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.

Organic rankings are determined by five factors: top services, reviews, portfolio, awards/press, and team expertise. Sponsored listings pay for a placement that appears above organic positions. Sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content - read more on our methodology page.

United States × California × San Francisco × $1,000 - $10,000 ×Clear Filters
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    • Business Consulting
    • Market Research
    • HR Outsourcing
    • Software Development
    • Show more
    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

    Grant Thornton Services

    • Accounting
    • Business Consulting
    • Market Research
    • HR Outsourcing
    • Software Development
    • IT Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Financial industry
    • Real estate industry
    • Media and Entertainment industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    Grant Thornton Reviews & Testimonials

    • Theodore Mall
      Theodore Mall Review from Google
      4.0★

      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.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Jones, Schiller & Company Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Accounting Industry
    • Banking Industry
    • Finance Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    LvHJ Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Real Estate Industry
    • Non Profit Industry
    • For-profit Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Safe Harbor Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • iPoint Solutions, Inc
    • Hands-On Mobile
    • Finance Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    Safe Harbor Reviews & Testimonials

    • Tess Gresh
      Tess Gresh Review from Google
      5.0★

      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.

    • Middy Yu
      Middy Yu Review from Google
      5.0★

      Middy 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!

    • Elizabeth Cyr
      Elizabeth Cyr Review from Google
      5.0★

      Elizabeth 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.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Hood & Strong Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Food and Beverage Industry
    • Nonprofit Industry
    • Real Estate Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    SD Mayer & Associates Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Lahlouh
    • Salesian Boys Girls Club
    • Eden Church
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    SD Mayer & Associates Reviews & Testimonials

    • Tyler Pugliese
      Tyler Pugliese Review from Google
      5.0★

      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.

    • Julian Penna
      Julian Penna Review from Google
      1.0★

      Julian 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.

    • Justin Rhinesmith
      Justin Rhinesmith Review from Google
      1.0★

      Justin 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.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Silicon Valley Finance Group Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • volta
    • Ruby Ribbon
    • livefyre
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Scrubbed Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Finance Industry
    • Energy Industry
    • Distribution Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    Scrubbed Reviews & Testimonials

    • Elena Osmekhina
      Elena Osmekhina Review from Google
      5.0★

      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!

    • Rick Theder
      Rick Theder Review from Google
      5.0★

      Rick 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.

    • Edgardo Tolentino
      Edgardo Tolentino Review from Google
      5.0★

      Edgardo 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.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    B.O.L. Global Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Banking Industry
    • Insurance Industry
    • Finance Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    B.O.L. Global Reviews & Testimonials

    • NED
      NED Review from Google
      1.0★

      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.

    • Derek Hanneman
      Derek Hanneman Review from Google
      1.0★

      Derek 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.

    • Tina You
      Tina You Review from Google
      5.0★

      Tina 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!

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Kustov & Associates Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Construction Industry
    • Manufacturing and Distribution Industry
    • Restaurants Industry
    • Retail Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    Kustov & Associates Reviews & Testimonials

    • Justin Caldbeck
      Justin Caldbeck Review from Google
      1.0★

      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

    • Alex Fedosseev
      Alex Fedosseev Review from Google
      5.0★

      Alex 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.

    • Dmitry Pushkarev
      Dmitry Pushkarev Review from Google
      1.0★

      Dmitry 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.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Golden State Accounting Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Banking Industry
    • Finnace Industry
    • Insurance Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Forward Thinking, Exceptional Service.

    A boutique accounting and advisory firm offering expert financial guidance with a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and exceptional client service...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    Devereaux, Kuhner, & Co Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Banking Industry
    • Finance Industry
    • Insurance Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Personal Service, Professional Expertise.

    HRH Accountancy Corporation offers personalized accounting and tax services for businesses and professionals, providing expert guidance at affordable rates...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    HRH Accountancy Corporation Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Heatlhcare Industry
    • Finance Industry
    • Dental Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    HRH Accountancy Corporation Reviews & Testimonials

    • Prash Chopra
      Prash Chopra Review from Google
      5.0★

      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!

    • Danny Cota
      Danny Cota Review from Google
      5.0★

      Danny 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!

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    SFBay Financial Services

    • Accounting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Fathom
    • GUSTO
    • carta
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    SFBay Financial Reviews & Testimonials

    • Kumiko Furukawa
      Kumiko Furukawa Review from Google
      5.0★

      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.

    • Craig Boon
      Craig Boon Review from Google
      5.0★

      Craig 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!

    • Maralisa Simmons-Cook
      Maralisa Simmons-Cook Review from Google
      5.0★

      Maralisa 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!

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
  • 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...

    Top Services:

    • Accounting
    • Business Consulting
    Location
    San Francisco, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000

    DNA GROWTH Services

    • Accounting
    • Business Consulting
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Ecommerce Industry
    • Crypto Industry
    • Fintech Industry
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

    DNA GROWTH Reviews & Testimonials

    • Animesh Dhanotia
      Animesh Dhanotia Review from Google
      5.0★

      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.

    • Arpana thakur
      Arpana thakur Review from Google
      5.0★

      Arpana 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.

    • Dutch Macoy
      Dutch Macoy Review from Google
      5.0★

      Dutch 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.

    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews

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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.

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