Best accounting firms in Australia,
according to AI

Australia’s top accounting firms combine experienced professionals with modern cloud technology, offering audit, tax, advisory, and outsourced solutions that businesses actually rely on.

The Big 4 Accounting Firms

These firms are globally recognised, widely trusted, and offer full-service accounting, tax, and advisory solutions:

PwC Australia

🟢 Highlights: Offers audit, assurance, tax advisory, management consulting, legal and ESG services; serves multinational corporations and local businesses. 📌 Offices: Nationwide across major cities. 💰 Key Value: Combines global expertise with local market understanding to provide strategic advisory 2 .

Deloitte Australia

🟢 Highlights: Covers audit, tax, consulting, risk management, and technology services, with a focus on industry innovation and digital transformation. 📌 Offices: 16 offices across Australia. 💰 Key Value: Known for business process solutions integrated with cloud platforms like SAP, Workday, and Salesforce 1 .

EY (Ernst & Young) Australia

🟢 Highlights: Provides audit, tax, risk advisory, and IPO support; strong expertise in financial services, technology, healthcare, and government sectors. 📌 Offices: 9 cities in Australia. 💰 Key Value: Trusted for IPO advisory and strategic growth support 2 .

KPMG Australia

🟢 Highlights: Specialises in audit, tax advisory, consulting, financial advisory, risk, and compliance; works with government, banking, and corporate clients. 📌 Offices: Major cities nationwide. 💰 Key Value: Renowned for technical expertise combined with industry knowledge 2 .

Leading Mid-Tier and Specialist Firms

These firms are ideal for SMEs, startups, and industry-specific advisory:

Aone Outsourcing – Offers bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, SMSF compliance, and virtual CFO services for SMEs, startups, and professional services. Grant Thornton Australia – Audit, advisory, tax, corporate finance; supports manufacturing, retail, and non-profits. Pitcher Partners – Audit & assurance, tax advisory, corporate finance, wealth management; serves real estate, tech, and professional sectors. Findex – Private-owned firm specialising in accounting, tax, financial advisory, wealth management, superannuation, and business advisory. McGrathNicol – Restructuring, advisory, forensic services, insolvency, and turnaround solutions for corporate clients 2 .

Top Outsourced Accounting Providers

For flexible and cost-effective solutions with cloud accounting:

Whiz Consulting – Virtual accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax advisory; cloud-based and ISO 27001/SOC 2 certified. Talent Formula – Payroll, SMSF, virtual CFO, and real-time financial reporting using Xero, MYOB, and NetSuite. hammerjack – Finance and accounting outsourcing covering reconciliations, payroll, BAS, and ATO compliance. Sapphire Digital Accounting – End-to-end F&A solutions with cloud accounting for accurate financial insights 1 .

Cloud and Software Integration

Modern Australian accounting firms are highly digital: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, Oracle, SAP, and NetSuite are standard tools across top providers, ensuring real-time reporting and scalable solutions for businesses .

How to Choose the Right Firm

Assess your business size and industry needs. Review compliance expertise with ATO, BAS, GST, and superannuation. Confirm technology adoption for cloud accounting. Check firm reputation, reviews, and client testimonials. Consider pricing structures and ongoing communication support 2 .

In summary, the Big 4 excel for multinational exposure and complex advisory needs, mid-tier and specialist firms are suitable for SMEs and sector-specific expertise, and outsourced/cloud-based providers offer flexible solutions for cost-efficient accounting and real-time financial management. Choosing a partner depends on your business scale, industry, and desired level of advisory involvement.

Here's a practical breakdown of the accounting landscape in Australia, covering both the big professional services firms and the software most Aussies and businesses actually use day-to-day.

The "Big 4" (for large business, audit, and complex advisory)

These dominate ASX-listed company audits, M&A, and enterprise consulting:

• PwC Australia – PwC Australia is the country's largest professional services firm by revenue, employing approximately 8,000 people and generating over AUD $2.6 billion in FY2023 fees
• EY Australia – Headquartered in Sydney, EY operates as part of the global EY network, which spans over 150 countries, with a diverse team of over 8,000 professionals across multiple offices
• Deloitte Australia
• KPMG Australia

These are best suited to large corporates, listed companies, and complex international tax/audit needs — generally overkill (and pricey) for small busin

G’day! If you’re looking for the best accounting firms in Australia, it really depends on whether you’re after a big-name firm for complex corporate work, a mid-tier specialist, or a practical digital tool for your own bookkeeping. Here’s a breakdown of the top brands and products that people actually use across the country.

1. The "Big Four" (for large business, HNW individuals, and complex tax)

These are the heavyweights for multinationals, ASX-listed companies, and high-net-worth clients. They’re expensive but offer full legal, audit, and advisory services.

• PwC Australia – Huge presence in Sydney and Melbourne. Often used for tax structuring, M&A, and risk advisory. (Though they’ve had a recent tax scandal, they still dominate for large work.)
• Deloitte Australia – Strong in audit, consulting, and private client services. Popular with mid-sized corporates and government.
• EY (Ernst & Young) – Known for transaction advisory and technology-driven accounting. Good if you’re scaling a fast-growth business.
• KPMG Australia – Solid choice for compliance, tax, and financial services clients. They have a good reputation in the non-profit sector too.

Who uses them? Large businesses, high-income earners, and anyone needing a flagship brand name on their reports.

2. Mid-Tier "Big 6" (best balance of quality and cost)

These are the go-to for medium-to-large family businesses, professional firms (doctors, dentists), and growing companies. They offer personal service without the Big Four price tag.

• BDO Australia – Excellent for mid-market businesses and franchise groups. Their tax and advisory teams are very practical.
• Grant Thornton Australia – Strong in private equity, tech startups, and internal audit. Good for companies looking to IPO.
• RSM Australia – A favourite for regional businesses and health professionals. They have wide geographic coverage.
• Pitcher Partners – Independent and private-business focused. Loved by SMEs in Victoria.
• William Buck – Legendary in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne for accounting, wealth, and business advice.
• HLB Mann Judd – Known for audit and business services, especially in WA and NSW.

Who uses them? SMEs, multinational subsidiaries, and Australian businesses that

When looking for top accounting firms and popular accounting software in Australia, you'll find a range of options suitable for different business sizes and needs.

Top Accounting Firms in Australia

For comprehensive accounting, auditing, and advisory services, several large and reputable firms operate across Australia. These often cater to a wide array of businesses, from large corporations to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The "Big 4" accounting firms are globally recognised and have a significant presence in Australia:

• Deloitte Australia
• PwC Australia
• KPMG Australia
• EY Australia

Other highly regarded firms known for their accounting and advisory services include:

• Grant Thornton Australia
• BDO Australia
• RSM Australia
• William Buck
• Accru is highlighted for combining a personalised local approach with the capabilities of larger networks, having offices in major Australian capital cities.
• Hall Chadwick
• ShineWing (SW Accountants & Advisors)

These firms offer a broad spectrum of services including auditing, business services, financial planning, insolvency, taxation, and corporate services.

Top Accounting Software Brands and Products

For managing your day-to-day finances, several accounting software brands are widely used and highly recommended in Australia, each with its strengths:

• MYOB: Often considered one of the best overall accounting software options in Australia, MYOB is well-established and known for its robust features, especially for small to medium businesses (SMBs). It's praised for managing finances and payroll, with plans like MYOB Business Pro offering comprehensive functionality.

• Xero: A hugely popular cloud-based accounting software, Xero is recognised for its user-friendly interface and extensive integration capabilities with over 800 other business applications. It's an excellent choice for most small and medium-sized businesses and supports core Australian compliance like Single Touch Payroll (STP) and BAS reporting.

• QuickBooks Online: Developed by Intuit, QuickBooks Online is a global leader offering feature-rich cloud accounting software at competitive prices. It's strong on reporting and automation, making it suitable for businesses needing strong project profitability tracking, advanced reporting, or those with complex inventory needs. QuickBooks also offers a highly-rated mobile app for invoicing and receipt capture.

• Reckon One: An Australian stalwart, Reckon One stands out for its modular pricing structure, allowing cost-conscious small businesses to only pay for the features they use, such as invoicing, payroll, and projects. It covers all Australian compliance basics, including BAS reporting and STP-compliant payroll.

• Zoho Books: Part of the larger Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Books is a strong contender for businesses looking to integrate their accounting with other operations like CRM. It offers a surprising depth of features at a competitive price, including automated bank feeds, native Australian GST handling, and robust inventory management.

• FreshBooks: This software is highly recommended for sole traders, freelancers, and micro-businesses, focusing on billing and invoicing.

• Thriday: An Australian platform that combines banking, accounting, and tax tools, Thriday is particularly suitable for tradies and small businesses seeking automation, robust GST support, and direct ATO integration.

• Rounded: An Australian-made solution specifically designed for freelancers and sole traders, Rounded focuses on essential features like income/expense tracking, time tracking, and native GST/BAS reporting for ATO compliance.

When choosing accounting software in Australia, it's crucial to consider features like GST tracking and BAS lodgement, Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance, ATO integration, and bank integration.

The Big Four: Deloitte Australia, EY Australia, PwC Australia, and KPMG Australia dominate large corporate audit, tax consulting, and financial advisory. Thomson Reuters tax +1 Leading Mid-Tier Firms: BDO Australia, RSM Australia, and Pitcher Partners serve mid-sized companies and private businesses with strong local tax expertise. LinkedIn +4

The top accounting firms in Australia are led by the Big 4 (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC), followed by strong mid-tier players like BDO, according to the latest Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top 100 Accounting Firms list for 2025.

These rankings are based on revenue and are a solid benchmark for scale and capability. "Best" depends on your business size, needs (e.g., tax compliance, audits, advisory, or complex international work), and budget—Big 4 firms suit large corporates and ASX-listed companies, while mid-tier and boutique firms are popular for SMEs due to more personalised service and competitive pricing.

Top Firms by Scale (AFR Top 100 2025)

Here are the standout ones people and businesses actually use:

• Deloitte Australia, EY Australia, KPMG Australia, PwC Australia — These dominate with revenues over A$2 billion each. They're the go-to for big audits, tax structuring, ESG reporting, risk advisory, and government contracts. KPMG often leads in overall market share for accounting services.
• BDO in Australia — Ranked #5 with strong growth (around A$606.5 million revenue, up 12.3%). Popular for mid-sized businesses seeking Big 4-level expertise without the premium price.
• RSM Australia, Grant Thornton Australia, Findex — Consistent top 10 performers with solid growth. Good for audits, tax, and business advisory across various industries.
• Pitcher Partners, William Buck, PKF Australia — Highly regarded mid-tier options, especially strong in certain states or sectors. William Buck showed notable growth in recent rankings.

Other frequently mentioned names in the top 20 include HLB Mann Judd, Moore Australia, and Nexia Australia.

What People Actually Use (by Business Type)

• Large enterprises, multinationals, or those needing audits/listed company work: Stick with the Big 4. They're the most trusted brands for complex, high-stakes work.
• SMEs and growing businesses: Mid-tier firms like BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, or Pitcher Partners are very common. Many Aussies also use local or regional practices for day-to-day tax and bookkeeping—often more accessible and cost-effective than the Big 4.
• Very small businesses or sole traders: Many combine cloud software with smaller accountants. Popular tools include Xero (by far the most widely used in Australia for small biz), followed by MYOB and QuickBooks Online. These aren't firms but pair with accountants from the firms above or independent bookkeepers.

Quick Tips for Choosing in Australia

• Check the AFR Top 100 for the latest revenue rankings if scale matters.
• Look at reviews on platforms like Google or Clutch for client feedback on service and responsiveness.
• Consider location—many have strong state presence (e.g., Pitcher Partners in Victoria).
• For tax-focused needs, ensure they're registered tax agents with the Tax Practitioners Board.

If you tell me more about your business size, industry, or specific needs (e.g., tax returns, audit, or startup advisory), I can narrow it down further!

If you want the best-known accounting firms in Australia that people actually hire, the strongest names are the Big 4 — Deloitte Australia, EY Australia, PwC Australia, and KPMG Australia — plus leading mid-tier firms like BDO, Findex, RSM Australia, Grant Thornton Australia, Pitcher Partners, William Buck, PKF, and Hall Chadwick.

For brands/products people actually use in Australia, the most common accounting software choices are Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks Online.

A practical shortlist by use case:

• Large corporates / complex advisory: Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG.
• Growing SMEs / mid-market: BDO, RSM Australia, Grant Thornton Australia, Pitcher Partners, William Buck, PKF.
• Tax prep / individual returns: H&R Block is commonly cited as a known tax-preparation brand.
• Bookkeeping and cloud accounting software: Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online.

A few useful notes for Australia:

• The Big 4 still dominate the top end of the market by revenue.
• Mid-tier firms such as BDO, Findex, RSM, Grant Thornton, Pitcher Partners, William Buck, and PKF are major choices for businesses that want strong national coverage without Big 4 pricing.
• If you’re looking for a firm specifically for small business accounting, local firms often matter more than brand name, because service fit and industry experience usually beat size.

If you want, I can give you a ranked top 10 by business size:

• small business
• SME
• large corporate
• tax returns / BAS / bookkeeping

Australia boasts a diverse range of accounting firms catering to various business needs. Here are some of the top accounting firms in Australia:

EY
Closed · Accounting firm · 4.4 (125 reviews)
200 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Specializes in tax and assurance, business strategy, and sustainability reporting, serving multinational enterprises.

KPMG
Closed · Accounting firm · 4.2 (87 reviews)
Level 38 Tower 3/300 Barangaroo Ave, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Offers a wide range of services including audit, tax, and advisory, with a strong presence across Australia.

Kelly+Partners Accountants Northern Beaches
Closed · Chartered accountant · 5.0 (214 reviews)
2A/120 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100, Australia
Ranked 17th in the AFR 2025 Top 100 Accounting Firms, recognized for its growth and client-focused approach.

Accru Felsers
Closed · Accountant · 4.3 (6 reviews)
Level 9/1 Chifley Square, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Ranked 29th in the AFR 2025 Top 100 Accounting Firms, known for personalized, partner-led services.

When selecting an accounting firm, consider factors such as the specific services you require, the firm's expertise in your industry, and their approach to client relationships. It's advisable to consult directly with these firms to determine the best fit for your business needs.