Are you looking for a professional accounting firm for startups to provide strategic financial advice for your growing business? We explored client feedback, startup-related case studies, and industry standings of leading startup accounting services to help businesses like yours discover reputable partners. You can browse our directory and refine your search by location, pricing, minimum budget, team size, and other criteria to find an agency that can effectively help you navigate all accounting and regulatory challenges.

  

We also meticulously reviewed the services, awards, portfolios, industry reputation, pricing, and client reviews of nearly 100 agencies to bring you a list of the top 10 accounting firms for startups. Check out our featured agencies and their specialties to find the right partner for your accounting needs.

The Number 1 Accounting Firm for Startups as Selected by DesignRush Is...

1. Pilot

Pilot homepage-screenshot
[Source: Pilot]
  • Best for: Overall
  • Average hourly rate: $1
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2017
  • Size: 250-499
  • Location: San Francisco, CA
  • Notable clients: Trash, Lattice, Airtable, Scale AI, Passage AI

Pilot is an accounting firm for startups that provides bookkeeping, fractional chief financial officer (CFO), and tax services to growing businesses. Its skilled accountants use cutting-edge workflows superior to traditional error-prone accounting. So far, Pilot has helped 1,750+ customers save over $35 million in research and development (R&D) tax savings. Some of the services this startup accounting firm is expert in include finance tools integration, tax, R&D tax credit, building budgets, and fundraising preparation.

Pilot Success Story

  • Challenge: Trash is a video editing platform that had one of its founders keep company books for two years. Instead of investing time in building the startup's product, Karina Bernacki lost hours manually handling budget reports and other accounting tasks. When the company secured a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, it needed to provide regular reporting on how the funding was spent. This is when Trash reached out to Pilot.
  • Solution: When Pilot took over, it synced all Trash's financial accounts, including payroll and accounting cards. The agency reconciled all books and started creating monthly statements, so all books were up to date. Finally, Pilot built custom reports for NSF to keep track of its funds.
  • Results: Thanks to working with Pilot, Trash now leaves a better impression on investors, having the board focus on strategy instead of financial decisions. NSF funding reports will make it easier for Trash to apply for future grants and raise more funds.

Check Out Pilot Agency Profile

2. Graphite Financial

Graphite Financial homepage-screenshot
[Source: Graphite Financial]
  • Best for: Scaling financial processes
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2016
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Notable clients: Caraway, Confiant, SETTLE, SunScoop, The Muse

Born out of a VC fund, Graphite Financial provides startup accounting services that include bookkeeping, fractional CFO, and tax. The company has helped several hundred startups with industry-specific accounting and bookkeeping, financial modeling, fundraising, long-term strategic plans, corporate tax filings, sales tax, and more. Graphite Financial specializes in working with businesses from SaaS and tech, eCommerce, health tech and healthcare, biotech, and other spheres.

Graphite Financial Success Story

  • Challenge: Caraway is a cookware brand that started with a small team and limited funding. As the business began to grow, it became obvious it needed professional assistance with finance and accounting.
  • Solution: Graphite Financial provided guidance as Caraway navigated scaling its business, which made financial processes more complex. The accounting firm for startups helped the company establish processes for accounts receivable, bill payment, and other essential financial functions.
  • Results: By having Graphite Financial handle all financial aspects of its business, Caraway didn't have to worry about the intricacies of back-end CPG accounting, and its core team was able to focus on building and expanding the business.

Check Out Graphite Financial Profile

3. airCFO

airCFO homepage-screenshot
[Source: airCFO]
  • Best for: Account receivables
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2013
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Cleveland, OH
  • Notable clients: Apartment List, Crosschq, 1Konto, Liveflow, Basis

airCFO offers startup accounting services in the fields of accounting, finance, people operations, and tax. Over 300 startups have trusted airCFO with processes like expense management, financial statement preparation, cash flow projections, budgeting, modeling, tax laws, and IRS guidance. With automated tools and tailored advice, airCFO enables startups to easily scale their infrastructure and get a strong hold of their accounting capabilities.

airCFO Success Story

  • Challenge: Apartment List is an online rental marketplace that has grown to advertise over 5 million rental units on its platform. To support such rapid growth, the company needed assistance from a professional startup accounting firm.
  • Solution: airCFO took over all accounting and financial initiatives, most notably with account receivables. The company helped customize the delivery of products and services to support the quick expansion of Apartment List’s business.
  • Results: Apartment List made significant financial savings by outsourcing all finances to airCFO instead of hiring an in-house CFO. Thanks to the accounting firm's flexibility, the startup successfully scaled and eventually hired an internal financial expert to work alongside the airCFO.

Check Out airCFO Agency Profile

4. Burkland

Burkland homepage-screenshot
[Source: Burkland]
  • Best for: Accounting process automation
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2004
  • Size: 100-249
  • Location: San Francisco, CA
  • Notable clients: Aletha Health, GoFormz, Locale, Imubit, Revelstoke

Burkland is a company that provides startup accounting services for over 800 venture-backed startup clients. So far, the accounting firm has helped its clients raise over $14.4 billion in funding by letting them focus on business growth while tackling all accounting and financial tasks. Burkland specializes in tax preparation, tax credit research, financial guidance in strategic scaling, bookkeeping, and financial systems.

Burkland Success Story

  • Challenge: Aletha Health is a healthcare startup that started out by manually running all its accounting processes. During its first rapid growth phase, the company faced challenges in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of its bookkeeping.
  • Solution: Burkland set out to automate most of Aletha Health’s processes, including integrating its accounting software with its sales platform. All sales data could be handled in one place, enabling Burkland to reconcile transactions at the end of each month.
  • Results: Thanks to Burkland, Aletha Health now has clean accounting books and automated accounting processes that are quicker and more accurate. Reporting accurate sales taxes protects the business during due diligence and with investors.

Check Out Burkland Agency Profile

5. Early Growth

Early Growth homepage-screenshot
[Source: Early Growth]
  • Best for: Inventory management
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2008
  • Size: 50-99
  • Location: San Jose, CA
  • Notable clients: Enplug, Student Loan Hero, Tonal, Joinesty, Origin Materials

Early Growth is the largest national startup accounting firm in the venture capital space. The company is a one-stop shop for all startup financial activities, including fund accounting, equity management, risk management, and financial operations. Early Growth has helped over 5,000 clients, specifically venture capital backed companies, SaaS, life sciences, eCommerce, and technology hardware companies.

Early Growth Success Story

  • Challenge: Enplug is a startup that transitioned to a SaaS-based model early in its growth phase. As the number of subscribed users grew, the company realized its burning need for professional accounting.
  • Solution: Early Growth handled transaction categorizations, reviewed and cleaned up line items in the business’ chart of accounts, and streamlined all accounting and financial processes. Besides that, the accounting firm managed monthly close and managing inventory, invoicing, and bill payments.
  • Results: With Early Growth handling all financial processes, the company could focus on growing the business and attracting more investors. Enplug successfully raised $3.5 million in seed funding and continued to grow.

Check Out Early Growth Agency Profile

6. Accountancy Cloud

Accountancy Cloud homepage-screenshot
[Source: Accountancy Cloud]
  • Best for: R&D tax
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2014
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: London, United Kingdom
  • Notable clients: Scape Technologies, London Filmed, Homevest, Friday, Manyone

Accountancy Cloud is an accounting firm for startups that provides bookkeeping, CFO, and tax services for startups and scale-ups. This startup accounting company covers a wide range of services, including accounting, R&D tax credits, CFO services, invoices, receipts, expenses, taxes, and tax returns. Accountancy Cloud won numerous accolades, such as Accounting Excellence Medium Firm of the Year, British Accountancy Awards Independent Firm of the Year, and Accounting Excellence Innovative Firm of the Year.

Accountancy Cloud Success Story

  • Challenge: Scape Technologies, a computer-vision startup, needed to file its R&D tax credit claim in a reliable, error-free way. With research and development efforts scattered across multiple platforms, it was difficult to handle the complexity of accounting processes.
  • Solution: Accountancy Cloud leveraged its expertise to streamline and handle all accounting processes. The firm ensured that R&D credit tracking went flawlessly with a combination of manual and automated work.
  • Results: Thanks to Accountancy Cloud's help, Scape Technologies could claim £500,000 of R&D tax cash refund and further grow its business.

Check Out Accountancy Cloud Agency Profile

7. Learn & Grow Financial

Learn & Grow Financial homepage-screenshot
[Source: Learn & Grow Financial]
  • Best for: Regulations compliance
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2018
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Notable clients: Honey, Selling Signals, Donut Media, Boulevard Labs, Brex

Learn & Grow Financial is a small team of highly skilled accountants, fractional CFOs, and tax experts focusing on helping startups and growing businesses tackle their financial processes. This startup accounting company uses cutting-edge financial technology to streamline its clients' operations and provide strategic advice and planning as they grow. Learn & Grow Financial specializes in accounts payable, R&D tax credit, revenue growth, and other key performance indicator tracking, as well as accounting automation.

Learn & Grow Financial Success Story

  • Challenge: Honey is a tech startup that started out with an internal bookkeeper, but as the company grew, it needed high-level support to manage the financial aspects of the expansion.
  • Solution: Learn & Grow Financial helped Honey manage gross margin and profitability by channel, amortizing expenses and transitioning to accrual-based accounting. The accounting firm for startups ensured that Honey's rewards program was compliant with all financial regulations. Finally, Learn & Grow helped Honey automate payroll and accounts payable processes to handle the large volume of transactions.
  • Results: Supported by Learn & Grow Financial, Honey managed to scale from 11 to almost 100 employees with the financial infrastructure able to support this growth. Honey gained better insights into its finances, which empowered it to make better financial decisions.

Check Out Learn & Grow Financial Agency Profile

8. Hiline

Hiline homepage-screenshot
[Source: Hiline]
  • Best for: Financial records
  • Average hourly rate: $1
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2016
  • Size: 100-249
  • Location: Syracuse, NY
  • Notable clients: Avidon Health, Ritual, Vetted, Flow Kana, Life Choices Center

Leveraging the power of hi-tech financial solutions, Hiline helps startups and growing businesses manage their accounting. This startup accounting company has provided custom financial solutions to over 300 startups, aiding them with bookkeeping, CFO services, HR and payroll, accounts payable, spending management, and tax. Hiline integrates modern software solutions like QuickBooks Online, Basis FP&A, BILL Accounts Payable, and Spend & Expense software to automate and streamline financial processes.

Hiline Success Story

  • Challenge: Avidon Health used an external bookkeeper with limited availability, which created operational gaps. A junior team member ran its accounting and finance, and he struggled to tackle more complex issues. The company also lacked timely financial reporting that would help make better financial decisions.
  • Solution: Within the first month, Hiline performed a historical cleanup of Avidon Health's financial records. The accounting team set up and started tracking important metrics to give the business a better insight into its finances. Hiline provided the consistency and availability that Avidon Health was lacking.
  • Results: Thanks to Hiline's support, Avidon Health's SVP of Operations could focus on her duties, helping the company scale while making sure the finances were in order.

Check Out Hiline Agency Profile

9. Milestone

Milestone homepage-screenshot
[Source: Milestone]
  • Best for: Fractional CFO
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2020
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Carmel, IN
  • Notable clients: DemandJump, Lessonly, Arborgold, Blind Zebra, Innovate Map

Milestone is a startup accounting company that helps nonprofits and high-grow businesses with monthly accounting, fractional CFO, financial system design and implementation, payroll, and other services. The firm offers plans tailored to its clients' size and budget, providing anything from weekly bookkeeping to consultancy in financial review and board meetings. Milestone has extensive expertise working with SaaS, startup, and scaleup companies from different industries.

Milestone Success Story

  • Challenge: DemandJump is a SaaS startup that had to quickly find an accounting firm after its CFO resigned, leaving the company without a dedicated expert to help with growth plan execution.
  • Solution: Milestone provided startup accounting services, including fractional accounting and CFO services through a combination of the latest financial software and its financial leadership expertise. The accounting firm for startups took over daily bookkeeping and strategic guidance around financial decisions.
  • Results: The adoption of financial technology allowed DemandJump to improve operational efficiency and information flow. The day-to-day operations enabled the business to successfully prepare for scaling knowing all back-office operations were streamlined.

Check Out Milestone Agency Profile

10. Schultz & Associates, CPA

Schultz & Associates, CPA homepage-screenshot
[Source: Schultz & Associates, CPA]
  • Best for: Receipt management
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 1992
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Canton, MI
  • Notable clients: Westland CPA, Livonia, Plymouth, Vincent Ricca, Express Payroll Solutions

Schultz & Associates, CPA, provides startup accounting services tailored to industries like dental, veterinary, optometric, construction, and law. The company offers business accounting, tax services, bookkeeping, payroll processing, filing back taxes, and many other startup accounting services. Schultz & Associates has a portfolio of over 200 satisfied clients and specializes in multi-state income tax and multi-state sales tax issues.

Schultz & Associates, CPA Success Story

  • Challenge: Westland CPA is a plumbing business that has experienced a rapid growth in demand for its services. With the increased volume of accounting tasks, the company needed an outside firm to handle its accounting and bookkeeping. Also, Westland CPA needed a professional for tax preparation (Form 1120S) and tax planning.
  • Solution: Schultz & Associates provided full-service accounting support that included weekly payroll processing, end-of-year accounting, and tax preparation. The firm helped Westland CPA switch from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online and choose which processes to handle internally. On top of it, Schultz & Associates simplified the invoicing process for long-term projects, assisted in switching to automated bill payment, and streamlined receipt management.
  • Results: After Schultz & Associates took over accounting, the business had more free time to focus on other activities, adding an extra 2-5 service calls per week and growing its revenue.

Check Out Schultz & Associates, CPA Agency Profile

How We Picked the Best Startup Accounting Services

To narrow down the top startup accounting services, we reviewed their clients' testimonials, case studies, industry reputation, team expertise, certifications and accolades, and executive management. Our team of agency experts developed a scoring system to measure their overall performance based on several important factors:

  • Accounting expertise: The scope of financial and accounting services the firm specializes in
  • Reviews: Quality of work, client satisfaction, timely delivery, and level of trustworthiness
  • Portfolio: The accounting company's track record of successful collaboration
  • Awards and press: Financial industry reputation and innovation, awards, and recognitions
  • Team bios: The agency’s qualifications and team dynamics
  • Top accounting services: Areas of expertise and industry-specific knowledge

Visit the DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology for more information on how we research agencies.

10 Most Popular Accounting Firms for Startups Compared

Agency name Location Hourly rate Size Best for
PilotSan Francisco, CA$1250-499Overall
Graphite FinancialNew York, NYInquireUnder 49Scaling financial processes
airCFOCleveland, OHInquireUnder 49Account receivables
BurklandSan Francisco, CAInquire100-249Accounting process automation
Early GrowthSan Jose, CAInquire50-99Inventory management
Accountancy CloudLondon, United KingdomInquireUnder 49R&D tax
Learn & Grow FinancialLos Angeles, CAInquireUnder 49Regulations compliance
HilineSyracuse, NY$1100-249Financial records
MilestoneCarmel, INInquireUnder 49Fractional CFO
Schultz & Associates, CPACanton, MIInquireUnder 49Receipt management

Best Startup Accounting Services

146 Companies
Rankings updated: May 16, 2025
  • Dimov Tax

    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  [... view the full profile of Dimov Tax]
    Denver, Colorado
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Outstaff Your Team

    Grow faster. Scale efficiently. Outstaff Your Team
    IT staffing company that helps growing startups and global tech businesses attract, hire, and retain the top talents for Tech, Digital & Creative teams across the globe.  [... view the full profile of Outstaff Your Team]
    Wilmington, Delaware
    Under 49 $35/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Remofirst

    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  [... view the full profile of Remofirst]
    San Francisco, California
    50 - 99 Inquire Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Uniquesdata

    Your trusted Data Entry Outsourcing & Web Research Partner
    Uniquesdata is a global data management outsourcing company providing a wide range of solutions, including data entry, market research, data digitization, data processing, data conversion, data  [... view the full profile of Uniquesdata]
    Ahmedabad, India
    100 - 249 $5/hr Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Keach Assistants

    Transform Your Workflow with Highly Skilled Virtual Assistants.
    Keach Assistants is a U.S.-based virtual assistant company specializing in providing expert bookkeeping, accounting, eCommerce, and data entry services. Our team of highly skilled virtual assistants  [... view the full profile of Keach Assistants]
    Houston, Texas
    Under 49 $10/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Intellofy

    Your Global Workforce.
    Intellofy Technologies is a premier outsourcing and digital marketing agency specializing in delivering top-tier talent and innovative solutions. With a strong focus on client satisfaction, we provide  [... view the full profile of Intellofy]
    Delhi, India
    Under 49 $7/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Parikh Financial

    Streamline Your Finances, Elevate Your Business.
    Unlock Your Financial Potential: Partner with Parikh Financial to optimize your finances and achieve your goals. Our expert team, including bookkeepers, accountants, data analysts, and fractional  [... view the full profile of Parikh Financial]
    Austin, Texas
    Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Building Better Business with us!
    Upcloud Accounting is a virtual accounting firm located in Quezon City, Philippines, and is an expert in all areas of accounting, bookkeeping, consulting, outsourcing, payroll, taxes (PH), and  [... view the full profile of Upcloud Accounting]
    Quezon City, Philippines
    Under 49 $25/hr Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • BOMCAS

    Canada Professional Tax Accountants and Accounting Services - Accountant in Edmonton.
    BOMCAS Canada stands as a prominent provider of accounting and tax services, delivering a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to both businesses and individuals. Catering to corporations, small  [... view the full profile of BOMCAS]
    Edmonton, Canada
    Under 49 $60/hr Under $1,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Task Virtual

    Keeping Things Simple
    Infuse your everyday tasks with a real-time, virtual acuity.Task Virtual's team of experts has the timing and expertise to deliver your business needs—from daily duties to big projects requiring  [... view the full profile of Task Virtual]
    Kolkata, India
    100 - 249 $6/hr Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Need Help Selecting The Right Agency For Your Project?

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  • EuroCom CX

    Quality over Quantity
    A Leading Outsourcing Center in Europe with the Healthy Ambition to Remain at the Top! Our business is on par with the standards established by the industry thanks to the exceptional quality and  [... view the full profile of EuroCom CX]
    Tirana, Albania
    500 - 999 $14/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • One Accounting

    Professional Accounting Firm
    One Accounting is a professional accounting firm with offices located in Oakville, Hamilton and Toronto providing a wide range of services for corporations, small businesses and personal taxes. We  [... view the full profile of One Accounting]
    Toronto, Canada
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
  • Business Setup in Dubai.
    Company Setup Consultants is an experienced professional Business setup company in Dubai that is keen on supporting its customers to successfully setup their companies in the UAE, in the easiest  [... view the full profile of Company Setup Consultants]
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    50 - 99 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • Driving Excellence. Delivering Growth.
    Mercurius Advisory Services provides a comprehensive suite of accounting, bookkeeping, taxation, company setup and other shared services to small, medium, and large enterprises.  [... view the full profile of Mercurius Advisory Services]
    Delhi, India
    250 - 499 $15/hr Inquire
  • Burks Bookkeeping

    We support Texans by provide virtual tax prep for individuals and business solutions for start-ups and sole-preneurs. Our focus is on small business owners in the industries on renewable energy  [... view the full profile of Burks Bookkeeping]
    Rosenberg, Texas
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
  • Dare a Design

    You take the shot, we take the risk
    We are a small web design agency based in Barrie, Ontario.With us you will find the best: Design, Development, Copy and Content writing and Advanced SEOsupport for your small business in a very  [... view the full profile of Dare A Design]
    Barrie, Canada
    Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
  • NetherGrowth

    Digital Solutions for Professionals.
    NetherGrowth stands as a premier web development agency, providing innovative solutions tailored to businesses seeking to expand their online presence. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies and  [... view the full profile of NetherGrowth]
    Enschede, Netherlands
    Under 49 $30/hr Under $1,000
  • Peace of Mind.
    Elegance Healthcare LLC is a prominent healthcare technology firm that offers a full spectrum of virtualized solutions for rapidly expanding healthcare companies.  [... view the full profile of Elegance Healthcare LLC]
    East Providence, Rhode Island
    50 - 99 $15/hr Inquire
  • Small Business Accounting, Technology, & Growth Consulting.
    Fred Lundin CPA LLC is a Chicago-based CPA accounting and technology consulting firm specializing in serving e-commerce, solopreneurs, and small business owners. With a dedicated focus on these  [... view the full profile of Fred Lundin CPA LLC]
    Chicago, Illinois
    Under 49 $150/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • Deloitte

    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  [... view the full profile of Deloitte]
    New York City, New York
    1000 & Up Inquire Inquire
  • SplashDev

    Great performance with SplashDev: Reliable Dynamics 365 solutions!
    SplashDev recommends and implements the best CRM and ERP solutions on the market with solution stack on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform. Those are our strong drivers that help us set new standards  [... view the full profile of SplashDev]
    Bucharest, Romania
    Under 49 $1000/hr Inquire
  • Strategic Finance, Powered by Service.
    At DCG, we dont believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. While many CPA firms confine themselves to basic tax software services, we deliver something morea strategic, full-service office of finance led  [... view the full profile of DCG | CPA And Management Consulting Firm]
    Scottsdale, Arizona
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
  • Award winning accountants
    Family run Chartered Accountancy practice in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Offering accountancy, tax and business supportservices, Harrisons Accountancy provides solutions to make finances easier to  [... view the full profile of Harrisons Accountancy]
    Biggleswade, United Kingdom
    Under 49 Inquire Under $1,000
  • Marcum

    Accounting answers from the experts.
    Marcum LLP is a top-ranked national accounting firm specializing in serving entrepreneurial ventures and middle-market companies. With a focus on accounting services, we provide strategic insights  [... view the full profile of Marcum]
    New York City, New York
    1000 & Up Inquire Inquire
  • That is why we take a holistic approach to assisting clients with growing, managing, and protecting their hard work. With more than 180 professionals across 9 locations, we partner with many of the  [... view the full profile of YHB | CPAs & Consultants]
    Winchester, Virginia
    100 - 249 $250/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • WHERE QUALITY MEETS TRUST
    We specialize in providing all accounting and financial reporting needs for businesses. This includes bookkeeping, accounting, controller services, CFO services and CPA services. All of our team  [... view the full profile of Avenues Financial]
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
  • Build Accounting

    A Modern, Tech-Forward Startup CPA Firm.
    Build Accounting provides accounting, tax, and CFO services for tech startups and SaaS businesses. We know that your business accounting and taxes are the last thing you want to focus your time and  [... view the full profile of Build Accounting]
    New Albany, Ohio
    Under 49 $200/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • We are passionate about accounting and financial services.
    K Partners delivers financial advice using three main principles: Integrity, Transparency & Partnership. Helping clients create financial prosperity for their businesses, families and futures is  [... view the full profile of K Partners Pty Ltd]
    Melbourne, Australia
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
  • Customer Oriented Company! Enabling Businesses To Be Next-Gen Enterprises!
    Corient Business Solutions, based in Coventry, is a leading outsource accounting firm dedicated to empowering businesses with tailored financial solutions. Specializing in accounting, bookkeeping  [... view the full profile of Corient Business Solutions]
    Coventry, United Kingdom
    250 - 499 $12/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • Turning Accounting and Tax Services into Strategic Growth Opportunities
    KFN Accounting & Financial, LLC is a premier consulting firm in Illinois, offering expert accounting, tax planning, CFO services, and business consulting tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.  [... view the full profile of KFN Accounting & Financial, LLC]
    Deerfield, Illinois
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
  • Invensis

    Build Your Business Momentum with End-to-End BPO Services
    Invensis is a leading business process outsourcing firm, providing an extensive range of services including IT, finance and accounting (F&A), revenue cycle management, transactional management  [... view the full profile of Invensis]
    Lewisville, Texas
    1000 & Up Inquire Inquire
  • Raul Torres, CPA

    Money Wise. Client Driven.
    We are a full-service Accounting firm licensed in Corpus Christi, Texas. We offer a broad range of services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals. We are affordable  [... view the full profile of Raul Torres, CPA]
    Corpus Christi, Texas
    Under 49 Inquire Under $1,000
  • Whiz Consulting

    Peaceful Outsourcing
    Whiz Consulting is a leading provider of online accounting and bookkeeping services, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. With expertise in payroll processing  [... view the full profile of Whiz Consulting]
    Dallas, Texas
    50 - 99 $16/hr Under $1,000
  • iCareBilling

    Revolutionize Your Healthcare Practice.
    iCareBilling is a private American Healthcare IT Company that provides Insurance Credentialing, Medical Billing and other services to the healthcare industry across the United States, integrating  [... view the full profile of ICareBilling]
    Chicago, Illinois
    500 - 999 $25/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • Growth is Complicated. We Make it Simple! Complete Medical Billing Solutions for Your Practice.
    GreenSense Billing stands as a distinguished leader in the realm of medical billing, dedicated to streamlining billing and coding processes within the healthcare industry. Our paramount goal is to  [... view the full profile of GreenSense Billing]
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    100 - 249 $30/hr Inquire
  • An ecosystem of support - for all your accounting needs.
    We focus on supporting small-and-medium-sized business owners and financial leaders manage their accounting at whatever capacity they need. From our name to our approach on work, what we do is very  [... view the full profile of Treewalk Consulting Inc.]
    Vancouver, Canada
    50 - 99 $90/hr Under $1,000
  • The uber of tax preparation services.
    Taxes Served Corporation is your trusted partner in comprehensive financial solutions. Our dedicated team is committed to providing top-notch services in tax, bookkeeping, and payroll to meet the  [... view the full profile of Taxes Served Corp]
    Hoboken, New Jersey
    Under 49 $75/hr $1,000 - $10,000
  • CCC Capital CPA

    Full-service boutique Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA, CA) firm.
    At CCC Capital CPA, we take pride in being a full-service boutique Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA, CA) firm, offering comprehensive Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services. Our team is dedicated  [... view the full profile of CCC Capital CPA]
    Vancouver, Canada
    Under 49 $50/hr Under $1,000
  • SybridMD

    SybridMD is one of the best medical billing company in the US offering complete healthcare solutions
    SybridMD is one of the best medical billing company in the US offering complete healthcare solutions that are cost-effective, secure, and reliable. Healthcare professionals and physicians engage with  [... view the full profile of SybridMD]
    Baldwin, New York
    50 - 99 $50/hr Under $1,000
  • Coin Masters

    Your Trusted Finance Professional.
    Coin Masters is your dedicated finance team, from bookkeeping to the boardroom. With our comprehensive range of services, we're more than just a financial services provider; we're your trusted  [... view the full profile of Coin Masters]
    Ottawa, Canada
    Under 49 Inquire $1,000 - $10,000
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    We Bring Out The Best Out Of You.
    ClarkStaff is a global outsourcing company that provides tailored remote staffing solutions to businesses of all sizes. From seat leasing and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) to project-based and  [... view the full profile of Clark Staff]
    St. Petersburg, Florida
    1000 & Up $7/hr $1,000 - $10,000
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    Streamline your small business bookkeeping & reach your business goals.
    Using the most up-to-date technology platforms available, Efficienxy will keep your small business running smoothly. Providing efficient and reliable virtual bookkeeping services tailored to  [... view the full profile of Efficienxy]
    Rockville, Maryland
    Under 49 $75/hr Under $1,000
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    Understanding your current Financial Health equips you with the knowledge to take your business to the next level. Our firm specializes in a variety of accounting services with outstanding support. We  [... view the full profile of Berry & Associates]
    Coconut Creek, Florida
    Under 49 $52/hr Under $1,000
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    Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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    Miami, Florida
    Under 49 $24/hr Under $1,000
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    Toronto, Canada
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    New York City, New York
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    We are a US-based Multi-service Agency, serving individuals and businesses worldwide.  [... view the full profile of BM Networking, LLC.]
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Accounting Firms For Startups Hiring Guide

What is an accounting firm for startups?

An accounting firm for startups is a company that helps new businesses handle their financial tasks, such as bookkeeping, cash flow management, taxation, etc. By hiring an accounting company, startups can ensure that all financial transactions are made and booked in compliance with the laws and regulations. This helps keep track of the company's finances and avoid risking any irregularities that can result in high money penalties or startup shutdowns.

One example of a successful project is the collaboration between a health and wellness startup and  Mercurius Advisory Services accounting firm. The client had an issue with inaccurately maintained books and lacked staff with adequate accounting knowledge to handle the problem. Mercurius Advisory Services provided proper categorization of credit card transactions and bank statements and matched all accounts receivables with Zoho Inventory, Amazon, Shopify, and Stripe accounts. Thanks to this, the startup was relieved of all accounting concerns and free to focus on core areas of its business.

What services do accounting firms provide for startups?

Accounting firms provide everything from basic bookkeeping to financial advising for their startup clients.

Their responsibilities are typically:

  • Bookkeeping services: Keeping a record of all financial transactions and organizing them
  • Tax compliance: Maximizing tax benefits, decreasing tax liability, and providing another kind of tax guidance
  • Financial management: Cash flow management, budgeting, and similar services
  • Financial modeling: Creating a model to attract potential investors
  • Financial reporting: Creating comprehensive reports for startup stakeholders and investors
  • Business planning: Strategic organization of financial goals
  • Risk management: Mitigating financial risks to safeguard against potential issues
  • Advisory services: Help with financial business decisions such as investments or succession planning

An example of a successful collaboration that included accounting services delivery is the one between Mercurius Advisory Services and a USA-based landscaping business. The landscaping firm had trouble recording invoices and payments with the QuickBooks Desktop software. Therefore, the startup accounting company provided the following services:

  • Reconciling merchant account deposits with bank deposits
  • Creating invoices and recording payments
  • Categorizing and reconciling accounts
  • Un-deposited fund balance rectification
  • Financial reporting

The client was happy with the services received that it decided to continue working with Mercurius Advisory Services and even hired the firm to help migrate accounts to another bookkeeping software.

What is the difference between startup accounting services and bookkeeping?

The difference between startup accounting services and bookkeeping is in the scope of work delivered to the client. Bookkeeping is just one part of accounting services that entails tracking and organizing a startup's financial transactions. In contrast, startup accounting services usually include bookkeeping and other supporting tasks that can range from tax compliance to financial advising.

For instance, common startup bookkeeping services include:

  • Keeping records of customers' payments and invoices
  • Maintaining accounts receivable
  • Reconciling bank and credit card accounts
  • Payroll management

Accounting services for startups typically include:

  • Bookkeeping
  • Taxing
  • Financial management and reporting
  • Risk management
  • Financial advising

How much do startup accounting services cost?

Startup accounting services costs start from around $600 per month for basic bookkeeping. Several factors affect the price of accounting services for startups:

  • The volume of transactions: Accounting price goes up for a large number of monthly transactions
  • The complexity of transactions: Some transactions, like prepaid Facebook advertising, require monthly updates and take more time
  • The client doing some bookkeeping: Some startups take on basic payment tasks, which can lower the accounting price
  • Using accounting software: Investing in an accounting software tool will save money and costs

The top 50 startup accounting agencies on DesignRush charge an average of $98/hour. Roughly 32% of the startup accounting companies on DesignRush accept projects with a minimum budget of less than $1,000, while 4% require a $50,000+ minimum budget.

Why should I hire a startup accounting service?

You should hire a startup accounting service to keep track of your finances, eliminate bookkeeping errors, and ensure compliance with financial laws and regulations. Hiring a startup accounting service can provide specialized expertise, cost savings, scalability, and strategic insights, all of which are essential for the growth and success of a new business.

Some of the benefits of hiring a startup accounting firm include:

  • Avoid common startup pitfalls: According to a survey, running out of money or failing to raise capital is the number one reason startups fail. An accounting firm can help minimize these risks.
  • Reduce the risk of errors: An accounting professional has the necessary expertise to ensure all tasks are done according to financial laws.
  • Provide financial advice: When considering important business decisions around investments, startup founders can consult an accounting company and get guidance.
  • Cost optimization: If your startup has good revenue but a stagnant profit, an accounting firm can find the source of problems like unnecessary expenses or overpriced investments.
  • Time saving: Startups have few employees and can benefit from delegating all financial tasks to an accounting company so they can focus on other responsibilities.

An example of a successful collaboration is a healthcare billing startup that hired an accounting firm called Invensis to help overcome billing and payment process challenges in receiving payments from patients. Invensis identified an outdated approach to invoicing as one of the problems and established different payment options. As a result, the client saw an improvement of almost 80% in recovering outstanding payments and a nearly 90% reduction in bad debt.

How do I choose the best accounting firm for my startup business?

Choosing the best accounting firm for your startup involves several key considerations. You want to ensure that the firm meets your specific needs and can support your business effectively as it grows. To choose the right accounting firm for your startup business, consider the company’s experience in your industry, its portfolio of services, pricing plans, and client reviews.

Based on your company's needs, you should focus on these steps:

  1. Identify your goals: Define which financial processes you want to take care of internally and which you want to outsource. Make a list of all the areas where you need expert help.
  2. Find the right expertise: Look for a startup accounting company with experience in the services you need. Browse through DesignRush’s Agency Directory to find ideal candidates for the job. Some companies provide only bookkeeping and taxing services while others offer financial advising for startups.
  3. Set a budget: Determine the monthly amount you can invest in accounting.
  4. Evaluate their pricing structure: Understand the firm’s pricing model. Some agencies charge hourly rates, while others offer fixed-fee packages. Make sure the pricing is transparent and aligns with your budget. Ask about any additional fees that might arise.
  5. Review agency experience: Ask for a portfolio of relevant work, case studies, reviews, and clients you can contact for feedback. Ideally, the agency should have tangible results with companies from your industry.
  6. Evaluate communication and responsiveness: Good communication is vital. Confirm the firm is responsive, easy to communicate with, and willing to explain complex financial concepts in understandable terms. Quick and clear communication can save time and prevent misunderstandings.
  7. Ask about the processes: Find out how the accounting firm handles all finances, what inputs and documents it needs from you, etc.
  8. Inquire about analytics and reporting: Ask the agency how it tracks finances and if it uses any kind of accounting software for reporting.
  9. Ask for proposals: Send a request for a proposal (RFP) to the shortlisted startup accounting firms.
  10. Interview: Set up interviews with prospective startup accounting companies to discuss the project in detail and determine if they fit your team well.
  11. Make a decision: After reviewing the RFPs, choose the best-suited agency and establish all project development processes.

If you need a custom-made list of accounting firms for startups, contact us. Our team will match you with the most suitable agencies based on your list of requirements. You can browse our Marketplace for more details.

How do I find the best startup accounting service on DesignRush that fits my budget?

To find the best startup accounting service on DesignRush that fits your budget, use the filtering feature to sort agencies by minimal budgets in ascending order or by hourly rate from lowest to highest.

If you have a limited budget, look for agencies that accept projects under $1,000. Accounting firms like Remofirst, Upcloud Accounting, BOMCAS, Treewalk Consulting Inc., and CCC Capital CPA require a minimal budget below $1,000. The average hourly rate changes from country to country, so you may consider hiring an agency outside the US that offers more affordable rates.

What are the key success metrics in accounting firms for startups?

The key success metrics in accounting firms for startups are related mostly to the volume of processed invoices, error rates, processing costs, and time needed to complete certain tasks.

Common startup accounting metrics include:

  • Days Payable Outstanding (DPO): The average number of days it takes for a startup to pay its bills
  • Cost per invoice: The average cost of processing a single invoice
  • Invoice exception rate: The percentage of invoices that have incorrect information and require manual intervention
  • Invoice cycle time: The average time it takes to complete an invoice from receipt to payment
  • Payment error rate: The rate of payments that have issues such as duplicate payments, incorrect amounts, etc.
  • Error resolution time: Total time spent resolving errors divided by the number of errors
  • Accounts Payable Expense as a Percentage of Revenue: Total costs of accounting compared to startup revenue
  • Electronic invoices rate: The number of electronic invoices divided by the total of electronic and paper invoices
  • Client profitability: Total revenue coming from a single client subtracted by job-related costs
  • Job profitability: The difference between job-related costs and revenue from a single job
  • Client retention rate: The difference between the total number of clients at the beginning and the end of a set timeframe, which excludes any new customers acquired, calculated in percentages
  • New client growth rate: The difference between the total number of clients at the end and at the beginning of a set timeframe, calculated in percentages
  • Employee productivity: Total startup revenue divided by the number of employees

What questions should I ask before hiring accounting services for startups?

You should ask accounting services for startups about their experience with startups and your industry, the accounting software and tools they use, the services they provide, and the approach they will take to managing your finances.

These include the following:

Its Relevant Background

  1. How many years of experience do you have in accounting for startups?
  2. Do you have a portfolio with startup clients?
  3. What certifications and licenses do your team members have?
  4. Do you have experience working with startups from my industry? Are you familiar with its specifics?

Its Services and Processes

  1. How do you plan to handle my finances?
  2. What strategies will you use to optimize costs?
  3. What records should I keep? Which documents will you require from me monthly?
  4. Do you offer financial advising for startups?
  5. Can you help me handle investments and improve my business decisions?
  6. What are my tax obligations?
  7. Will I get a dedicated accountant or a team of people?
  8. Do you have experience with fundraising and M&A?
  9. What is your accounting plan for when the startup grows?

Related to Your Project

  1. How do we define monthly deliverables? What happens if they still need to be met?
  2. Who are the key team members in charge of my accounting?
  3. What metrics will you use to optimize accounting processes?
  4. How often will you provide us with status reports and relevant metrics?
  5. What is the planned budget? Are there any additional costs we can expect?
  6. What kind of additional support and financial advising can you provide? 

What are the best accounting firms for startups in the US?

 The best 5 accounting firms for startups in the US are:

  • Invensis
    • 4.6 stars on DesignRush (3 reviews)
    • 4.0 stars on Google (168 reviews)
    • Top clients: Philips, GRM, Trend West, Diakrit
  • Burks Bookkeeping
    • 4.3 stars on DesignRush (1 review)
    • 4.0 stars on Google (4 reviews)
    • Top clients: E. Valls, Paro, M.Rivera
  • Dimov Tax
    • 4.3 stars on DesignRush (1 review)
    • 4.9 stars on Google (335 reviews)
    • Top clients: eBay, Uber, PayPal, Google
  • Remofirst
    •  4.8 stars on DesignRush (6 reviews)
    • Top clients: Mastercard, University of Cambridge, Microsoft, Lobster
  • Whiz Consulting
    • 4.0 stars on Google (13 reviews)
    • Top clients: The Co-Group, Home Caring, Flow, MH London

Discover more about these and other startup accounting firms by scrolling through our list of agencies. All the companies were carefully selected based on successful projects, industry reputation, customer reviews, and team expertise. Personalize your search and sort companies by location, budget size, hourly rates, and reviews.

Why Trust DesignRush

A trusted B2B marketplace connecting businesses with top-tier accounting firms for startups, DesignRush maintains an impressive 4.7 rating on Trustpilot and Google.

Our dedicated team of agency experts built a network of over 30,000 agencies. We simplify the agency selection process, providing value to clients and agencies alike, via the DesignRush Marketplace.

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As a media platform, our press releases are picked up by 141 media outlets and reach a potential audience of 70 million. Our expertise extends to reputable platforms, such as Forbes, MSN, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, MarketWatch, and Benzinga, solidifying our presence in the industry.

These achievements underscore our commitment to providing valuable insights and solutions within the digital landscape.

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Accounting Firms for Startups Expertise

Accounting firms for startups on DesignRush are competent in a variety of technical and financial skills. Aside from fundamental bookkeeping and accounting tasks, these firms are also proficient in in-depth financial analysis, taxes, payroll, and other disciplines to help businesses manage their finances.

Agency Credibility Indicators

The top accounting firms for startups on DesignRush have been awarded numerous accolades, such as:

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Member Awards
  • Accounting Excellence Awards
  • Inside Public Accounting (IPA) Best of the Best Firms
  • Woodard Top 50 Accounting Services Practice Awards
  • ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Awards
  • Accounting Today Top 100 Firms

These awards showcase the startup accounting services’ excellence in their work and their sterling reputation in the industry.

Startup accounting awards American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Member Awards, Accounting Excellence Awards, Inside Public Accounting (IPA) Best of the Best Firms, Woodard Top 50 Accounting Services Practice Awards, ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Awards, Accounting Today Top 100 Firms

Startup accounting services providers are also recipients of the following certifications:

  • AICPA Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Institute of Management Accountants Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • Institute of Internal Auditors (IMA) Certified Internal Auditor
  • AICPA Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Certified Fraud Examiner
  • Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Certified Financial Planner (CFB)

These internationally recognized credentials reflect the firm’s competencies across various disciplines within the accounting industry.

Startup Accounting certifications: AICPA Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Institute of Management Accountants Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Institute of Internal Auditors (IMA) Certified Internal Auditor, AICPA Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Certified Financial Planner (CFB)

Agencies’ Supported Technologies

Accounting firms for startups are proficient in various software and tools designed to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and improve the quality of service to their clients. Some of the key technologies include:

  • Accounting software
    • QuickBooks
    • Xero
    • FreshBooks
  • Tax preparation software
    • Lacerte
    • TaxWise
    • ProSeries Tax
  • Auditing software
    • SAP Audit Management
    • AuditBoard
    • DataSnipper
Startup Accounting technologies: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks, Lacerte, TaxWise, ProSeries Tax, SAP Audit Management, AuditBoard, DataSnipper

Agency Reviews

For deeper insight into these agencies, DesignRush features client testimonials that share project challenges, results, and overall feedback. Each review undergoes verification, ensuring that the insights we present are both current and accurate.

Using the Bayesian Statistical Method, our algorithm calculates the most probable success rate for each agency. This reduces bias and promotes equity in the rating system, aligning our agency rankings more closely with the genuine quality of the services they offer.

Content Relevance & Accuracy

We make sure our content stays up to date, incorporating the latest listing data, industry trends, emerging technologies, and real-time insights supplied by agencies. It is reviewed by seasoned industry professionals who also provide their invaluable expertise – ensuring accurate and in-depth information.

About The Author and Expert Reviewer
Zarah Ariola specializes in research and business. Working at IBM and serving at the UN Migration Agency provided her with first-hand information on business processes, HR, and finance subjects. She now uses these insights to produce valuable and actionable B2B content for DesignRush.
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.