You’re managing payroll on a Friday afternoon, knee-deep in BAS reconciliations, and wondering if you’re even claiming the right deductions. Sound familiar? According to a 2025 study, 80% of Australian SMEs still rely on manual processes for expense tracking—which means you’re burning hours on tasks that could be automated.
Choosing the right accounting service isn’t about finding the cheapest option or the firm with the flashiest website. You need someone who gets your industry, understands Australian compliance (because the ATO isn’t going anywhere), and can actually save you time instead of creating more admin work.
Australia’s accounting services market is projected to reach $23.24 billion by 2030, driven by stricter ESG reporting requirements, the automation boom, and the shift to cloud-based systems. With over 36,717 accounting businesses operating across the country, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming.
I’ve analysed verified reviews from Clutch, examined service offerings across all major Australian cities, and broken down what actually matters when choosing an accounting partner. This isn’t about generic advice—I’ll show you which services excel in specific regions, what they cost, and who they’re best suited for.
How to evaluate accounting firms and services
Before we get into individual firms, you need to know what separates a great accounting service from one that’ll leave you stressed at tax time.
What compliance requirements actually matter in 2026?
Australian businesses face stricter reporting requirements than ever. Single Touch Payroll (STP) has been mandatory since 2019, with Phase 2 now active—meaning your payroll software needs to report wages, PAYG withholding, and superannuation to the ATO after every pay run. Miss a report? You’re looking at penalties ranging from $1,050 to $5,250 depending on your business size.
The big change for 2026 is the AML/CTF Tranche 2 Reforms. If your accounting firm manages client funds, sets up trusts, or provides nominee services, they must enrol with AUSTRAC by March 31, 2026, with full compliance required by July 1, 2026. This affects most traditional accounting practices, so ask your potential accountant how they’re preparing.
For larger businesses, mandatory climate-related financial disclosures under the Treasury Laws Amendment Act 2024 apply to Group 1 entities (over $500M in revenue) in financial years starting after January 1, 2025. Groups 2 and 3 follow in 2026 and 2027. Even if you’re not directly affected, your accountant needs to understand ESG reporting if you work with enterprise clients or supply chains.
What technology integration should you expect?
Cloud accounting isn’t optional anymore; it’s table stakes. Xero still dominates with around 60% market share in Australia, MYOB sits in the 20–25% range, and QuickBooks continues to grow its share, with about 68% of Australian accountants preferring Xero for GST/BAS workflows because of how smoothly it connects with the ATO. At the same time, payroll software like Payroller sits alongside these platforms to bridge the gap between STP and employee compliance, especially for accountants and registered agents running payroll on behalf of multiple clients.​
When you’re speaking with a prospective firm, ask practical, tech-focused questions like: Do you use cloud-based practice management and payroll? Can I access my financial and payroll data 24/7? How do you handle STP, pay runs, and bank feeds in tools like Xero and Payroller? The way they answer will show you quickly whether they’re operating at a modern-day standard or still stuck in a world of desktop software and manual uploads.
Should you employ a specialist or generalist accounting service?
An accounting firm that “does everything” often excels at nothing. If you’re running an NDIS-registered healthcare practice, you need someone fluent in NDIS financial compliance and plan management—not a generalist who’ll learn on your dime. Same goes for e-commerce businesses with international VAT obligations, construction firms navigating progress payments and retention, or tech startups chasing R&D tax incentives.
Industry expertise means your accountant spots opportunities and risks specific to your sector. A retail-focused accountant understands seasonal cash flow patterns and inventory valuation methods. A hospitality specialist knows how to structure tip pooling to stay compliant. A construction accountant can navigate security of payment legislation without breaking a sweat.
Check case studies and client testimonials for businesses similar to yours. If a firm’s portfolio is all over the map with no clear specialisation, that’s a red flag.
How much do accounting services in Australia cost?
Accounting fees in Australia vary wildly—from under $10,000 annually for small businesses to $200K+ for enterprise recruitment and FAO services. The problem isn’t high fees; it’s surprise fees.
Budget tier (under $10K) typically covers basic bookkeeping, BAS lodgement, and annual tax returns for sole traders or small businesses with straightforward finances. Mid-market ($10K-$49K) includes strategic tax planning, financial analysis, software migration support, and quarterly management reports. Enterprise pricing (often undisclosed) covers multi-entity groups, corporate finance, forensic accounting, and dedicated support teams.
The best firms quote fixed fees for defined scopes. Monthly subscriptions are becoming more common—Priority1 Bookkeeping charges $25-$49/hr, while others offer packages from $165-$280/month depending on services. Hourly billing creates incentive misalignment: your accountant makes more when work takes longer, which isn’t great for you.
Ask upfront: What’s included in your base fee? What triggers additional charges? How do you handle scope creep? Get it in writing.
Top accounting services in Sydney, NSW
Sydney’s accounting landscape reflects the city’s position as Australia’s financial hub—you’ll find everything from established national firms to specialised boutiques.
1. TaxAssist Accountants
TaxAssist Accountants earned their 5.0/5 Clutch rating by delivering what e-commerce and international trading companies need most: timely compliance with government deadlines and expertise navigating complex tax regulations.
What makes TaxAssist stand out is their proactive communication approach. They don’t wait for you to ask questions; they reach out when they spot issues or opportunities. For businesses dealing with multiple jurisdictions, customs duties, and GST on imported goods, that proactivity prevents costly errors.
The firm offers comprehensive services including bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial advisory. Their 50-249 employee size means you get dedicated attention without the bureaucracy of larger firms. Projects typically run under $10,000, positioning them as an accessible option for small to mid-size international traders.
If you’re selling cross-border, dealing with Amazon FBA logistics, or navigating ATO import/export rules, TaxAssist’s expertise in international trade compliance makes them worth the conversation.
Best for: E-commerce businesses, international traders, companies with VAT obligations across multiple countries
2. hammerjack
Hammerjack flips the outsourcing script. Instead of treating offshore teams as a cost-cutting compromise, they’ve built a reputation for “high quality staff and service at surprisingly low costs.”
The firm operates a hybrid model with onshore account managers and full-time executive management on the ground in the Philippines, which explains why clients report “no issues from recruitment to ongoing management, seamless” operations. You’re not handing off work to a faceless offshore team; you’re getting dedicated professionals who integrate into your business.
The company, founded in 2016, has grown to 500-750 employees and developed specialized Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) capabilities in finance, accounting, bookkeeping, IT, and virtual assistant services. They prioritize information security and cyber security, addressing a common concern with offshore arrangements.[
hammerjack’s model works best when you have clearly defined processes that can be replicated remotely. If your accounting workflows are chaotic and undocumented, fix that first. But if you need to scale quickly without ballooning your payroll, their track record speaks for itself.
Best for: Businesses seeking cost-effective BPO, accounting firms needing capacity expansion, companies with repeatable accounting workflows
3. William Buck Sydney
William Buck’s Sydney office is part of a national powerhouse that’s been operating since 1895. With over 140 partners and 1,100 professional staff across Australia and New Zealand, they bring enterprise-level resources with a middle-market focus.
While specific Clutch reviews aren’t available for the Sydney office, the firm’s 130-year track record and national presence signal stability and depth. Their focus on the middle market means they understand the unique challenges of businesses that have outgrown their startup accountant but aren’t ready for Big Four complexity and fees.
Pricing isn’t publicly disclosed—typical for enterprise-level firms—but expect mid-market to premium rates reflecting their experience and comprehensive service offering.
Best for: Established mid-market businesses, companies planning M&A activity, clients needing multi-state or international support
Other Sydney options worth considering
Beaches Accounting (Brookvale), Evolution Cloud Accounting (Bondi Junction), and The Pen Accounting (Surry Hills) are smaller firms (2-9 employees) established in 2016. They don’t have verified Clutch reviews yet, but their cloud focus and boutique size may appeal to businesses wanting personalised attention from a local firm. Expect rates around $150-$199/hr.
Top accounting services in Melbourne, VIC
Melbourne’s professional services scene is sophisticated and competitive, with firms differentiating through specialisation and service integration.
1. BlueRock
BlueRock takes an entrepreneurial approach that makes sense for startups and growing businesses: they combine legal, accounting, and business strategy under one roof.
The firm’s 50-249 employee size gives them enough depth to handle complex matters while maintaining the agility startups need. Their service mix includes quarterly and annual reporting, business advisory, legal services, and strategic planning. Projects typically range from $10,000-$49,000, positioning them as a mid-market option.
BlueRock’s website emphasizes their “entrepreneurial professional services” model, working with business owners, founders, and investors across every aspect of business. Clients appreciate their “supportive engagement and effective communication”—table stakes for any service provider, but especially valuable when you’re navigating rapid growth or complex transactions.
The integration of legal and accounting is the real differentiator. Most firms force you to coordinate between separate lawyers and accountants, creating gaps and inefficiencies. BlueRock handles both, which streamlines everything from structuring entities to managing cap tables to unwinding shareholder disputes.
Best for: Tech startups, founders raising capital, businesses seeking R&D grants, companies needing integrated legal and accounting support
2. Abound Business Solutions
Abound Business Solutions has maintained “ethics and morality throughout the years” according to a business performance firm that praised their “outstanding” discretion and longevity. In an industry where you’re sharing financial details about everything from revenue to personal spending, that ethical foundation matters.
The firm offers comprehensive accounting (75%) and business consulting (25%). Their 10-49 employee team provides bookkeeping, tax management, financial analysis, software migration support (Xero and QuickBooks), and advisory services Their comes from clients who value long-term partnerships built on trust. If you’re the type of business owner who wants an accountant you can rely on for a decade or more—someone who understands your business history and goals—Abound’s track record should interest you.
Their proficiency with Xero and QuickBooks means they can support your transition to cloud accounting while maintaining continuity in tax planning and compliance work. That combination of traditional relationship values with modern technology adoption is harder to find than you’d think.
Best for: Businesses valuing ethical partnerships, companies seeking long-term accounting relationships, clients needing both strategic advisory and compliance support
3. William Buck Melbourne
William Buck’s Melbourne roots run deep—the original firm was founded there in 1895. Today, Melbourne serves as the anchor for a network spanning Australia and New Zealand.
Their Melbourne office provides the full suite of professional services: audit and assurance, tax, business advisory, corporate finance, risk advisory, and forensic accounting. As part of the Praxity Global Alliance (since 2009), they support clients with international structures and cross-border transactions. The firm’s focus on the middle market—businesses too large for basic compliance services but not requiring Big Four complexity—is deliberate. They’ve built expertise in family businesses, SMEs, and corporates navigating growth, acquisition, or succession planning.
While specific pricing isn’t disclosed publicly, William Buck’s positioning suggests mid-market to premium rates reflecting their depth of experience and comprehensive service model.
Best for: Multi-generational family businesses, companies in growth or transition phases, businesses requiring forensic accounting or litigation support
Other Melbourne firms to consider
Alexander Spencer (Camberwell), Acuity Forensic (Melbourne CBD), Ingrams Accounting Group (South Yarra/Camberwell), Davidsons (Newtown), and Wilson Pateras (Richmond) are mid-size firms (2-249 employees) without current Clutch reviews. Acuity’s forensic specialization (starting at $5,000, $300+/hr) could be valuable for litigation support, fraud investigation, or dispute resolution.[ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws]​
Top accounting services in Brisbane, QLD
Brisbane’s accounting market blends traditional firms with specialist providers serving the city’s growing healthcare, construction, and professional services sectors.
1. Peter Di Tommaso
Peter Di Tommaso has spent 35+ years building an accounting practice in North Brisbane that clients describe as having a “proactive approach, efficiency, and strong dedication to client success.”
Operating from 821 Gympie Road in Lawnton, Peter provides comprehensive accounting (90%) and business consulting (10%) with particular strength in payroll management, tax preparation, and business advisory. As a Xero Gold Partner since 2013, the firm brings modern cloud accounting capabilities alongside decades of traditional tax expertise.
Projects typically run under $10,000, making Peter Di Tommaso accessible for small to mid-size businesses. Peter’s team works across multiple industries including hospitality, construction, professional services, healthcare, retail, wholesale, and not-for-profit, though their client testimonials suggest particular strength with service-based and marketing businesses.
Best for: Small to mid-size businesses seeking personalized service, companies prioritizing accessible communication, businesses needing payroll and tax expertise
2. Priority1 Bookkeeping
Priority1 Bookkeeping carved out a valuable niche by specializing in NDIS compliance and healthcare financial management—areas where generic accounting knowledge falls short.
Projects range from $10,000-$49,000 annually, with hourly rates of $25-$49. One client suggested that “more frequent updates would enhance communication,” indicating there’s room for improvement in proactive reporting—but overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
The firm’s focus on NDIS financial management, understanding of plan types (self-managed, plan-managed, NDIA-managed), and experience with NDIS audits makes them a natural fit for disability service providers, allied health practices, and support coordination businesses.
Best for: NDIS-registered service providers, healthcare businesses, disability support organizations, allied health practices
3. Carbon Group Brisbane
Carbon Group’s Brisbane office (formerly Charter Partners) has been servicing the Milton, Darra, and wider Brisbane area since 1932. The firm combined traditional accounting roots with modern cloud technology when it rebranded to Carbon Group in 2014.
The breadth of services under one roof is the key differentiator. Most firms force you to coordinate between separate bookkeepers, accountants, finance brokers, and insurance advisors. Carbon handles all of it, which streamlines everything from securing business loans to optimizing cash flow to protecting your operations with tailored insurance.
Carbon has offices in every Australian state, giving them national reach while maintaining local market knowledge. They offer both in-person and virtual services, leveraging cloud platforms like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks to deliver real-time financial visibility regardless of your location.
Best for: Growing businesses needing comprehensive services, companies seeking virtual CFO support, businesses requiring R&D tax incentive expertise
Other Brisbane firms worth noting
William Buck Brisbane joined the group in 2010 when O’Halloran and Cranstoun & Hussein came onboard. They bring the full William Buck service range with local Brisbane market knowledge.[williambuck]​
Visory (founded 2021, 50-249 employees, $5,000+ minimum), BrisTax (2-9 employees), and SBO Financial (founded 2007, 10-49 employees, $1,000+ minimum, $200-$300/hr) are smaller firms without verified reviews but may suit specific client needs.[ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws]​
Top accounting services in Perth, WA
Perth’s accounting market is less dense than the eastern capitals, but established firms provide comprehensive services to Western Australia’s resources, construction, and professional services sectors.
William Buck Perth
William Buck established their Perth office over 40 years ago, building deep roots in the Western Australian business community. The office provides the firm’s integrated service model: audit and assurance, business advisory, corporate finance, forensic accounting, risk advisory, tax services, and Asia Pacific client services.
The addition of Asia Pacific client services is particularly relevant for Perth-based businesses given Western Australia’s strong trade links with Asian markets. Whether you’re exporting commodities, importing equipment, or establishing operations in Singapore or Jakarta, having accounting support that understands cross-border structuring and compliance matters.
With 60+ employees in the Perth office, William Buck brings enough depth to handle complex engagements while maintaining the responsiveness that mid-market clients need. Their pricing is typically mid-market to enterprise level, not publicly disclosed but commensurate with their experience and service range.
Best for: Resources and mining sector businesses, companies with Asia Pacific operations, mid-market businesses needing audit and advisory services
Other Perth accounting services
Accountant Perth (10-49 employees, $1,000+ estimated) focuses on expert accounting, bookkeeping, BAS agent services, and tax services for small to medium businesses.
EDANBROOK CONSULTANCY SERVICES (50-249 employees, $25-$49/hr), DPS Accounting (founded 2015, 10-49 employees, $1,000+, under $25/hr), Darcy Bookkeeping & Business Services (10-49 employees, also operates in Brisbane and Adelaide), and Up2Date Administration (The Vines area, 10-49 employees) serve local markets without current verified reviews.
The lack of review presence doesn’t indicate poor quality—it reflects the B2B accounting industry’s reliance on word-of-mouth referrals rather than public review platforms. When evaluating these firms, request client references and case studies directly.
Top accounting services in Adelaide, SA
Adelaide’s accounting landscape features established firms with multi-generational client relationships and deep South Australian market knowledge.
William Buck Adelaide
William Buck Adelaide is South Australia’s largest locally-owned accounting and advisory firm, with 125+ years of history and a team of 29 partners plus 230+ staff.
The emphasis on client success over 125 years speaks to relationship continuity—many clients work with William Buck across multiple generations of family business ownership. That institutional knowledge of client histories, industry dynamics, and local market conditions provides context that newer firms can’t replicate.
Their focus on SMEs, family businesses, and corporates aligns with South Australia’s economic composition. Whether you’re running a third-generation manufacturing business, scaling a hospitality group, or navigating succession planning for a professional services firm, William Buck’s depth of experience in these scenarios is relevant.
Pricing isn’t publicly disclosed but reflects mid-market to enterprise positioning. Given the firm’s size and service breadth, expect fees commensurate with senior expertise and comprehensive support.
Best for: Family businesses planning succession, SMEs requiring audit and assurance, corporates needing strategic advisory and wealth management
Other Adelaide accounting options
Clarke & Brownrigg Chartered Accountants (established 1998, Kent Town, 2-9 employees) provides accounting services to businesses but lacks current verified reviews.
Darcy Bookkeeping & Business Services (10-49 employees, multi-location including Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide) offers bookkeeping and accounting across regions.
HLB Adelaide specializes in family business services and tax advisory, while Grant Thornton Adelaide provides outsourced accounting services and business advisory as part of their large national firm structure.
Top accounting services in Canberra, ACT
Canberra’s professional services market serves government contractors, associations, and private sector businesses, with firms understanding the unique compliance and procurement requirements of the capital territory.
Talent Formula
Talent Formula takes a different approach than traditional accounting firms: they specialize in recruiting, engaging, and retaining top-tier accountancy professionals who work as dedicated remote team members for your business.
Operating from multiple locations including Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra, the firm’s 250-999 employee team focuses on solving the critical shortage of accountancy talent in Australia—where turnover in CPA firms averages 15% and Big Four firms see 13.4% turnover.
Talent Formula’s Talent as a Service model recruits accounting professionals (primarily India-based) who integrate into your team as dedicated members rather than shared resources. They handle ongoing management and support, maintaining the relationship beyond initial placement.
Projects typically range from $200,000-$999,999, reflecting the investment in building entire offshore accounting teams rather than hiring individual contractors. For accounting firms struggling with capacity constraints or businesses needing to rapidly scale their finance function, that investment can deliver significant ROI through increased throughput and reduced local hiring costs.
Best for: Accounting firms needing capacity expansion, businesses building offshore finance teams, companies with well-documented accounting processes ready to scale
Other Canberra accounting services
Tailored Accounts (founded 2009, Braddon, 10-49 employees), Aero Accounting Group – Tax Accountants (offices in Canberra and Surfers Paradise, 10-49 employees, accounting/commercial financing/financial planning), Nexis Accountants and Business Advisors (established 2004, 10-49 employees, 60% accounting/40% business consulting), and Halletts Chartered Accountants (10-49 employees, 60% accounting/40% business consulting) serve local Canberra markets without current verified reviews.
How do you choose the ideal accounting service for your business?
You’ve seen the options—now you need to pick the right one. Here’s how to make that decision without second-guessing yourself at 2 am during tax season.
Start with your actual needs, not aspirations. If you’re a sole trader making $150K annually, you don’t need a national firm with corporate finance capabilities. You need someone who can file your tax return accurately, optimise your deductions, and answer questions without charging you $400/hour. Conversely, if you’re planning a $50M acquisition, your local bookkeeper isn’t equipped to handle due diligence, deal structuring, and integration.
Verify qualifications and specialisations. Look for Chartered Accountants (CA), CPAs, or registered tax agents. Check their platform certifications—Xero Gold Partner, MYOB Certified Partner, QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Ask about industry experience: “How many NDIS providers do you work with?” or “Can you show me three e-commerce clients similar to us?”
Test communication before committing. How quickly did they respond to your initial inquiry? Did they ask good questions about your business, or just pitch their services? Can you reach them by phone, or is everything filtered through assistants and ticket systems? The firms that make themselves accessible early will likely continue that pattern.
Get specific about technology. Ask which platforms they use for practice management (Karbon, Jetpack Workflow), financial reporting (Fathom, Spotlight Reporting), and client communication. Do they offer a client portal for document sharing? Can you access real-time dashboards? If they’re still emailing Excel spreadsheets back and forth, that’s not a 2026 firm.
Understand pricing structure completely. Request a detailed scope of work with fixed fees for defined deliverables. Ask what triggers additional charges. Clarify billing for phone calls, emails, and ad-hoc questions. Get examples of how they’ve handled scope increases for other clients. If they’re vague or evasive about pricing, walk away.
Request references from similar businesses. Don’t just accept testimonials on their website. Ask for contact details of 2-3 clients in your industry, at your size, with similar complexity. Call them. Ask about responsiveness, accuracy, proactive advice, and whether they’d hire the firm again.
Consider the relationship timeline. Are you looking for someone to handle this year’s tax return, or a decade-long partnership? If you want continuity, choose firms with low staff turnover and partners who are involved in client relationships. If you just need project-based support, a more transactional relationship might work fine.
Key takeaways: Finding the right accounting partner
The Australian accounting services landscape offers options for every business size, industry, and budget—but only if you know what to look for.
Regional specialists like Peter Di Tommaso in Brisbane or Priority1 Bookkeeping’s NDIS expertise deliver focused value for specific client profiles. National firms like William Buck bring depth, resources, and multi-state capabilities for businesses operating at scale. Innovative models like hammerjack’s BPO or Talent Formula’s offshore recruitment solve specific pain points around cost and capacity.
Compliance is getting stricter, not easier. STP, AML/CTF Tranche 2, climate-related disclosures, and the ATO’s expanded compliance funding mean you can’t afford an accountant who’s behind on regulatory changes. Ask specifically how firms are preparing for 2026 requirements.
The right accounting service saves you time, protects you from compliance penalties, optimises your tax position, and provides strategic advice that improves business decisions. The wrong one creates stress, costs you money, and leaves you vulnerable to ATO scrutiny.
Start your search with clarity about your needs, verify qualifications and specialisations, test communication and responsiveness, and choose a firm you can work with for years. Your accounting partner should feel like an extension of your team—someone you trust, can reach when needed, and who genuinely cares about your business success.
Stop settling for accounting services that check boxes without adding value. You’ve got the information, the regional breakdown, and the evaluation criteria. Now go find the accountant who makes you wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.