Financial transparency and accountability are crucial to sustainable development in today's competitive business environment. This explains why most businesses, including both emerging companies and multinationals, utilise the services of leading accounting firms in Australia to address their complex financial requirements. Such companies do not simply prepare tax returns or balance sheets; they become strategic artists, shepherding companies through regulatory reforms, market reforms, and long-term growth strategies.
The four biggest accounting firms in Australia, commonly referred to as the Big 4, dominate the Australian accounting sector: PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG. These international powerhouses offer end-to-end services, including audit, taxation, advisory, and consulting, and are therefore the preferred choice for large organisations and multinational corporations.
Meanwhile, middle-level accounting firms like BDO, Grant Thornton, Findex, and Pitcher Partners have established a niche market with highly customised services tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The growing popularity of these firms among businesses seeking affordable, yet high-quality solutions suggests that being the best does not necessarily mean being the largest.
As companies adapt to emerging challenges in digital transformation, globalisation, and regulatory complexity, the need for trusted accounting firms in Australia continues to rise. The difference between getting compliance under control and real business value can be the difference between a Big 4 powerhouse and a mid-tier specialist.
As a top accounting consulting firm in Australia, it takes more than size to be known as such. Although revenue and clientele are essential, the actual value of the firm lies in the quality, depth, and flexibility of the services it provides. The following are the things that determine the uniqueness of an accounting firm in Australia:
Credibility and Reputation: Companies that have well-known brands, awards in the industry, and memberships in professional bodies gain an immediate level of trust. Their long history of steadfast performance makes them one of the most popular accounting firms in the country.
Client Base: The presence of high-profile customers, including ASX-listed companies, multinational corporations, and government officials, is an indicator of expertise and reliability. Numerous top accounting firms in Australia have also been sponsoring SMEs and startups, indicating that they are adaptable in meeting their clients' needs.
Industry Knowledge: The best companies are specialised in areas such as mining, healthcare, financial services, technology, and retail. This expertise enables them to provide practical, sector-specific advice rather than generic guidance.
Line of Services: In addition to audit and tax, the leading accounting firms provide management consulting, digital finance, mergers and acquisitions support, ESG reporting, and risk management. This wide range of services is what commonly distinguishes the best accounting consulting firms among the smaller ones.
Technology Adoption: The adoption of modern tools, such as cloud accounting, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, enables more accurate, efficient, and faster decision-making. Top companies also assist their customers in moving to systems such as Xero, QuickBooks, or NetSuite.
Global Reach: The modern business landscape sees any company conducting operations across different countries, and therefore, companies that have international networks are in demand (such as the Big 4). They offer seamless international tax and transfer pricing compliance, as well as international audit services.
The only thing that stands out between the popular accounting firms and the others is that they are capable of providing compliance with progressive advisory services. They are not just providers of compliance to businesses, but instead strategic partners who offer insights on areas for growth, risk mitigation, and financial performance improvement.
The accounting industry in Australia is characterised by international leaders as well as local dominating companies that provide services such as audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services. These companies assist companies and individuals across various industries, helping them become compliant, grow, and achieve success in their strategies. The following is an overview of the top 10 accounting firms in Australia and their services, industries, and expertise.
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Founded |
1998 (merger of Price Waterhouse & Coopers & Lybrand) |
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Headquarters |
Sydney, Australia (Global HQ in London, UK) |
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Services Offered |
Audit & Assurance, Tax Advisory, Consulting, Risk & Regulatory Services, Deals & M&A, Legal, Cybersecurity, ESG Consulting |
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Industries |
Financial Services, Banking, Insurance, Technology, Healthcare, Government, Energy, Retail, Manufacturing, Real Estate |
PwC is an Australian market leader that offers end-to-end audit and assurance, tax advisory, management consulting, and risk and regulatory solutions. They offer their services in the field of legal services, cybersecurity, and ESG consulting, which makes them the best option among multinational corporations and governmental clients. PwC has served the financial services industry, as well as the banking, healthcare, technology, energy, retail, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. As a result, it has been able to provide innovative solutions, leveraging its global experience and local understanding, to meet the needs of its clients.
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Headquarters |
Melbourne, Australia (Global HQ in New York, USA) |
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Services Offered |
Audit, Tax, Consulting (Strategy, Operations, Human Capital), Risk Advisory, Financial Advisory, Technology & Analytics, Cybersecurity, Legal, Sustainability |
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Industries |
Banking, Financial Services, Technology, Government, Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail, Consumer Products |
Deloitte is one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in Australia, providing audit, tax, strategy, and operations consulting, as well as risk advisory, financial advisory, technology, and cybersecurity services. They operate in a wide variety of industries, including banking, financial services, technology, government, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and retail. Deloitte is recognised for providing innovative solutions to businesses, leveraging its strong domain expertise and ability to navigate the intricate regulatory environment, thereby maximising business performance and ensuring sustainable growth.
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Headquarters |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Services Offered |
Outsourced Accounting, Bookkeeping Services, Tax Preparation, Payroll Services, Virtual CFO Services, SMSF Compliance Audit, BAS Accounting & GST Services |
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Industries |
Accounting Firms, SMEs, Startups, Real Estate, Retail, Professional Services, Financial Services |
Aone Outsourcing is a reputed company that started its operations in 2011 in Australia and provides outsourced accounting and financial services. The company offers an extensive selection of services, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll management, SMSF compliance, and virtual CFO services. Working with accounting companies, SMEs, startups, and retail, real estate, and professional services, Aone Outsourcing has a reputation for providing cost-effective, trustworthy, and scalable services. By assisting its customers in optimising financial procedures and compliance, the company enables its clients to focus on their expansion and reduce their overhead costs.
Read More: https://www.aoneoutsourcing.au/blog/benefits-of-outsourcing-accounting-services
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Details |
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Headquarters |
Melbourne, Australia (Global HQ in London, UK) |
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Services Offered |
Assurance & Audit, Tax, Strategy & Transactions, Consulting (Digital, Operations, People), Risk, Cybersecurity, M&A |
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Industries |
Financial Services, Technology, Consumer Products, Healthcare, Government, Energy, Real Estate, Manufacturing |
EY is a major Australian company that offers audit and assurance, tax advisory, strategy and transactions, consulting, risk management, and cybersecurity. They are major suppliers to the financial services, technology, consumer goods, healthcare, government, energy, real estate, and manufacturing sectors. The ordeal of serving its clients with a client-centric approach has earned EY the trust to assist organisations in becoming more compliant, increasing operational efficiency, and implementing strategic growth initiatives by applying global knowledge and local experience.
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Headquarters |
Sydney, Australia (Global HQ in the Netherlands) |
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Services Offered |
Audit & Assurance, Tax Advisory, Consulting, Risk & Compliance, Financial Advisory, Forensic Services, IT Advisory |
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Industries |
Financial Services, Banking, Insurance, Technology, Government, Energy, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing |
KPMG is one of the key players in Australia, providing audit, tax advisory, consulting, risk and compliance, forensic, financial advisory, and IT advisory services. Their customers are in the financial services, banking, insurance, technology, government, energy, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing industries. KPMG has a reputation for integrating technical skills with industry-specific knowledge to assist businesses in their quest for regulatory compliance, risk management, and strategic decision-making to support long-term growth.
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Details |
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Headquarters |
Sydney, Australia (Global HQ in Belgium) |
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Services Offered |
Audit, Tax, Advisory, Business Services, Corporate Finance, Accounting & Bookkeeping |
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Industries |
Manufacturing, Retail, Real Estate, Not-for-Profit, Technology, Professional Services, Healthcare |
BDO is a reputed accounting and advisory firm based in Australia that offers audit, tax, corporate finance, advisory, bookkeeping, and business services. BDO is a provider targeting manufacturing, retail, real estate, not-for-profits, technology, professional services, and healthcare industries, and focusing on practical, client-oriented solutions. Their excellent in-country coverage and global network can help organisations of any size manage their financial affairs, comply with regulations, and plan for growth.
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Details |
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Headquarters |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Services Offered |
Accounting, Tax, Financial Advisory, Wealth Management, Superannuation, Business Advisory |
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Industries |
SMEs, Agriculture, Healthcare, Professional Services, Mining, Real Estate, Financial Services |
Findex is an accounting and advisory firm based in Australia, which is one of the largest privately-owned companies, and which operates in accounting, tax, financial advisory, wealth management, superannuation, and business advisory services. They cater to SMEs, agriculture, medical services, professional services, mining, real estate, and financial services enterprises. Findex is a company known for providing customised solutions and direct client service, enabling businesses and individuals to maximise their financial performance and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market.
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Headquarters |
Melbourne, Australia |
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Services Offered |
Audit & Assurance, Tax, Advisory, Corporate Finance, Wealth Management, Business Consulting |
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Industries |
Real Estate, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Retail, Technology, Construction, Agriculture |
Pitcher Partners is a well-established company comprising independent accounting firms in Australia, with audit and assurance, tax, advisory, corporate finance, wealth management, and business consulting. They have experience in various industries, including real estate, manufacturing, professional services, retail, technology, construction, and agriculture. As a firm renowned for developing strong relationships with clients, Pitcher Partners combines industry expertise with practical solutions that enable clients to enhance performance and achieve strategic objectives.
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Details |
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Headquarters |
Sydney, Australia |
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Services Offered |
Restructuring, Advisory, Forensic, Insolvency, Valuation, Turnaround Services |
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Industries |
Corporate, Financial Services, Construction, Energy, Retail, Manufacturing, Real Estate |
McGrathNicol is a specialised Australian company that deals specifically with restructuring, advisory, forensic, insolvency, valuation, and turnaround. They work with corporate clients across various industries, including financial services, construction, energy, retail, manufacturing, and real estate, and offer professional advice on complex issues to organisations. McGrathNicol has established a reputation for providing practical, high-impact solutions to help businesses get back on their feet, achieve financial stability, and grow strategically.
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Details |
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Headquarters |
Melbourne, Australia (Global HQ in Chicago, USA) |
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Services Offered |
Audit, Tax, Advisory, Business Consulting, Corporate Finance, Risk Advisory |
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Industries |
Manufacturing, Technology, Not-for-Profit, Financial Services, Retail, Healthcare, Real Estate |
Grant Thornton Australia offers a range of services, including audit, tax, advisory, corporate finance, business consulting, and risk advisory services. They work in the manufacturing, technology, not-for-profit, financial services, retail, healthcare, and real estate businesses. Grant Thornton has a track record of integrating technical skills with an in-depth knowledge of the industries of its clientele to assist them in risk management, compliance, and sustainable business development.
The nature of accounting firms in Australia has undergone significant changes, extending beyond the preparation of financial statements and filing of tax returns. The leading accounting consulting firms today are multi-disciplinary firms that assist businesses in managing compliance, strategy, and growth in an increasingly complex market. Their service portfolio may be categorised into core functions and expanded solutions.
Audit & Assurance:
The largest accounting companies are independent auditors who ensure that audits are accurate and compliant with Australian Accounting Standards and other international accounting standards, such as IFRS. These services contribute to investor confidence and transparency, and are also necessary in listed companies, government entities, and large organisations.
Taxation Services:
The profession revolves around taxation, and the largest accounting firms in Australia specialise in corporate tax, international tax, GST, and transfer pricing. For SMEs, mid-tier companies have available tax options that help reduce their tax payments and improve cash flow.
Business & Advisory Services:
In addition to numbers, the advisory teams offer information on business restructuring, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and financial modelling. This renders the best accounting firms reliable business partners in the long-term strategy, not just for compliance.
Risk Consulting & Governance:
As cyber risks increase and regulatory pressures intensify, the majority of leading accounting consultancy firms offer enterprise risk management assessments, governance reviews, and internal control evaluations.
Wealth Management and Private Advisory:
Other companies cater to high-net-worth individuals, offering estate planning, investment strategies, and retirement planning services.
ESG and Sustainability Reporting:
In Australia, the growing number of accounting firms is at the forefront of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting services, helping companies meet global sustainability standards and demonstrate their corporate responsibility.
Technology & Digital Transformation:
Since the adoption of ERP systems and AI automation of daily accounting procedures, companies such as Deloitte and PwC have been at the forefront of applying technology in finance. Mid-tier companies are also utilising cloud accounting systems provided by Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite to support SMEs more effectively.
The best accounting consultancy firms are holistic advisors. The combination of compliance, advisory, and innovation ensures they provide value to all types of clients, from large businesses to family-owned businesses.
The selection of the accounting firm that works best with your company will be based on the size of your business, the industry, and long-term objectives. There are several leading accounting companies in the market, but a business should consider the following before deciding:
Business Size & Complexity: Big 4 firms have the resources of large enterprises. Mid-level firms that have more personal contact with SMEs and startups are more valuable.
Industry Specialisation: Seek companies that have a history of success in your industry, be it mining, healthcare, technology, or retail, so guidance becomes pragmatic and specific to the industry.
Service Scope: A middle-level firm would be adequate, in case you require nothing more than tax and audit. M&A, complex advisory, or global expansion, Big 4 firms may be the top accounting firms to meet your needs.
Technology Integration: Ensure that your company utilises cloud-based software, such as Xero, QuickBooks, or NetSuite, which enables the firm to operate efficiently and provide real-time information.
Cultural Fit & Communication: The company that knows what you want and speaks your language will become more of a partner than a supplier.
Cost Considerations: The best accounting services are typically costly, with middle-ranking services offering more affordable yet high-quality options, best suited for startups and SMEs.
With these factors carefully considered, businesses can not only find the best accounting firm to comply with but also a trusted partner to grow and strategise.
The Big 4 companies always feature prominently when we are talking about the best accounting firms in Australia. Nonetheless, the business needs of small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) are shifting towards mid-tier accounting firms and independent consultancies in large numbers.
Why SMEs Prefer Mid-Tier Firms:
Affordability and Value-based Pricing: Mid-tier companies tend to be more expensive than the largest accounting firms in Australia and are a more viable option to businesses worried about cost, yet unwilling to reduce service quality.
Personalised Service and Nimbleness: Compared to larger firms with standard procedures, the flexibility and customisation offered to clients by popular accounting firms in Australia at the mid-tier level are considered a hallmark feature. The owners of businesses typically find that their issues are resolved more quickly, and the solutions are not generalised to a broad industry or development level.
Specialised Industry Expertise: Firms like BDO, Grant Thornton, Pitcher Partners, RSM, and ShineWing have in-depth local industry-focused expertise and can therefore be relied upon by SMEs who consider specialisation rather than scale when selecting an advisory firm.
Potential Limitations Compared to the Big 4:
International Reach: The Big 4 are also significantly more global, making them more suitable for multinationals. Middle-tier companies are well-connected at the local level, but they have less international capability.
Brand Recognition: In specific industries, particularly among publicly listed firms, there is a reputational value associated with working with a global brand, such as PwC or Deloitte.
In Summary:
Although the Big 4 continue to be the largest accounting firms in Australia, mid-tier and independent firms are gaining popularity as the preferred providers of services to SMEs seeking cost-effective yet high-quality solutions that offer specific knowledge and attention.
The accounting industry in Australia is changing very fast. Increasingly, leading accounting firms, as well as middle-tier firms, are adopting accounting outsourcing in Australia to meet the growing compliance requirements and client expectations. As a matter of fact, even the most popular accounting firms in Australia plan to outsource repetitive tasks or tasks that are heavily compliance-based to stay competitive.
Cost Savings: Outsourcing is a cost-effective option compared to hiring and maintaining in-house teams. Companies can minimise overheads while still providing quality services to customers.
Scalability: Under outsourcing, companies have the option of increasing or reducing services according to the workload and client demands. This flexibility is beneficial during peak tax seasons.
Tapping into International Labour: Outsourcing provides access to a vast network of skilled accountants, bookkeepers, and experts with international insights and knowledge.
Technology with Light Investment: When a partnership is established with an outsourcing partner, it enables a company to gain access to sophisticated accounting software and automation tools without the initial cost of activation.
Narrow Down to More Valued Work: When firms outsource compliance and routine processes, they can allocate their efforts to advisory, consulting, and client relationship management.
Increased Turnaround Times: The teams outsourced meet their deadlines on time, even during high-volume periods.
Fewer Functional Bottlenecks: Companies avoid the hassles of recruiting, employee attrition, and resource availability issues that slow down operations.
Technology, sustainability, and changing client demands are shaping the future of accounting firms in Australia. Although compliance and tax have been centralised, the industry is quickly moving towards innovation and advisory-based services.
AI, Automation, and Cloud Tools: AI and automation are making bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance more straightforward. Online accounting systems allow companies and their customers to work in real time, minimise the amount of paperwork, and enhance the quality of the work. Some of the leading accounting consulting firms are already using automation to deliver quicker and more insightful decision-making support.
ESG and Sustainability Reporting: With changes in regulations and the demands placed on companies by their investors, Australian accounting firms are entering the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting field. Companies are seeking partners to assist them in navigating sustainability reporting and long-term risk management.
Advisory as the Core Service: Compliance tasks are getting commoditised, and firms are increasingly doing strategic advisory. Accounting firms of the future will serve clients by advising on how to grow, manage risks, and transform digitally, rather than solely preparing financial statements.
Outsourcing and Global Partnerships: Outsourcing is not restricted to the back-office functions. It is a growth engine that enables the best accounting firms in Australia to grow more quickly, cost-effectively, and access international expertise. Outsourcing specialists will be of great importance to those firms seeking to remain competitive and agile.
To conclude, technology adoption, advisory leadership, sustainability expertise, and outsourcing partnerships are among the key factors that will define the future of accounting firms in Australia.
Big 4 and mid-tier accounting firms in Australia are considered the most important companies that assist businesses of any size. Although the largest accounting firms in Australia provide international coverage, smaller accounting firms and middle-range firms still provide SMEs with tailor-made and affordable solutions.
However, as compliance requirements and technology-based changes increase, accounting outsourcing has proven to be a clever option. Outsourcing enables companies to save, scale, and remain advisory- and client-oriented.
At Aone Outsourcing, we offer specific solutions that can help CPA practices and SMEs (and even the leading accounting firms in Australia) work smarter. We help companies stay competitive and future-proof in a rapidly evolving sector by leveraging professionalism, global talent, and productivity.
Independent and mid-tier companies, such as BDO, RSM, and Pitcher Partners, are most suitable for SMEs due to their cost-effective pricing, individual attention, and local knowledge.
Mid-tier companies offer greater flexibility and cost efficiency, whereas the Big 4 is global and recognised as a brand. The most suitable option depends on the size of the business and its specific requirements.
Some key aspects to consider include industry specialisation, range of services, adoption of technology, cultural fit, and cost. The ideal accounting firm fits into your long-term ambitions.
The leading accounting consulting companies offer tax advisory services, audit, risk management, digital transformation, ESG compliance, and strategic growth planning.
The largest accounting companies in Australia are also expensive. Many startups utilise middle-level companies or outsourcing vendors to provide affordable and high-quality support.
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have the highest concentration of accounting firms in Australia, serving both corporate and SME clients.
Content on this website is shared for general awareness and educational purposes only. It should not be taken as financial, accounting, taxation, or legal advice. At Aone Outsourcing Solutions, we do our best to keep all information relevant and accurate; however, we can’t promise that every detail is up to date or fits every business situation. Because regulations and compliance requirements can change, we encourage you to seek guidance from an expert professional before acting on any information on this site. Aone Outsourcing Solutions will not be responsible for any decisions made or losses incurred based on the material published on this website. For advice specific to your business needs, please get in touch with our team .
