Find a accountant in San Francisco, CA

Find accountants in San Francisco, CA

Find accountants in San Francisco, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best accountants in your area.
Zip code

Find accountants in San Francisco, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best accountants in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 accountants in San Francisco, CA

Clients agree: these San Francisco accountants are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Uncle Sam Tax Service

Uncle Sam Tax Service

5.0Exceptional(16)
Offers online services
12+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Nikens G. says, " The service was awesome" Read more
Massage By Hellen

Massage By Hellen

5.0(1)
3 hires on Thervo
4+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Justin N. says, "Easy and convenient. Good communication. Good massage. Would consider again. Was on time and had good equipment." Read more
Rosso Accountancy Corporation

Rosso Accountancy Corporation

New on Thervo
Offers online services
13+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
Small Moraga, CA firm in business since 2011 that provides top notch and detailed tax return plus financial statement preparation. Specialize in personalized service no matter how big or small the project. Tax accountant with 30 years of experience who is ready to assist clients in all areas of tax and accounting. Helping ease the minds of clients in regards to their tax situation.
Aretera Corporation

Aretera Corporation

5.0(1)
Offers online services
15+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
J.r. A. says, "We started working with Aretera Corporation a few years ago before their rebranding and wish we had found them sooner. At first, we were very skeptical as we had previously spent thousands of dollars on bad accounting and were concerned that we would be doing that all over again. During the initial call, I spoke with Edward. Edward was very informative, asked many questions about our business and then provided an overview of their services. They offer many services outside of accounting, and we hope to use some of these services as our company grows. After the initial call, we were very hesitant to go with their services as they seemed a bit pricier than some of the other places we called. In the end, we decided to go with their accounting services and have been grateful ever since. Even though we would like to have spent less, the quality speaks for itself. Like the saying goes “you get what you pay for”. If you’re in search of an accountant, pick Aretera, the best decision ever! BONUS: In our experience, they have always gone above and beyond the service we’ve paid for. At times, even providing us with some consulting insights and recommendations free of charge." Read more
Scott Phillips, CPA, Inc.

Scott Phillips, CPA, Inc.

New on Thervo
Offers online services
29+ years in business
Serves San Francisco, CA
We provide a high level of service to business own of small, medium and large auto repair shops thouughout the Bay Area. We enjoy helping shop owners run their business in a professional manner that results in higher profits to the owner while working to reduce their tax liability to the lowest possible amount!

Your Accounting questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.

What do accountants do?

Accountants help manage finances for businesses and individuals. Common services include:

  • Day-to-day bookkeeping: Recording income/expenses, processing payroll, managing accounts payable/receivable
  • Reporting: Preparing financial statements, cash flow reports, profit/loss statements
  • Taxes: Tax planning and preparation, filing returns, resolving audits
  • Auditing: Reviewing financial records to verify accuracy and compliance
  • Advising: Budgeting, reducing costs, improving profits, managing cash flow
  • Compliance: Ensuring legal/regulatory standards are met, documenting processes
  • Systems: Implementing accounting software/controls appropriate for the organization

How much do accountants charge?

Accountant fees vary widely based on several factors:

  • Location: Accountants in major metropolitan areas tend to charge higher rates, averaging $150 to $400 per hour. In smaller towns, rates may range from $100 to 250 per hour.
  • Experience level: Newly certified or junior accountants typically charge $50 to $150 per hour. Senior accountants with 5 to 10 years of experience charge $200 to $500 per hour on average.
  • Firm size: Solo practitioners and small local firms often have lower rates compared to larger regional or national firms.
  • Specializations: Accountants with niche expertise like forensic accounting or international taxes command higher rates.
  • Services: Commonly outsourced services like payroll, bookkeeping, and tax prep tend to cost less per hour than consultative services like auditing and financial planning.

Expect to pay $150 to $1,800+ for tax prep, $2,000 to $25,000+ for auditing, and $200 to $1,000 per month for bookkeeping, depending on your business size and needs. Request free consultations and compare detailed estimates before hiring.

How is an accountant different from a bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers handle daily transactions like recording expenses or issuing invoices. Accountants take the data bookkeepers compile and use it for high-level tasks like preparing financial statements, guiding business strategy, and filing taxes.

Most small businesses need both bookkeeping and higher-level accounting. A single accountant can provide both services, or you can hire a separate bookkeeper. If hiring both, ensure they communicate and regularly share data.

When should you hire an accountant?

Consider hiring an accountant if:

  • You need help selecting accounting systems and software for your business.
  • You need help with complex finances like managing investments, real estate, or international transactions.
  • Don't have the time or the training to do daily bookkeeping and accounting tasks yourself.
  • You need tax expertise to help maximize your return and prevent tax errors or penalties.
  • You're looking to identify cost reductions and growth opportunities.
  • You're preparing for an audit or sale and need to verify accurate financial statements.
  • You notice errors in your current system and need an expert to review processes and improve internal controls.

How do I choose an accountant near me?

The right accountant-client relationship can provide tremendous value to your business. Take the time to research options thoroughly before deciding who to hire. When researching accountants near you:

  • Ask for referrals from business owners in your industry.
  • Review credentials like CPA licensing, education, specializations.
  • Ask them for a free consultation and meet with them to discuss your needs.
  • Compare detailed estimates from at least 3 potential accountants.
  • Ask for client references and read client reviews on Lawful and Google.
  • Clearly communicate your expectations and budget.
  • Look for an accountant who communicates clearly and answers your questions in understandable terms.
  • Prioritize trust and rapport, as your accountant handles sensitive financial data.
  • Consider both large established CPA firms and smaller local professionals.

What questions should I ask when getting estimates from CPA firms or accountants?

Asking the below questions and choose an accountant who answers you promptly and clearly.

  • How long have you been an accountant?
  • What financial certifications do you have?
  • Do you specialize in a specific industry or area?
  • Can I have a free consultation? 
  • What accounting services do you offer?
  • How to you calculate and bill for your services?

Reviews for San Francisco accountants

Recent success stories from people in the San Francisco area.
Ivan A.
This is my second year using Uncle Sam's. I efiled this year and get my return by the next week. I even sent my neighbor and got $40 for the referral. See you next year, Frank.
Uncle Sam Tax Service
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