projects Listed
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsGrant Thornton Services
Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.Clients and Projects
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Financial Accounting Project Finance modernization for data-driven expansion -thumb-webp.webp)
Business Operations Consulting Project A new procurement paradigm at BDTX
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFinancial industry Real estate industry Media and Entertainment industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileGrant Thornton Reviews & Testimonials
Theodore Mall's Review Sourced from Google
One of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton has revenues in excess of $1.9 billion and operates more than 50 offices.
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Integrity in Every Financial Endeavor.
Client Tax Services offers professional tax and accounting solutions to both individuals and businesses. With a commitment to exceptional service and accessibility, its team simplifies the complexities of tax compliance. Clients trust Client Tax Services to navigate the intricate world of taxation with [... view Client Tax Services profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsClient Tax Services Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileDA Max Builders LLC Lanterman Insurance HCVT LLP (formerly with KPMG LLP)
Simplifying your finances.
Pilot provides bookkeeping, tax, and CFO services for startups and small businesses, leveraging expert finance professionals and advanced software to simplify financial management. [... view Pilot.com profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 250 - 499
- Average Hourly Rate
- $1/hr
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsPilot.com Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileLattice Airtable Scale AI
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profilePilot.com Reviews & Testimonials
Tiffany Bentley's Review Sourced from Google
I've had a great experience using Pilot in my therapy practice! Admitting I needed extra help with my accounting was a tough step, but the team at Pilot has been incredibly supportive. I really appreciate being able to reach real people when I need help—no long waits with a chatbot only to have to explain things all over again. Everyone I’ve worked with has been helpful, responsive, and down to earth.
Show moreKellie Robinson's Review Sourced from Google
Pilot has been so easy to work with and quick to respond to any of my questions. Highly recommend!!!
Show moreAnnalisa Signorelli's Review Sourced from Google
I am a new business owner who just started a new Company. Financials and bookkeeping are not my super-power. After careful consideration I decided to try Pilot for my bookkeeping and taxes needs and I couldnt be more happy.Every staff member I got in touch with has been extremely helpfull, willing to answer all my questions and educate me, and extremel professioal and accurate.I would recommend to everybody who doesn't ahve the time and/or knowledge to stay on top of all financials.
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Build the Right Foundation Scale With Confidence
Burkland is a full-service finance, accounting and people operations consulting company. We provide CFO, accounting, finance and people operations services across industries and at all stages of growth. [... view Burkland profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsBurkland Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileYardzen Built Robotics Doodles
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileBurkland Reviews & Testimonials
Eric Day's Review Sourced from Google
Working with Burkland has been exceptional. Their responsive service and guidance through our early-stage startup journey were invaluable, ultimately contributing to a successful exit. Steve Lord's expertise was particularly impactful. I've engaged Burkland multiple times for different companies and would absolutely work with them again. Highly recommended for startups seeking top-tier financial consulting, guidance, and leadership.
Show moreMagdalena Puchała's Review Sourced from Google
Jessica has made a huge difference to our startup. We started working with Burkland after a firm which communication was bad, responses shady and chasing them was the norm. With Jessica the experience is the complete opposite - she behaves as part of the team, drives initiatives, ensures our startup's financial and tax compliance along with her team and is extremely efficient in communication. What a great choice we've made!
Show moreAlexis Garbarino's Review Sourced from Google
I hired Burkland Associates to help our family-owned business transition from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. We have been in business since 1973, and while I understand that Burkland focuses on startups, we had been informed their team could help us with the significant accounting overhaul we needed as an established business. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what we expected.From the very start, working with Emily Felceti was frustrating and unprofessional. Despite making it clear that our books were outdated and our accounting needs were complex, Emily’s attitude was dismissive, and she provided no meaningful support. When my mother joined the conversation, Emily became increasingly rude. There was only one virtual meeting between the three of us during which Emily appeared overwhelmed with the task of training small business owners, and she never provided the training we needed. Afterward, Emily canceled every meeting we tried to schedule and failed to follow through on any commitments.Due to Emily's lack of responsiveness, I eventually reached out to Karina Kongo, who had helped us during the initial stages of the transition. Karina was helpful, but by this point, we had already been left without the support we desperately needed.Burkland unexpectedly dropped us as clients in the middle of our work without completing the transition, leaving us in a difficult position. We did not pay the final invoice because the work was left unfinished, and we were left to manage the transition ourselves. Burkland then turned the unpaid invoice over to collections, and the correspondence included an internal email from Emily, in which she inaccurately and unprofessionally described us as “very rude and difficult to train.” In reality, there was only one meeting, and during that time, Emily was neither helpful nor responsive to our needs.While I believe that Burkland Associates may have strong team members suited to startup-focused projects, our experience was a significant disappointment. Emily's lack of professionalism, poor communication, and mishandling of the transition was a major setback for our business. As a small family-owned business, this left us in a very challenging situation. We were wildly frustrated and disappointed with how this relationship was handled, and I would not recommend Burkland Associates to established businesses seeking reliable support.
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Focus On Your Business We'll Handle The Books
At Alai Bookkeeping, we help U.S. businesses stay financially clear and compliant. We handle accurate bookkeeping, timely reconciliations, and organized records so you always know where your numbers stand. Our focus is simple reduce errors, meet deadlines, and give you real visibility to plan smarter and grow [... view Alai Bookkeeping profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $10/hr
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsAlai Bookkeeping Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileSharp Plumbing Girl Scouts Andame
Collaborating for Lasting Impact in Business Consulting
Join us at Deloitte, where we believe that our collective influence is the cornerstone of our value. With a rich legacy spanning over 175 years and a global network encompassing 150 countries, we empower remarkable achievements, solve complex problems, and drive meaningful progress for clients, professionals [... view Deloitte profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 1000 & Up
- Portfolios Count
- 6 Projects Listed
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsDeloitte Services
Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.Clients and Projects
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Business Consulting Project How Deloitte helped a large fast food company become a leader in sustainability. -thumb-webp.webp)
Business Operations Consulting Project Not zero Modelled Reimagined Simplified Net zero -thumb-webp.webp)
Strategy Consulting Project Lagging Shifted Coached Moved Leading -thumb-webp.webp)
Business Consulting Project From Monitor to Protect
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFinancial industry Government Sector IT industry Manufacturing industry Telecommunications industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileDeloitte Reviews & Testimonials
InlineAdam's Review Sourced from Google
So sphiscated accounting systems I must say. For what? Never saw an irs payable in any return they asked me to prepare although I’m no licensed accountant. No names no whistle just a honest google review. Makes me wonder what an accountant does, cooking books or AICPA reporting them. No mark up in my basis. The roc building is beyond comprehension though, they even do SNL up or down stairs never got to see a show so I don’t know
Show moreModernfoldStyles, Inc.'s Review Sourced from Google
We are proud to have been able to offer a beautiful Modernfold panel recovery job to give the walls a facelift to complete newly renovated meeting rooms at Deloitte in Rockefeller Plaza. Deloitte has always been such a great and dear client of ours! We look forward to continuing to work together in the future!
Show moreAlex Stackhouse's Review Sourced from Google
Deloitte completely failed implementation of Army IgnitEd, which led to thousands of service members paying out of pocket for education expenses. The circus that we watched unfold leaves me with zero confidence in the services that this firm provides.
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Your Trusted Outsourcing Firm for an End To End Bookkeeping and Accounting Services
Cube Accounting Solutions bookkeeping firm based in Newport Beach is one of the most preferred outsourced end-to-end bookkeeping service providers. [... view Cube Accounting profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 50 - 99
- Average Hourly Rate
- $25/hr
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsCube Accounting Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFinancial industry Construction industry Real Estate Industry
Every Service We Provide. Every Fiber of Our Company Culture.
Russell Tobin, one of the nation’s leading minority-owned project management, recruitment, employer of record , business consulting, and staffing advisory firms, offers a tailored approach to helping organizations connect with direct hire and contract employees across a variety of skill sets and [... view Russell Tobin profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 250 - 499
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsRussell Tobin Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileHR Industry Finance Industry Legal Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileRussell Tobin Reviews & Testimonials
Yule Rage's Review Sourced from Google
One of your recruiters reached out because they were impressed by my experience, then they immediately rejected me when I tailored my resume. If you’re in the job market & looking for your next opportunity, skip these guys & keep looking.
Show moreRiley Nelson's Review Sourced from Google
I have connected with this company a handful of times over the last few years regarding contract opportunities with [Nike] and consistently have a poor experience. There seems to be a lack of business etiquette from the recruiters here as calls are being made to candidates as early as 6a without prior scheduling.If you are an individual looking to contract with [Nike] or any company on the west coast, I highly encourage prospective candidates to partner with a local staffing agency who can offer a more tailored service.
Show moreCrystal Ramos's Review Sourced from Google
So I've been searching for employment since late August and at this point I've expanded my search and have been applying for just about every job: both under qualified and over, leaving me vulnerable to shady domestic and overseas contractors. This company off the bat, asking for my DOB and last four of social security seems shady as hell and surprised it has so many 5 stars 🤨
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Business & Technology Solutions
Withum can be the new business advisor relationship you need to inspire innovation for your growth and success. Experience a fresh perspective on embracing what you’ve learned and refocusing your business strategy to thrive in an evolving, complex business environment. Whether you’re looking to strengthen [... view Withum profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 1000 & Up
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsWithum Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFinance Industry Healthcare Industry Legal Industry Construction Industry Consumer Goods Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileWithum Reviews & Testimonials
Jerome Wong's Review Sourced from Google
We have had the pleasure of working with Withum for our annual audit engagements and have been impressed by the high standard of service provided. The audit team has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, with auditors who are clearly experienced, knowledgeable, and efficient throughout the entire process.
Show moreJonathan Hunt's Review Sourced from Google
The Withum team has been very responsive and met all of their deadlines. They have demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of our industry which has been beneficial with some of our more complicated transactions. We have appreciated their communications throughout the engagement and the ease of being able to connect with the partner, manager, and other staff members.
Show moreJohn Gilmer's Review Sourced from Google
The entire Withum Team, Audit, Tax and M&A Services, is great. We have been with them back to the OUM days. They have always partnered well with our company as it has evolved and our organization and processes have matured. They are incredibly responsive, professional and tuned in to our specific business requirements.
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Empowering Your Accounting Decisions.
Crowe LLP is a global accounting firm offering audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services. With deep industry expertise, we empower businesses to make informed decisions for lasting value. Recognized as a top workplace, we leverage our partnership with Crowe Global to provide comprehensive solutions [... view Crowe profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 1000 & Up
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsCrowe Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileBanking Industry Food Industry Fintech Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileCrowe Reviews & Testimonials
RA's Review Sourced from Google
As an accounting firm I would give them 1 star. I recently discovered a litany of deductions they failed to consider. You will be given an EA, which is just a glorified tax preparer. They will know nothing and be slow to reply. You might as well get your taxes done by H&R block or a proper independent CPA. If these folks do your taxes, get prepared for a larger tax bill. I strongly advise against it.
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Global Business Consulting Excellence
Protiviti is a global consulting firm that offers deep expertise, objective insights, and tailored solutions to empower leaders in tackling future challenges. With a comprehensive range of services spanning finance, technology, operations, data, analytics, governance, risk, and internal audit, we serve [... view Protiviti profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 1000 & Up
- Portfolios Count
- 5 Projects Listed
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsProtiviti Services
Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.Clients and Projects
View Full Portfolio-thumb-webp.webp)
Compliance Consultancy Project A strategic co-sourcing partnership: Healthcare system chooses Protiviti as its trusted adviser in internal audit and compliance -thumb-webp.webp)
Business Consulting Project Strong, flexible identity and access management, built collaboratively
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileKnowBe4 Resolver PowerSchool
Full Service Accounting & Business Consulting Firm
BPM is a full-service accounting and consulting firm deeply experienced in assurance, tax and business advisory. With over 40 committed partners leading these groups, we deliver the resources, expertise and business insight that produce outstanding results for clients. [... view BPM profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 500 - 999
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsBPM Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileIT Industry Real Estate Industry Financial Service Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileBPM Reviews & Testimonials
Carlos Romer's Review Sourced from Google
The partner and the team are top-notch professionals making the entire process very seamless and smooth. Their knowledge and experience prove invaluable to our business.
Show moreSergio Nunes's Review Sourced from Google
I had an excellent experience with BPM. I recently switched auditors and BPM was able to identify errors and streamline some business processes for our finance team. I had such a good experience working with BPM's auditors that I decided to add them as our Tax CPA's as well. Great service and very knowledgeable staff with many from Big 4. Good value too with low fees vs Big 4.
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Full Service Accounting, Project Management & Finance Solutions
Hi, we are Kranz! We are the preeminent project management, accounting, and IT solutions firm helping start-ups and Venture Capital companies grow. [... view Kranz Consulting profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 250 - 499
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsKranz Consulting Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileHealth Care Industry Food and Beverage Industry Consumer Goods
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileKranz Consulting Reviews & Testimonials
Thomas Olenek's Review Sourced from Google
I've worked with employees from Kranz for the last two years and have been consistently impressed by how knowledgeable they are in their field and their professionalism. I look forward to staying in touch with those I've worked with as I continue my career.
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Building A Better Working World
EY offers Accounting, Business Consulting, and IT Services with a mission to build a better working world. It provides insights and quality services that instill trust in global capital markets and economies. EY focuses on developing exceptional leaders who deliver on their commitments to all stakeholders [... view EY profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 1000 & Up
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsEY Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileQiagen Apple ASOS Microsoft Wawa
Expertise. Trust. Success.
Jones, Schiller & Company, established in the early 1950s, has evolved into a full-service accounting firm offering a comprehensive suite of services to individuals and businesses worldwide. With offices in San Francisco and Marin County, California, its team provides personalized attention and timely [... view Jones, Schiller & Company profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsJones, Schiller & Company Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileAccounting Industry Banking Industry Finance Industry
Strategic Accounting. Streamlined Financial Management.
Lindquist, von Husen & Joyce (LvHJ) provides expert accounting services that cater to housing companies, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders. The firm offers strategic financial guidance and continuous insights to enhance reporting and transactions. Its team makes a meaningful impact through [... view LvHJ profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsLvHJ Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileReal Estate Industry Non Profit Industry For-profit Industry
Your Trusted Tax & Accounting Professionals
Safe Harbor is a reliable accounting firm based in San Francisco, specializing in personalized tax services for businesses and individuals. From tax preparation and bookkeeping to international tax solutions and auditing, the firm's expert team streamlines taxes and maximizes financial success. With a focus [... view Safe Harbor profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsSafe Harbor Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileiPoint Solutions, Inc Hands-On Mobile Finance Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileSafe Harbor Reviews & Testimonials
Tess Gresh's Review Sourced from Google
Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the Safe Harbor team. I came in totally overwhelmed and stressed, and they jumped in with such calm, clear-headed guidance. Not only did they help me untangle a messy tax situation, but they also caught a bunch of things I would’ve totally missed.
Show moreMiddy Yu's Review Sourced from Google
I’ve been using Safe Harbor for my personal taxes, and they take the time to understand my financial situation. Chun is trustworthy, professional and friendly—I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my taxes!
Show moreElizabeth Cyr's Review Sourced from Google
My spouse and I just finished filing for what was a very complicated tax year for us and Chun's US and Canadian teams were both incredible.Chun took the time to meet with us personally and introduce us to the process with great detail and everyone we worked with was responsive, professional, kind and attentive. They not only coordinated, optimized and handled the 4 unique filings between us, they also identified and addressed several things that needed to be corrected for in previous filings (with a different firm).I can't speak to what some other reviewers experienced but I can personally say that I am immensely happy that we used Chun for what was (hopefully) the most complex tax year we've ever had. We will continue to use their services for upcoming filings.
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Guiding Your Financial Success
Hood & Strong is a San Francisco Bay Area-based advisory, tax, and assurance firm with over a century of experience. The firm provides tailored accounting services to individuals, private businesses, and mission-driven organizations, helping clients navigate complex financial challenges. The firm is known for [... view Hood & Strong profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsHood & Strong Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFood and Beverage Industry Nonprofit Industry Real Estate Industry
Your Dedicated Financial Management Partner
SD Mayer & Associates is a distinguished full-service accounting, advisory, and wealth management firm headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 40 years of combined experience, the firm offers comprehensive services, including financial planning, estate planning, tax management, and business [... view SD Mayer & Associates profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsSD Mayer & Associates Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileLahlouh Salesian Boys Girls Club Eden Church
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileSD Mayer & Associates Reviews & Testimonials
Tyler Pugliese's Review Sourced from Google
I've been trusting Seth and his team for the past 3 years and I couldn't be more pleased with their work. I always feel heard and taken care of and know my data is being handled professionally and promptly.
Show moreJulian Penna's Review Sourced from Google
Bad service, slow, expensive, not responsive. Posterior accounting firm found mistakes in research we payed hundreds for.Weeks without getting a response.
Show moreJustin Rhinesmith's Review Sourced from Google
I don't know if communication was lost or never sent, but multiple requirements of us were never received - including the cutoff date for submitting our information - which caused us to miss filing on time and requiring an extension. When asked, we were told that information was provided, but I could not (and still can not) find that information anywhere. We didn't realize we were after the cutoff date until we reached out to ask about the status. After learning that we needed an extension, multiple dates were given for when our taxes would be filed. When dates were missed, we again had to reach out for clarification and a new timeline.
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Strategic Guidance for Sustainable Growth
DNA GROWTH specializes in financial consulting for small businesses, offering services that enhance financial planning, analysis, and strategic business planning. Its expert team combines extensive experience to provide tailored solutions, helping clients navigate complex monetary challenges. With a [... view DNA GROWTH profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
- Average Hourly Rate
- $99/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsDNA GROWTH Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileEcommerce Industry Crypto Industry Fintech Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileDNA GROWTH Reviews & Testimonials
Animesh Dhanotia's Review Sourced from Google
DNA Growth feels like a second home. Everyone is friendly and supportive. There are a lot of projects that teach you time management, industry techniques, and more useful skills. I’ve seen myself grow personally and professionally here.
Show moreArpana thakur's Review Sourced from Google
It’s a good place for freshers. The team is strong and the mentors are quite helpful. Some days get busy during deadlines, but it gives you a lot of learning that comes in handy in future. Overall good experience and learning.
Show moreDutch Macoy's Review Sourced from Google
While browsing some online content for my research project thesis which is based on financial analysis. I found very beneficial content on financial analysis and market research on DNA Growth website. Also, read their blogs, I would say they are sharing and publishing very informative content. Highly recommended to all.
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A Forecast for Financial Success
Silicon Valley Finance Group (SVFG) delivers comprehensive accounting and financial services tailored for venture-backed startups. With a focus on growth strategies, data analytics, and chief financial officer support, SVFG helps companies navigate their financial journey from inception to profitability. Its [... view Silicon Valley Finance Group profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $99/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsSilicon Valley Finance Group Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profilevolta Ruby Ribbon livefyre
Empowering Global Financial Excellence
Scrubbed provides comprehensive financial management services, including bookkeeping, tax compliance, and advisory services, tailored to businesses of all sizes. With a global team of experts, Scrubbed helps clients thrive by offering hands-on support and reliable financial solutions. As such, Scrubbed [... view Scrubbed profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- 100 - 249
- Average Hourly Rate
- $99/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsScrubbed Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFinance Industry Energy Industry Distribution Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileScrubbed Reviews & Testimonials
Elena Osmekhina's Review Sourced from Google
Great accounting and tax service, especially for young start-ups & scale-ups in the US. Very hands on and proactive. Highly recommended!
Show moreRick Theder's Review Sourced from Google
Scrubbed has been an excellent accounting partner for our startup. As a small company, we needed an accounting firm that could provide great value while being thorough and responsive - and Scrubbed delivers on all fronts.Their team is incredibly responsive to our needs and questions, and we've been impressed by the depth of resources and expertise they have available. Whether we need basic bookkeeping support or more complex startup accounting guidance, they have team members who can help.For startups and small businesses looking for reliable, thorough accounting services at good value, I highly recommend Scrubbed. They understand the unique needs of growing companies and have been a great partner for us.
Show moreEdgardo Tolentino's Review Sourced from Google
For almost 10 years since I came back to the PH to continue my retirement, I have entrusted the filing of my yearly U.S. Tax returns to the Scrubbed team. They have been very helpful, professional, thorough and well informed on the tax laws. I could confidently say that my experience with Scrubbed has been better than any of the tax accountants who handled my returns in my fifty years in the U.S.
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Your Insightful & Comprehensive San Francisco CPA
B.O.L. Global is a San Francisco-based accounting firm specializing in financial management services for individuals and small businesses. Founded in 2002, its dedicated team offers personalized solutions, from tax planning and advisory to bookkeeping and payroll. The firm blends industry expertise with a [... view B.O.L. Global profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsB.O.L. Global Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileBanking Industry Insurance Industry Finance Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileB.O.L. Global Reviews & Testimonials
NED's Review Sourced from Google
Highly recommend finding any other firm to do your taxes. Terrible communication skills and would not put your finances in their hands. Also received the same feedback from multiple people I have spoken to since working with them. Looking into filing a formal complaint with California Board of Accounting and BBB.
Show moreDerek Hanneman's Review Sourced from Google
Terrible experience with BOL overall. Avoid at all costs. This firm boasts they are the best in the business in The Bay. I have a long list of the horrible, mediocre, unprofessional, disrespectful actions and behavior I experienced with this firm from the very beginning of our time working together;-Lack of communication from first week working together-From the beginning- after signing on with them, paying a large sum up front and the monthly fee,I didnt hear anything from them for days and had to hound them with multiple emails to even start work on my books-Errors in books and tax returns, no explanation, no consultation.-Assumptions made about my preferences and decisions for my books and taxes without asking me.-My tax returns were done wrong- with significant errors 2 years in a row.-In April 2024, I could not reach my book keeper and tax preparer in the weeks leading up to April 15, he did not let me see my return before filing it. The return had mistakes.-Said first book keeper left the firm, without any notice. Left my books unattended for months. Didn’t hear anything from them to notify me.-I had to reach out multiple times to get a new book keeper to take over my books.-New bookkeeper took over, tried to fix the gap in my books from where the previous one left it several months prior, leading to mistakes and unclear large numbers in my books that BOL would not explain or clarify-When it came to tax time in 2024, the book keeper let me see my return, which i showed my expert family tax preparer who discovered many errors, missing items that said book keeper assured me would be included in return. Had the return been filed as was, it wouldve led to me overpaying in taxes by nearly $8k. I was afraid for my financial stability and ability to continue affording to carry on my business.-BOL sent me an invoice for 2024 tax return preperation when it was stated in my contract that I had two years of return preperation included- 2023 and 2024. I also went over this with the account manager at the beginning of the year.-I had to have 2024 return entirely redone as the books were unsuable-I am having my books for 2025 redone by my book keeper-Terminated working with relationship with BOL in April, they did not respond what so ever or provide any clarification for their mistakes and decisions made about my books, return and numbers.-proceeded to auto charge me in May anyway, despite end of work together in prior month-BOL will not provide most of the documents I and my new book keeper requested-They did not offer to do any monthly or quarterly reviews of my books. I had to ask if this was possible.-Irresponsive to most of my email and calls.-Emotional and mental and stress distress due to all of the above-rudeness, unrespnsiveness and unproffesional behavior towards me almost throughout-made me feel like an unimportant, unvalued client, a small fish, a second class client- not worthy of their time and attention for majority of the time working together. It only got a little better, in regards to communication, in the last few months they did work for me.*Update: The firm and I have resolved things amicably.
Show moreTina You's Review Sourced from Google
I had a fantastic experience with B.O.L. Global from my first phone call to inquire about services to their filing my individual tax return. Their advisors are friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive. I communicated specifically with Jameson and Mynn, and both were great. I learned a lot from the process - Jameson addressed all my questions thoroughly and kindly on a Zoom call. Their online portal also makes the whole process so easy; you never have to step in an office or sign papers in person. I would recommend them to anybody!
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Your Competitive Edge in Accounting and Finance.
A San Francisco-based accounting and consulting firm offering expert tax and financial services to businesses and individuals with a focus on sustainability and personalized solutions. [... view Kustov & Associates profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsKustov & Associates Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileConstruction Industry Manufacturing and Distribution Industry Restaurants Industry Retail Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileKustov & Associates Reviews & Testimonials
Justin Caldbeck's Review Sourced from Google
Very very poor. Poor customer service and Dmitry’s team made multiple mistakes resulting in 10s of thousands of dollars in penalties and late fees. In 20 years, I’ve never had a worse experience with an accountant
Show moreAlex Fedosseev's Review Sourced from Google
Dmitry is a very knowledgeable CPA and is always available to help if an issues pops up in accounting / finance that requires attention. He provided annual reports for my company for 3 years now and we negotiated very flexible terms, so it's much appreciated in a startup world.
Show moreDmitry Pushkarev's Review Sourced from Google
I have been working with Dmitri for 2 years, first year was reasonably good and I did get adequate advice and help in filing taxes. However over the second year I was billed multiple thousands of dollars for services that I did not request - including over $1k for computing estimated tax liability that included "research" and multiple meetings between associates (all billed separately) to "review filing". When we tried to discuss this unplanned work, Dmitri insisted that it was in my interest and necessary despite my dissatisfaction with the work, and we terminated the relationship as a result. I think they are ok firm but you need to discuss exact work to be performed upfront or will end up paying thousands like I had to.
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Your Partner for Success.
A dedicated accounting firm providing financial services to small businesses, individuals, and non-profits, empowering clients to focus on growth and success. [... view Golden State Accounting profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $199/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsGolden State Accounting Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileBanking Industry Finnace Industry Insurance Industry
Forward Thinking, Exceptional Service.
A boutique accounting and advisory firm offering expert financial guidance with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and exceptional client service. [... view Devereaux, Kuhner, & Co profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsDevereaux, Kuhner, & Co Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileBanking Industry Finance Industry Insurance Industry
Personal Service, Professional Expertise.
HRH Accountancy Corporation offers personalized accounting and tax services for businesses and professionals, providing expert guidance at affordable rates. [... view HRH Accountancy Corporation profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsHRH Accountancy Corporation Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileHeatlhcare Industry Finance Industry Dental Industry
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileHRH Accountancy Corporation Reviews & Testimonials
Prash Chopra's Review Sourced from Google
Ricky and his team helped us when not many teams would take us on as a client. Yes we could do some things better as a collective but I want to appreciate them helping us through our early and sensitive days. Thank you and best of luck!
Show moreDanny Cota's Review Sourced from Google
HRH has been doing my taxes (and advising me on the changing tax landscape) for over 10 years and I could not be happier with their work. They take complex tax code/regulations and simplify them enough for me to understand them. They do all of this in a professional and friendly way. If you're looking for a great tax team, look no futher!
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Simplifying Finances, Empowering Growth
Since 2005, SFBay Financial has provided comprehensive financial services to businesses in San Francisco and the Greater Bay Area. From bookkeeping for small enterprises to controller-level activities for multimillion-dollar corporations, they offer tailored solutions designed to ease financial burdens and [... view SFBay Financial profile ]- Location
- San Francisco, California
- Number of Employees
- Under 49
- Average Hourly Rate
- $149/hr
- Minimal Budget
- $1,000 - $10,000
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accountsSFBay Financial Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profileFathom GUSTO carta
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profileSFBay Financial Reviews & Testimonials
Kumiko Furukawa's Review Sourced from Google
We have been with SFBay Financial since 2017. Right from the start it was a good fit. Like all business relationships, there have been ups and downs. What makes them great is that when there is an issue, we are fully supported until it is resolved. A rare quality to find in any situation.
Show moreCraig Boon's Review Sourced from Google
Top notch! I should've switched over earlier! Expert, communicative, friendly, fast, flexible, cost-effective... this outift is the complete package. Lydia (and Josh), in particular, deserve extra high marks for quickly onboarding us, identifying and addressing multiple existing issues, and for improving our books overall. Very pleased so far!
Show moreMaralisa Simmons-Cook's Review Sourced from Google
I'm a small business owner and have been working with SFBay Financial for around six months and they have been incredible! Brian and Mishari helped to completely update and streamline our bookkeeping system in a comprehensive way that saves us so much time. They have also made great suggestions regarding updating our payroll services, ensured we are always in compliance with state requirements etc and found ways for us to save money as a small business. They really know how to cater to your unique business and meet you where you're at, and have been professional, attentive and so easy to communicate with. The pricing also seems very fair for the services they are providing. Cannot say enough good things about this company and I would highly recommend them to any small business owner looking for an outstanding service!
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Related Services in San Francisco
Accounting Firms Near San Francisco
Everything You Need to Know Before Hiring San Francisco Accountants
How can businesses benefit from hiring accounting firms in San Francisco?
Businesses benefit from hiring San Francisco accounting firms because they gain access to expertise backed by a $157.4 billion U.S. accounting industry with approximately 85,000 firms nationwide, ensuring deep bench strength across financial services and tax strategy.
According to the IRS, 33% of employers make payroll errors that cost billions of dollars annually.
In the San Jose metro area, CPAs earn an average salary of $89,671 per year, which is significantly above the national average of about $68,975. The average salary in the San Jose area reflects high demand for accounting expertise in Silicon Valley’s financial, tech, and private equity sectors.
Accounting companies in San Francisco help business owners reduce payroll or tax filing errors that lead to average IRS penalties of about $845 every year.
Professional accounting reduces the risk of making those errors by ensuring compliance and correct filings.
Hiring San Francisco accountants comes with the additional benefit of lower operational costs. In-house payroll would cost 40-60% more than outsourcing compliance functions like payroll, bookkeeping, and structured client accounting services, especially for companies with fewer than 150 employees.
San Francisco accounting firms help each business owner avoid local tax pitfalls.
San Francisco’s complex Gross Receipts Tax of 0.175%-0.69%+, depending on activity, and other levies require precise reporting, and misclassification can cost thousands in overpayments or late fees.
Working with professional accountants also means businesses will have national tax compliance at scale.
With federal corporate tax at 21% and layered California state tax obligations, accountants in San Francisco help businesses structure operations efficiently and avoid costly penalties that can reach 20% of unpaid local taxes in jurisdictions like San Francisco.
For businesses operating across borders, the international tax strategy is backed by the scale and expertise of major global accounting networks.
Firms such as Crowe Global, with $5.8 billion in revenue, 40,000+professionals, and a presence in over 150 countries, and Baker Tilly International, generating $5.6 billion in revenue with 50,400+ professionals worldwide, provide deep support in cross-border structuring, ASC 740 tax reporting, transfer pricing, and global expansion.
Such a level of international reach is particularly valuable for San Francisco companies managing foreign subsidiaries, international revenue streams, or multinational compliance obligations.
What should I prepare for my first meeting?
When you first meet with a San Francisco accountant, preparation will directly impact how strategic and productive the conversation will be. That’s why you should prepare the following:
- Core business information
Bring formation documents, ownership structure, EIN, prior tax filings from the last 2-3 years, and any state or local registrations, including San Francisco business registration details. - Recent financial statements
Provide your latest profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash-flow statement, and year-to-date numbers. If books are behind, bring bank and credit card statements. - Tax and compliance history
Share prior federal and California tax returns, notices from the IRS or state agencies, and details on any audits or outstanding liabilities. - Revenue and expense breakdown
Prepare a high-level overview of revenue streams, major expenses, payroll structure, contractor payments, and any equity compensation (common in Bay Area companies). - Growth plans and strategic goals
Be ready to discuss upcoming fundraising, expansion, hiring plans, international activity, or potential exits. It will help you determine whether you need compliance support or higher-level CFO advisory. - Systems and tools
List the accounting software, payroll providers, POS systems, or ERP platforms you currently use. - Questions and expectations
Clarify what you want: tax minimization, cleanup work, audit support, outsourced CFO services, or ongoing bookkeeping. Also, ask about pricing structure, communication cadence, and response times.
How do San Francisco accounting firms mitigate the impact of the city's unique Triple Tax?
Experienced accounting companies in San Francisco don’t eliminate the Triple Tax. Instead, they can materially reduce total city tax burden through classification accuracy, sourcing analysis, and proactive structuring, while keeping businesses fully compliant.
Here’s how they mitigate impact:
- Proper Gross Receipts Tax classification
GRT rates range roughly from 0.175% to 0.69%+, depending on business activity. Accountants ensure correct NAICS classification and revenue allocation to avoid overpaying under a higher-rate category. - Revenue apportionment optimization
Only revenue attributable to San Francisco is taxable. San Francisco accounting firms analyze where the client will perform the services, and where the customers are located, to legally reduce the city-sourced percentage of total receipts. - Commercial Rents Tax planning
For businesses leasing commercial space, the 3.5% tax on certain rents can materially increase occupancy costs. Accounting firms in San Francisco structure lease agreements and entity arrangements to manage exposure. - Entity and compensation structuring
Through entity selection (S-Corp vs. LLC vs. C-Corp) and owner compensation planning, firms balance payroll, profit distributions, and taxable gross receipts to reduce overlapping tax effects. - Timing and threshold management
Certain exemptions and small-business thresholds apply. Strategic revenue timing and growth planning can prevent premature movement into higher tax brackets. - Audit defense and compliance controls
Penalties can reach up to 20% of the unpaid tax plus interest for late filings. Firms implement compliance calendars and internal controls to avoid penalties and protect margins.
What red flags should I watch out for when hiring a firm?
When hiring San Francisco accountants, watch for these red flags:
- No active CPA license or unclear credentials.
- Vague pricing: No written scope, surprise hourly charges.
- No local tax expertise: Unfamiliar with San Francisco Gross Receipts or Commercial Rents Tax.
- Reactive, not proactive: Only files returns and doesn’t offer any planning.
- Slow or inconsistent communication.
- No data security standards (especially critical for financial services and tech firms).
- Overpromising tax savings without a clear strategy.
- High staff turnover: You never speak to the same advisor twice.
What questions should I ask San Francisco accountants before signing a contract?
Before signing a contract with a San Francisco accounting firm, ask focused questions to clarify expertise, processes, and a fit for your specific needs.
Relevant Background
- How long have you served businesses in San Francisco, and what industries do you specialize in (tech, real estate, startups, small business)?
- Are you a licensed CPA in California, and have you faced any disciplinary actions?
- Do you have experience with the San Francisco Gross Receipts Tax and the Commercial Rent Tax?
- Can you provide references or examples of clients similar in size and complexity to my business?
Services and Processes
- What specific services are included in the engagement? Bookkeeping, tax preparation, business tax services, client accounting services, and audit support?
- How do you structure communication and reporting (monthly meetings, dashboards, response time guarantees)?
- What accounting software and security protocols do you use to protect financial data?
- How do you price your services (hourly, fixed fee, retainer), and what situations trigger additional charges?
Related to Your Project
- Based on my business structure, what immediate tax risks or opportunities do you see?
- How will you help optimize local, state, and national tax obligations while keeping us compliant?
- If we grow, raise capital, or expand internationally, how will your services scale with us?
- What measurable outcomes should I expect in the first 6-12 months of working together?
Why Companies Trust DesignRush
Rated 4.8 on Google and 4.7 on Trustpilot, DesignRush Agency Directory is a reliable resource for finding top San Francisco accounting firms. We owe this to our executive selection team, which follows a strict screening process when featuring agencies on the platform, assessing key performance indicators, like portfolio, client reviews, and industry reputation.
Learn more about DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology.
Sources
DesignRush sustains a directory of over 40,000 agencies categorized by service category, location, expertise, and reviews. We build our database in two ways:
- Our dedicated team of agency experts actively searches the web for top-performing companies. We then pull information from their websites, online presence, and client testimonials to verify their status and qualifications prior to listing.
- The agencies listed get notified of their profiles on the website and they can choose to claim it or not, which suggests their availability for more collaborations.
Agencies can also reach out to DesignRush and must go through the verification process prior to being listed.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco Accounting Firms
What services do accounting firms in San Francisco offer?
They offer various professional services that help San Francisco businesses navigate complex financial requirements, support growth, and stay compliant in a high-regulation environment, including:
- Bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping: Keeping daily financial transactions (sales, purchases, expenses, receipts) organized and reconciled with bank statements so business owners can track cash flow and profitability accurately.
- Tax Preparation and compliance: Preparing and filing federal, California, and local tax returns, including income, payroll, and specific local taxes like San Francisco GRT, while ensuring compliance with evolving tax laws.
- Audit and assurance: Independently reviewing financial statements to give lenders, investors, regulators, or private equity stakeholders confidence that a company’s financials are accurate and compliant with accounting standards.
- Business advisory and consulting: Providing strategic guidance on budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow improvement, risk management, and business performance. It helps decision makers with growth planning and operational efficiency, including identifying available tax credit opportunities.
- Outsourced accounting and virtual CFO services: Acting as an external finance team or part-time CFO, handling everything from month-end closes and reporting to strategic financial leadership.
- Forensic accounting and fraud investigation: Investigating suspected financial misconduct, fraud, or irregularities using deep analysis of records and data analytics. It supports litigation or internal risk mitigation and can act as an expert witness.
- Payroll and HR-related services: Managing employee pay processing, tax withholdings, benefits compliance, and associated reporting, helping businesses avoid costly payroll errors and legal issues.
How do San Francisco accountants typically charge?
They typically use several common pricing models, depending on the service scope, complexity, and client needs, including hourly rates, flat or fixed fees, monthly retainers, and pricing per project for specialized business tax services or advisory engagements.
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and senior accountants usually bill hourly, especially for advisory, tax planning, audits, or non-routine work. In the Bay Area, standard hourly rates range from $210 to $280 for general accounting work and $150 to $400+ for CPAs, with specialized or high-demand experts often at the top end.
Many San Francisco accounting companies offer flat pricing for common, well-defined tasks like tax preparation, monthly bookkeeping, structured client accounting services, or annual financial reports. For individual tax returns in San Francisco, typical flat fees run from about $250-$475, depending on complexity.
Typical examples of fees:
- Personal tax filing (simple): $250-$300+
- Complex personal/business returns: $550-$800+
- Hourly advisory or planning: $150-$400+ /hr.
- Monthly bookkeeping packages: $300-$500+ /month (varies by transaction volume and scope)
Do these firms handle San Francisco-specific business taxes?
Yes, they do. San Francisco’s tax code, including Gross Receipts and commercial rent taxes, can change annually. Since it uses classifications and apportionment rules that significantly affect liabilities, local accountants play an important role in ensuring correct classification, timely filings, and optimized tax outcomes through specialized business tax services.
San Francisco accounting firms routinely handle San Francisco-specific business taxes as part of their core tax and compliance services.
Key local taxes they support include:
- San Francisco Gross Receipts Tax: Based on a business’s total revenue earned from activities attributable to San Francisco and applies to most companies with gross receipts above a local threshold (e.g., $2.25 M+ before exemptions in 2024) and requires detailed allocation/apportionment.
- Local business registration and fees: Accountants assist firms with San Francisco Annual Business Tax Returns and associated business registration filings and fees required by the city.
- Commercial rent tax and other levies: Certain commercial properties and businesses also face local levies such as the Commercial Rent Tax, which accountants will calculate and include in compliance planning.
- Payroll and California franchise/state taxes: San Francisco accountants also integrate local obligations with California state taxes and payroll compliance, so businesses avoid double reporting or missed filings.
What is the difference between an accountant and an outsourced CFO?
An accountantensures your books are accurate and compliant, while an outsourced CFOuses that financial data to chart your company’s financial future and improve decision-making. More broadly, an accountant focuses on recording, organizing, and reporting financial data, such as bookkeeping, preparing financial statements, managing payroll, and filing taxes, while ensuring accuracy, compliance, and clarity about what has financially happened already.
An outsourced CFO (virtual or fractional CFO)provides strategic financial leadership, including budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, financial modelling, risk assessment, and advising on growth, fundraising, or major decisions.
What should I look for in a San Francisco accountant?
Choosing the right accountant in San Francisco can directly impact your compliance, cash flow, and long-term growth. Here’s what to evaluate before making a decision:
- Relevant industry experience: Accountants in San Francisco need to be familiar with your sector (tech, real estate, hospitality, startups, small business).
- Local tax expertise: Deep knowledge of San Francisco tax rules (Gross Receipts, Commercial Rent Tax, payroll) and California state compliance.
- Credentials and licensing: CPA license, firm reputation, and professional affiliations.
- Technology proficiency: Skilled with leading accounting/ERP tools (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, cloud reporting).
- Communication clarity: They should explain complex financials in plain language and respond promptly.
- Proactive planning: Offer tax planning, tax credit identification, and cash flow forecasting, not just compliance work.
- Transparent pricing: Clear fee structure (hourly, fixed, retainer) with scoped deliverables.
- References and reviews: Verified client feedback and case examples of previous accounting services, including private client services for high-net-worth individuals.
About The Author and Expert Reviewer
Natasa Glikman is an experienced editor and content writer with over 10 years of experience in writing, editing, and translating articles across various topics, with a strong focus on marketing and advertising. At DesignRush, Natasa currently works as an editor, where she refines and enhances B2B content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency across agency profiles and industry reports.
Dušan Milutinović is a finance expert with an MBA from Purdue University in the U.S. He has gained over 15 years of experience from his roles as the CFO of Serbia Broadband, Board Member of Hemofarm AD, General Manager of STADA, and Consultant at IFC (Member of The World Bank), as well as KPMG (BearingPoint). He is currently the Senior Finance Manager at DesignRush, overseeing the company's finance, administration, and reporting processes.
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