Best small business accounting companies in 2025

Managing your business’s finances can feel like a lot to handle, but with the right support, it becomes far less daunting. Thoughtful financial management is more than numbers—it’s about staying compliant, driving growth, and building a strong foundation for your business to thrive.

Rapid workplace changes have redefined how all businesses operate, and accounting has evolved beyond working exclusively with spreadsheets.

Think of small business accounting companies as trusted partners who lighten your load. They can handle everything from financial statements, bookkeeping, and tax preparation to long-term financial strategy. They free up time to focus on what you love: running your business.

Here is our guide to the top accounting firms for small businesses to help you find the perfect accounting firm for your needs. Let’s break down the best options in 2025 so you can confidently choose a firm that enables you to thrive.

Bench

Bench is a virtual bookkeeping service that combines intuitive software with professional accountants to deliver streamlined accounting services for small businesses.

Services

Bench offers:

• Monthly bookkeeping

• Year-end financial statements

• Tax preparation and filing

• Financial reporting

• Catch-up bookkeeping for past years

Their platform also integrates with financial institutions and tools like Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, Square, and Gusto, so there is no need for time-consuming manual data entry.

Best for

Small businesses looking for user-friendly bookkeeping solutions without the need for complex accounting software. It's particularly useful for entrepreneurs outsourcing accounting who still want to keep an eye on things through an intuitive platform.

Reviews

Clients generally appreciated Bench's intuitive software and responsive customer support. One user said, "Bench was critical in helping me with catch-up books for tax time."

Pricing model

Bench offers two pricing plans:

• Essential: $299 per month (billed monthly) or $249 per month (billed annually).

  • This plan includes monthly bookkeeping services, a dedicated bookkeeping team, year-end reporting, and unlimited communication with Bench’s research team.

• Premium: $499 per month (billed monthly) or $399 per month (billed annually).

  • This plan includes all Essential Plan features, tax advisory services, and annual tax filing.

Bench also provides add-on services like catch-up bookkeeping for an additional fee.

Pilot

As well as the standard bookkeeping and tax services offered by others on this list, Pilot also offers CFO services tailored for consumers, startups, and professional services.

Services

Pilot provides a suite of accounting services, including:

• Cash- and accrual-based bookkeeping

• Monthly financial statements (e.g., Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)

• Tax preparation and filing

• CFO consulting services

• Support for accounts receivable and accounts payable

Instead of proprietary software, Pilot uses QuickBooks Online and can integrate with Gusto and Expensify.

Best for

Pilot is among the best accounting companies for startups that need scalable accounting solutions. But their services also cater to other industries, including e-commerce, professional services, and nonprofits.

Reviews

Customers commended Pilot for its responsive customer support and clear onboarding process. One user commented, "Pilot's messages section makes it easy to troubleshoot or coordinate charges."

Pricing model

Pilot has various pricing plans based on service and business size, which we highlight below.

Bookkeeping

These rates vary depending on your monthly expenses but broadly fall under the:

• Starter: $349/month for pre-revenue companies

• Core: $499/month for revenue-generating companies

• Plus: Custom pricing for expenses over $200,000

Tax

Both tax plans include federal and state income tax filing:

• Essentials: $2,450/year for unprofitable C corps

• Standard: $5,400/year for profitable C corps and S corps

CFO services

CFO service charges depend on your goals for your chief financial officer:

• Basic: $2,450/month for CFOs performing basic services

• Essential: $3,150/month for CFOs more actively involved in growth

• Custom: $5,250/month for CFOs making data-driven decisions

QuickBooks Live

QuickBooks Live provides real-time bookkeeping assistance within the QuickBooks Online platform, such as personalized support, help with setup, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting.

Services

QuickBooks Live offers:

• Cleanup: Setting up your chart of accounts, connecting banks, and reviewing existing financial data

• Monthly bookkeeping: Categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and delivering financial statements

Naturally, these services integrate with QuickBooks Online, offering a seamless transition for users.

Best for

QuickBooks Live is ideal for small businesses that need professional bookkeeping assistance but can’t afford to hire in-house staff, especially those already using QuickBooks Online.

Reviews

Users appreciate QuickBooks Live's convenience and expertise. One review concluded, "QuickBooks Live pairs you with experienced bookkeepers who can reconcile your accounts, close your books, and provide advanced reports."

Pricing model

QuickBooks Live pricing is based on monthly expenses:

• Low-volume bookkeeping: $300/month for expenses up to $10,000

• Medium-volume bookkeeping: $500/month for expenses up to $50,000

• High-volume bookkeeping: $500/month for expenses over $50,000

A one-time cleanup fee applies at the start of the service. You must also have an active subscription to QuickBooks Online, which is sold separately.

Gusto

Gusto is a comprehensive human resources platform designed to simplify employee management for small businesses by automating tasks like payroll processing and benefits administration.

Services

Gusto’s range of services include:

• Full-service payroll processing

• Employee benefits administration (e.g., health, dental, and vision insurance)

• Time tracking and paid time off management

• Employee onboarding tools

• Compliance assistance with tax filings

Best for

Gusto might be your best bet if you are a small to midsize company looking for an all-in-one payroll and HR solution. Its user-friendly interface and scalable features make it just right for companies with simple to complex payroll needs.

Reviews

Users have praised Gusto for its intuitive design and across-the-board service offerings. One review emphasized the platform “takes the toughest parts of payroll processing and benefits administration off your hands.”

Pricing model

Gusto offers three main pricing plans:

• Simple: $40/month base fee + $6 per employee; includes full-service payroll and employee self-service

• Plus: $80/month base fee + $12 per employee; adds next-day direct deposit and time tracking

• Premium: $135/month base fee + $16.50 per employee; provides advanced HR tools and dedicated support

Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software platform with an extensive ecosystem of apps and integrations with banks and other financial institutions.

Services

Xero’s service offerings include:

• Invoicing: Create professional invoices with built-in online payment options.

• Bank reconciliations: Automatically match transactions to streamline reporting.

• Expense tracking: Upload receipts and monitor spending in real-time.

• Inventory management: Keep tabs on stock levels with live updates.

• Project tracking: Manage profitability with dedicated tools for projects.

• Multi-currency support: Handle international transactions with ease.

Best for

Accounting support for small business owners and midsize businesses needing a scalable accounting solution with unlimited user access and extensive app integrations.

Reviews

“For a long time, you could use finance packages for multinational corps or nothing,” one review said. Then came Xero. “It scales back the excessive unnecessary tools in huge finance packages to still have high-powered systems that let you manage your accounts.”.

Pricing model

Xero offers three pricing plans, among the cheapest on this list:

• Starter: $29/month; includes 20 invoices and 5 bills per month

• Growing: $46/month; offers unlimited invoices and bills

• Established: $69/month; adds multi-currency support, expense claims, and project tracking

All plans support unlimited users and come with a 30-day free trial.

Archer Lewis

Archer Lewis combines personalized service with national resources to deliver human-centered accounting and tax solutions for small businesses. Archer Lewis’s approach isn’t one-size-fits-all; services are tailor-made for companies’ needs.

Services

Archer Lewis’ services include (but aren’t limited to):

• Tax preparation and filing: Maximize your refunds and comply with trusted expertise.

• Bookkeeping: Create clear and accurate financial records that provide peace of mind.

• Payroll management: Seamlessly handle employee payments and tax obligations.

• Fractional CFO services: Receive strategic financial guidance tailored to your business goals.

Best for

Archer Lewis is perfect for businesses that value tailored solutions and proactive financial guidance. Archer Lewis works closely with clients, treating their success as a shared goal.

Reviews

Satisfied customers typically highlight the personal connection they have with their accountant. “I love visiting in person to ask all my questions once a year and to ensure all my taxes are filed accurately,” one review said. “I have had the same tax preparer for 20 years and I will never change (unless I get fired!).”

One of the many benefits of hiring an accountant with Archer Lewis is that they connect businesses with personalized support from a dedicated expert.

Pricing model

Archer Lewis customizes pricing based on each business's specific needs and size. We collaborate with clients to create tailored approaches, ensuring transparency and value without long-term contracts.

How to choose the right accounting company for your small business

Finding the right accounting partner is essential to ensuring your business thrives. Here's how to make the best choice.

Understand your needs

Consider your budget and whether you need basic bookkeeping or more comprehensive services. Look for expertise in your industry—your numbers deserve a professional who knows your business inside and out.

Try before you commit

Seek firms offering trial periods or initial consultations. A great accountant will welcome the chance to prove their value.

Ask the right questions

Be sure you get satisfying answers to these questions:

• What different types of service do you offer?

• How do you handle communication and updates?

• Who will handle my account, and what are their qualifications?

• What does your fee structure look like?

• Are there any additional costs for specific services?

Learn more about Archer Lewis

Choosing an accountant isn’t just about numbers but trust, expertise, and support. Archer Lewis sets itself apart from other small business accounting companies by offering more than just bookkeeping services; we’re here to empower your business for long-term success.

Here’s why we stand out:

• Tailored solutions: We focus on providing small business accounting services designed to meet your unique needs.

• Ownership mentality: We treat your business as our own, providing tailored solutions that align with your goals.

• Proactive communication: Our US-based team is always available to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

• Comprehensive expertise: From bookkeeping and payroll to tax preparation and financial planning, we offer a full suite of services to simplify your finances.

Learn more about our small business accounting services and see how Archer Lewis can serve you best.