To operate any size of business or industry, a trustworthy and professional accounting service is not negotiable. A financial company does not just balance your books. The right partner will have helped with tax planning, financial projections, compliance, mergers, acquisitions, and even led you through an international expansion. A wise decision can be the key to successful development, while failure can result from poor choices.

The difficulty, however, lies in the numerous options available. In the United States, there are hundreds of companies that claim to be the best accounting firms. Depending on an owner of a small business in New York, a real estate investor in Miami, or a global company in California, the accounting partner can make or break it. Collaborating with an inappropriate company can result in expensive penalties, poor accounting, or growth opportunities.

The blog provides information about the most successful accounting companies in the USA, including not only the international giants of the Big Four but also the well-established mid-sized and local companies. And we will also deconstruct the essence of services delivered by these firms and give you a practical suggestion on how to select the accounting firm of your choice, so you can make a decision that works and is not based on guesses.

Best Accounting Firms in the USA

Whenever individuals need the best accounting firms in the US, the Big Four are usually the order of the day. Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG are the four international companies that are leaders in their industry and have a representation in almost all major markets. They are leaders in terms of global networks, a multi-industry knowledge base, and expertise in handling the most complex accounting and consulting tasks. 

Nevertheless, they are not the only competitors. Several mid-sized and regionally based firms are among the largest accounting firms in the US, and are, in fact, the better choice for many businesses.

1. Deloitte

Headquarters: New York, NY

Revenue (Global): $65+ billion

The reason why they stood out: Deloitte is ranked first as the largest accounting firm in the United States and the world. Their service offerings are audit, tax, consulting, risk advisory and financial advisory. Technology consulting is also one of the areas in which Deloitte excels, as well as a leader in digital business transformation. When automating, moving to the cloud, or analytics being powered by AI, Deloitte is usually a preferred partner to reach.

2. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Headquarters: New York, NY

Revenue (Global): $53+ billion

Reasons why they Sparkle: PwC enjoys a good reputation for auditing and consulting services. They have great experience working with Fortune 500 companies and are highly respected in the fields of healthcare, finance, and government. PwC also emphasises trust and transparency in reporting and is hence a favourite among companies that would like to enhance investor relations.

3. Ernst & Young (EY)

Headquarters: New York, NY

Revenue (Global): $49+ billion

Why They Are Unique: EY has a high emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Their consulting division assists companies in all matters, ranging from cybersecurity to international tax restructuring. They also have a high investment in backing start-ups and entrepreneurs, and that makes them appealing to businesses that are rapidly growing and require prompt advisory services.

4. KPMG

Headquarters: New York, NY

Revenue (Global): $36+ billion

What Makes Them Different: KPMG is the smallest among the Big Four yet one of the world’s leaders. It is known to offer audit services and also performs well in advisory services, which include providing support to institutions such as those in the energy, infrastructure, and financial services industries. Most companies value the practical nature of KPMG and its expertise in regulation.

5. RSM US LLP

Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Why They Are Special: RSM is the most prominent accounting firm in the US that is not among the Big Four, and it has earned a reputation as the preferred accounting firm among middle-income businesses. They are also experts in audit, tax, and consulting; however, their strength lies in the long-term relationships with their clients. 

High-touch strategy of RSM implies that a business receives more personal attention than may be provided by the Big Four. They are also significant investors in industry-specific knowledge, and they assist clients in real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing to overcome the unique challenges.

6. BDO USA, LLP

Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Why They are Special: There are more than 65 offices of BDO in the country, which belong to the world network of BDO, implying that they are both domestically and globally recognised. Their services include assurance, tax, advisory and outsourcing services. 

The appealing aspect of BDO is that it strikes a balance between scale and customisation, allowing companies to enjoy the benefits of a large firm in terms of resources and expertise, while also benefiting from the personalisation of a regional firm. They are particularly effective in industries such as retail, nonprofit, and financial services.

7. Grant Thornton LLP

Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Why They shine: Grant Thornton is a good alternative to the Big Four, especially for mid-sized to large businesses. They have a reputation for being practical in service and concerned with innovation in accounting practices. 

They are versatile partners in terms of their expertise, which spans industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and real estate. Another reason clients tend to refer to Grant Thornton is that it can provide a blend of technical and practical advice that is business-friendly.

8. CBIZ & MHM

Headquarters: Cleveland, OH

Why They Stand Out: CBIZ and MHM (Mayer Hoffman McCann) are well-known companies that specialise in providing flexible and cost-effective solutions for small and mid-sized firms. They offer accounting, tax, and advisory services. 

However, the information they are most familiar with is their outsourcing solutions, which are perfect for businesses that want to concentrate on growth without a large in-house finance department. Their auditing and consulting hybrid model enables companies to simplify operations without going astray.

9. Baker Tilly US, LLP

Headquarters: Chicago, IL

Why They Are Special: Baker Tilly has a strong regional presence, complemented by international coverage through Baker Tilly International. They provide tax, assurance, and consulting services; however, they are known to have niche expertise within the construction, real estate, and financial services sectors. Baker Tilly is a good option for businesses that require highly skilled expertise with international capabilities.

10. Moss Adams LLP

Headquarters: Seattle, WA

Reasons They Are Different: Moss Adams has a powerful reputation on the West Coast, which has been established in the technology, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. They are famous for working with growing startups, family-owned businesses, and companies that want a partner skilled in technical issues but also takes a relationship-based approach. 

Moss Adams also focuses on advising clients regarding innovation and upcoming trends in the industry, which makes them not only future-oriented but also reliable at the moment.

What Leading Accounting Firms Offer: Key Services Explained

The best accounting companies do not perform taxes as if they were doing it for themselves. They are full-service business partners. In the meantime, this is generally what they offer:

• Audit and Assurance – The financial statements, regulations, and increased credibility towards investors or lenders. For public companies, compliance with SEC or global reporting requirements is a requirement.

• Tax Advisory/Compliance – Since the federal income tax, including international transfer pricing, companies reduce the amount of taxes owed and remain in compliance. This is especially beneficial for growing companies that must operate across several states or international jurisdictions.

• Consulting & Advisory – Beyond numbers, companies can offer businesses expert advice on strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), technology adoption, and cybersecurity. Most businesses consider such services as the actual value-add to the basic bookkeeping.

• Risk and Compliance Management – Companies assist organisations in managing the changing regulations (think: Sarbanes-Oxley, GDPR, ESG reporting). In the case of industries such as banking or healthcare, this is a guarantee of survival in a highly regulated world.

• Outsourced Accounting/Payroll- This is becoming increasingly popular as many mid-sized firms desire the services of a leading firm without developing a comprehensive in-house financial department.

Pro Tip: Compare firms not only for their tax services, but also for their consulting, risk management, and outsourcing support. These extras may become very significant when you expand your business.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Firm for Your Business

There are too many large names and special players, and it may seem easier to select the correct firm. Here’s a practical checklist:

• Size and Fit: A start-up might not require a Big Four company (and its associated costs). Smaller middle-tier firms such as RSM or Grant Thornton tend to be more personable.

• Experience in the Industry: Find companies with inside knowledge of your industry. Moss Adams is a good example of a company excelling in tech and healthcare, whereas Baker Tilly is more experienced in construction and financial services.

• Scope of Services: In case you only require annual filing of tax filing, a smaller firm could be used. However, when it comes to advisory, risk management, or expansion overseas, choose companies that have more services.

• Technology & Tools: Inquire about what software platforms the company operates in – cloud accounting, automation, and AI-driven insights are the new standards in the industry. A company lagging in technology can reduce its expansion.

• Budget & Value: Bigger does not necessarily mean better. Balance the the price and value you are receiving, particularly in long-term advisory and consulting services.

Pro Tip: Before contracting with a firm, ask for case studies or references from clients of a similar size. It is the most effective method for estimating whether they will secure your business.

Wrapping Up…

Choosing among the greatest accounting firms in the USA, the choice, at the end, corresponds to size of your business, industry, and long-term objectives. In the case of a multinational company or a company with very complicated structure, the Big Four companies of Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG can provide the global access, profound expertise, and reputation that will open the doors and bring a sense of confidence among investors. 

Nonetheless, mid-market companies like RSM, BDO, and Grant Thornton offer a viable option and their service quality is as good as that of leading firms, but the services are given in a more personalized, client-centered manner. In the case of startups, family-owned companies, and regional businesses, the companies such as Moss Adams, Baker Tilly, and CBIZ are usually the right balance between price and experience.

The key thing is to look at your accounting firm not only as a service provider but also a strategic partner. The right company will not only maintain your compliance with requirements related to tax and audit, it will also guide you through the difficulties, find the opportunity, and design the growth that will continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the B4 accounting companies?

The largest firms in the world in the field of accounting are the Big Four Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG, due to the presence of a global network and the possibility of implementing complicated audits, taxes, and consulting tasks.

Q2: What accounting firm is best for small businesses?

Small businesses will usually be better served by mid-range companies, such as RSM, BDO, or Grant Thornton, which offer a more personalised and cost-efficient service tailored to smaller companies.

Q3: What types of consulting do top accounting firms offer?

In addition to tax and audit, major companies offer consulting services in business strategy, mergers, technology adoption, risk management, and digital transformation.

Q4: How can I choose the right accounting firm?

The optimal option will be based on your size, industry, and objectives. Large companies bring international experience, whereas mid-level and local companies are often more cost-effective and offer a more personalised approach.

Q5: Why are many firms outsourcing accounting services?

Outsourcing assists companies to save money, gain knowledge and expand services on a case-by-case basis. Most leading companies also offer outsourced bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation services to meet this need.