Grant Thornton

When it comes to the best accounting firms, the "Big Four" consistently rank at the top globally. For accounting software, several brands are widely used, catering to various business sizes and needs.

Top Accounting Firms

The four largest professional services networks, often referred to as the "Big Four," dominate the accounting industry and are recognized for their extensive services in audit, tax, and consulting:

• Deloitte is the largest accounting firm in the U.S. and globally, known for its services across audit, tax, consulting, financial advisory, and risk management. It serves major corporations like Apple, Google, and Bank of America.
• PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) is widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious and progressive accounting firms, consistently ranking high in prestige surveys.
• EY (Ernst & Young) is another global leader offering audit, tax, financial services, and consulting.
• KPMG is highly valued and recognized for its global strength, inclusive team environment, and flexible work policies.

Beyond the Big Four, other highly-regarded firms include:

• BDO USA
• RSM US
• Moss Adams
• Plante Moran
• Baker Tilly
• Grant Thornton
• CohnReznick
• PKF O'Connor Davies

These firms are often ranked based on surveys of accounting professionals, considering factors like prestige, business outlook, compensation, culture, and work/life balance.

Top Accounting Software and Products

The best accounting software often depends on the size and specific needs of a business:

For Small Businesses and Freelancers:

• Intuit QuickBooks Online is a widely used and highly popular choice for small businesses due to its intuitive interface, easy data entry, and ability to handle various functions like organizing expenses, taxes, and sales. QuickBooks Simple Start is specifically recommended for freelancers and sole proprietors.
• FreshBooks is often highlighted for its ease of use, particularly beneficial for service-based businesses.
• Wave is a popular option, especially for microbusinesses needing basic accounting, invoicing, and receipt scanning, with its core accounting features often being free.
• Xero is a cloud-based accounting solution popular among small businesses, known for its robust payment management and collection tools.
• Zoho Books is recognized for its affordability and feature-rich accounting applications.

For Mid-sized to Enterprise Businesses:

• Sage Intacct is a cloud-based financial management software designed for mid-sized and larger businesses with complex accounting requirements, offering strong customization and integration capabilities.
• NetSuite by Oracle is a comprehensive platform suitable for mid-sized companies anticipating significant growth or with complex operations, offering extensive scalability and customization. It can manage an entire business beyond just finance.
• SAP Cloud ERP (SAP S/4HANA Cloud) is another top player in enterprise accounting software.

The top accounting firms (by brand recognition, size, revenue, and market dominance) are the "Big Four": Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), EY (Ernst & Young), and KPMG. These are the most widely used professional services networks for audits, tax, assurance, and consulting, especially by large public companies.

They dominate the market for major clients:

• They audit nearly all (often 99–100%) of the S&P 500 and Fortune 500 companies.
• Combined global revenue exceeds $200 billion annually in recent years (e.g., ~$212–219 billion around 2024–2025), with over a million employees worldwide.
• Deloitte frequently leads in total revenue (around $67–70 billion recently), followed by PwC and EY, with KPMG close behind. PwC has often led in certain audit market share metrics.

These are the "brands" most people and businesses refer to when discussing elite accounting firms. They handle complex needs for large enterprises, multinationals, and high-net-worth clients, with strong reputations in advisory/consulting services (which now make up a large portion of their revenue).

Mid-Tier and Regional Firms (Widely Used Alternatives)

For many companies (especially mid-sized or those seeking more personalized service), these are popular and highly regarded options:

• RSM US — Often ranked #5 overall in the U.S. by revenue; strong for mid-market clients.
• Others frequently mentioned in top rankings include Baker Tilly, CBIZ, Grant Thornton, BDO, and Plante Moran (noted in "best places to work" lists).

For Small Businesses and Individuals

Big Four firms are generally overkill (and expensive) for most small businesses or personal needs. People typically use:

• Local or regional CPA firms for bookkeeping, tax prep, payroll, and advisory.
• Outsourced accounting providers or platforms (e.g., via Clutch.co rankings or services like 1-800Accountant for tax-focused support).
• National consumer-oriented options like H&R Block for individual tax preparation.

Recommendations depend on needs:

• Large/public companies or complex global needs → Big Four (start with Deloitte or PwC based on specific expertise).
• Mid-sized businesses → RSM or similar mid-tier firms for better value and attention.
• Small businesses/individuals → Local CPAs, regional firms, or specialized providers matched to your industry/size via directories like Clutch.

Rankings can vary slightly by year, metric (revenue, employees, client satisfaction, or "best to work for"), and region, but the Big Four consistently top lists for scale and prestige. Always evaluate based on your specific requirements (e.g., industry expertise, fees, tech capabilities), as "best" is subjective. Consult recent firm reports or directories for the latest details.