William Buck

If you’re hiring an accountant in Australia, the best-known firm isn’t necessarily the best fit. I’d shortlist by the work you need, then compare the individual partner or accountant who would handle it.

My practical pick: for most Australian small-business owners, start with two local accountants plus one of Findex, William Buck or RSM. Ask each who will actually do the work, what’s included in the fee, and whether they work with your bookkeeping software. Size and revenue rankings show reach—not that a firm will give you the best service.

If by “products” you also mean accounting software, start with Xero, then compare MYOB and QuickBooks Online. These are products Australian bookkeepers actually encounter: in the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers’ 2025 survey, respondents reported using Xero with 90% of clients, MYOB with 71%, and QuickBooks Online with 39%. Those figures overlap because bookkeepers can use several products. (icb.org.au)

Before paying anyone for tax or BAS work, check their registration on the Tax Practitioners Board’s public register. (tpb.gov.au)

Australia's best-known accounting firms fall into a few tiers. The right one depends mostly on the size and complexity of your needs. Most of the lists I found are marketing-driven, so treat the rankings loosely. The firm names are consistent across them, but the order isn't.

Big 4 (large, complex or listed companies)

• Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG are the Big 4 accounting firms in Australia. They primarily serve listed companies, multinationals, and government bodies.
• Deloitte is the largest by headcount. One source puts it at over 10,000 people across 16 offices.
• They're usually overkill and expensive for individuals and small businesses.

Mid-tier (growing businesses and SMEs)

• BDO, RSM Australia, Grant Thornton and William Buck are well-known national firms with strong business advisory and tax depth.
• Other names that appear on these lists are Pitcher Partners, Findex, Hall Chadwick, PKF, Nexia and Moore Australia.
• Moore Australia is a network of five independent accounting, audit and advisory firms with 14 offices and 550+ staff.
• For a medium-sized business, this tier is often the best balance of expertise and cost.

Everyday and small-business options

• H&R Block is a well-known name for individual tax returns. It also appeared in an AI-model-based ranking of firms.
• Local CA ANZ or CPA Australia–qualified practices are usually the best fit for sole traders, small businesses, SMSFs and BAS. Some directories name firms such as Mifsud & Associates, Walker Hill and Inspire Accountants. One of these directories describes its listings as "verified credentials and transparent pricing".
• For a local firm, check that they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board and are a CA ANZ or CPA member. Ask about fixed-fee pricing and which software they use.

Accounting software (what people actually use)

My search for software didn't return results, so this is from general knowledge and not a current ranking. The usual choices in Australia are Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online. Reckon is a smaller alternative. Xero and MYOB are the most common, and many accountants will tell you which one they prefer to work with.

How to choose

• Individual or sole trader: a local registered tax agent or H&R Block.
• Small business: a local CA or CPA practice that works with Xero or MYOB.
• Growing or mid-sized company: a mid-tier firm such as BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, William Buck or Pitcher Partners.
• Large, listed or multinational: a Big 4 firm.

Tell me your situation (individual, business, SMSF), your city and your rough budget. I can narrow this down further.

In Australia, the choice of accounting firm usually depends on the size of your business, your budget, and whether you need complex corporate advisory work or straight-up SME tax and compliance.

The market generally breaks down into three categories: The Big Four, the top Mid-Tier networks, and local CA/CPA practices powered by cloud platforms.

1. The Big Four (Enterprise, ASX-Listed, & Large Corporates)

These are the world’s largest professional services firms. In Australia, each turns over billions annually and handles complex M&A, international tax structuring, large-scale audits, and government consulting.

• Deloitte Australia: Currently one of the largest in revenue across Australia, heavily focused on digital transformation, technology consulting, and enterprise audit.
• PwC Australia: Historically the market leader in tax and corporate advisory, though undergoing structural shifts. Still widely used by major multinationals and top-tier Australian businesses.
• EY (Ernst & Young): Strong reputation in assurance, transaction advisory, and corporate tax strategy.
• KPMG Australia: Huge footprint across financial services, audit, management consulting, and government projects.

Best for: Multinationals, ASX-listed entities, large private equity deals, or companies needing international tax structuring.

2. Top Mid-Tier Firms (The Middle Market & High-Growth SMEs)

Over recent years, mid-tier firms in Australia have seen huge growth. They offer near-Big-Four capabilities, but generally with direct partner access, lower fee structures, and a strong focus on Australian private businesses.

• Pitcher Partners: Widely regarded in Australia as the leader for middle-market businesses, family offices, and high-net-worth private clients.
• BDO Australia: The largest of the mid-tier network in Australia, offering deep industry specialization and strong international reach.
• RSM Australia: Extremely strong footprint across both metro capital cities and regional Australia, specializing in risk advisory, tax, and SME growth.
• Grant Thornton Australia: A strong national brand offering audit, advisory, and tax for mid-sized listed and unlisted corporate clients.
• William Buck: Fast-growing mid-tier firm known for strong client relationships in corporate advisory, wealth management, and tax.
• Findex / Crowe Australia: Massive reach across regional and suburban Australia, combining traditional accounting with financial planning and wealth management.
• Kelly+Partners: A fast-growing ASX-listed accounting network tailored specifically to private business owners and family groups.

Best for: Mid-sized private companies ($5M to $100M+ turnover), high-net-worth family groups, and growing Australian businesses needing structured advisory work.

3. Small Business & Sole Trader Specialists

If you operate a small-to-medium business (SME), work as a sole trader, or simply need individual tax & Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) compliance, you rarely need a Big Four or high-end mid-tier firm.

Instead, most Australians use a trusted local Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) firm.

Software Platforms Most People & Local Accountants Use:

In Australia, accounting is deeply integrated with cloud software. When looking for a local accountant, most business owners choose a firm based on their proficiency with these tools:

• Xero: The default choice in Australia for small businesses, tradies, and startups. Nearly all Aussie suburban accountants are Xero certified.
• MYOB: A long-time Australian standard, still widely used by established small businesses and mid-market companies.
• QuickBooks Online (Intuit): Popular for micro-businesses and sole traders looking for budget-friendly software.

Summary Recommendations: Which should you choose?

1. For Personal Tax & Sole Traders: Find a local, reputable suburban CA or CPA practitioner who uses Xero or MYOB.
2. For Growing SMEs ($2M – $20M turnover): Look at top national mid-tier firms like Pitcher Partners, BDO, RSM, William Buck, or Kelly+Partners.
3. For Enterprise / ASX 200 / Complex Global Tax: Engage one of the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC).

For most Australians, the “best” accounting firm depends on business size and complexity. The strongest practical shortlist is:

The Big Four—Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG—remain the dominant Australian firms, but they are generally better suited to large organisations, complex transactions, major audits and international tax work than to a typical small business.

For a typical Australian SME, BDO, RSM Australia, Grant Thornton, William Buck and Pitcher Partners are often more proportionate choices: they provide audit, tax, business advisory and corporate-finance services without the same level of Big Four overhead. RSM, BDO, KPMG, Grant Thornton, EY and Pitcher Partners also rank prominently in recent Australian accounting and business-advisory visibility rankings.

Best practical recommendations

• Best all-round SME shortlist: RSM Australia, BDO, Grant Thornton, William Buck or Pitcher Partners.
• Best for a small local business: a nearby CPA/CA firm with experience in your industry, fixed-fee pricing and strong Xero or MYOB capability.
• Best for simple tax compliance: a local tax agent, Etax or H&R Block.
• Best accounting software: Xero is the common default for cloud bookkeeping; MYOB is also widely used, particularly by established Australian businesses. Local accountants commonly support both.
• Best for a larger or listed company: select from Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG, then compare the specific partner, industry team, conflicts and proposed audit or advisory scope.

Before choosing, check that the accountant is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board, belongs to CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ or the Institute of Public Accountants, clearly explains fees, and has experience with your entity type—sole trader, company, trust or SMSF. The individual partner and service team usually matter more than the brand name.

In Australia there’s no single “best” accounting firm — it depends on whether you’re a listed company, a mid-market private group, an SME, an SMSF, or just need an individual tax return. The firms and products people actually use tend to fall into these tiers:

Software/products Australians actually use

• Accounting: Xero is the dominant cloud option for SMEs; MYOB is still very common; QuickBooks Online and Reckon are also used.
• Payroll/HR: Employment Hero/KeyPay, Xero Payroll, MYOB Payroll, Deputy.
• Receipts/document management: Dext, Hubdoc.
• SMSF administration: BGL Simple Fund 360 and Class Super are very widely used.
• Practice management: Xero Practice Manager, Karbon, FYI.
• ATO: myTax for individuals; tax agents use the ATO agent portal.

If I were shortlisting in Australia:

• Large/listed/complex: PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG.
• Mid-market/private/family business: Pitcher Partners, William Buck, BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM.
• SME/startup: a local CA/CPA firm that uses Xero, or brands like Kelly+Partners, Findex, BlueRock.
• SMSF: an SMSF specialist using BGL Simple Fund 360 or Class Super.
• Simple individual return: myTax, H&R Block, or Etax.

Check that the firm/person is a TPB-registered tax agent and, for audits, an ASIC-registered company auditor or approved SMSF auditor. Ask for fixed fees and confirm who actually does the work.

The top accounting firms in Australia are led by the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG), followed by strong mid-tier players like BDO, RSM, Grant Thornton, Pitcher Partners, and others that have been growing rapidly.

The Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top 100 Accounting Firms list is the key benchmark here—it ranks by revenue (excluding disbursements) and highlights real market shifts. As of the latest available data (2024 and 2025 editions), the Big Four still dominate in size and prestige, especially for large corporates, ASX-listed companies, multinationals, audits, and complex advisory work. However, mid-tier firms have been the standout performers recently, with many posting double-digit growth while some Big Four revenues dipped (linked to reduced government consulting spend, economic conditions, and fallout from issues like the PwC tax leaks scandal).

Top Recommendations (Based on Size, Growth, and Usage)

Here’s a practical breakdown of firms people and businesses in Australia actually use, grouped by typical client needs:

• Big Four (for larger businesses, listed companies, or complex needs): These are the household names with global reach and deep expertise in audit, tax, assurance, advisory, and consulting. They’re widely used by bigger Aussie firms but can be pricey and have faced some client shifts lately.

  • Deloitte Australia: Often ranks #1 by revenue (around $2.78b recently). Strong across the board.
  • EY Australia: Major player in audit, tax, and advisory.
  • PwC Australia: Still huge despite recent challenges; broad services.
  • KPMG Australia: Solid for audit, tax, and risk.

• Leading Mid-Tier Firms (growing fast, popular alternative for many SMEs and mid-sized businesses): These often focus on core accounting, tax, and advice at more competitive rates. They’ve benefited from clients moving away from the Big Four and are hiring ex-Big Four talent. Many report strong growth (e.g., 10-16%+ in recent years) and are embracing AI/offshoring for efficiency.

  • BDO in Australia: Frequently #5 overall; strong double-digit growth and expanding advisory.
  • RSM Australia: Consistent high growth; good for tax and business services.
  • Grant Thornton Australia: Reliable mid-tier option with solid expansion.
  • Pitcher Partners: Well-regarded, especially in certain states.
  • William Buck: Fast-growing with strong performance.
  • PKF Australia and Findex: Notable risers with impressive revenue jumps.
  • Others worth considering: Nexia, HLB Mann Judd, Moore Australia, and regional specialists.

For smaller businesses or individuals, many turn to local or boutique firms (plenty below the top 20 in the AFR list) or combine firm services with popular cloud software. Common tools Aussies actually use include Xero (very dominant for SMEs and bookkeepers), MYOB, and QuickBooks Online—often paired with an accountant for tax/compliance.

Quick Tips for Choosing in Australia

• Match to your needs: Big Four for scale/complexity; mid-tier for personalised service and value. Check the latest AFR Top 100 for the most current revenue/growth data (it’s subscriber-heavy but widely referenced).
• Location matters: Most have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, etc. Many mid-tiers have strong regional presence.
• Trends: AI adoption is accelerating across top firms for efficiency, and offshoring (e.g., to India/Philippines) is common to manage costs.
• How to pick: Look at client reviews, industry specialisation (e.g., agriculture, tech, or not-for-profits), fees, and whether they’re Xero/MYOB certified. For tax, ensure they’re registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.

If you share more details (e.g., business size, location like Sydney/Melbourne, or specific needs like tax vs. audit), I can refine this further. Always verify the latest on firm websites or the AFR for the most up-to-date rankings!

The most widely used accounting firms in Australia are the Big 4 — PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG — with strong mid‑tier contenders like BDO, Grant Thornton, Pitcher Partners, Findex, and high‑usage outsourced providers such as Whiz Consulting, hammerjack, Priority1 Bookkeeping, and Sapphire Digital Accounting.

🇦🇺 The Big 4: Australia’s Most Used & Recognised Firms

These appear consistently across major rankings and industry summaries.

PwC Australia — Australia’s largest professional services firm with AUD $2.6B+ revenue and ~8,000 staff. Known for audit, tax, consulting, cybersecurity, and ESG. Deloitte Australia — ~10,000 staff across 16 offices, strong in technology, risk advisory, and digital finance. EY Australia — ~7,000–9,800 professionals, leading in IPO advisory, transactions, and assurance. KPMG Australia — ~8,700 staff, strong in government, infrastructure, and financial services. KPMG Australia — ~8,700 staff

Best for: large companies, complex tax, audit, multinational operations, and digital transformation.

🏛️ Mid‑Tier Firms: Popular With SMEs & Mid‑Market Businesses

These firms appear repeatedly across lists from Aone Outsourcing, Whiz Consulting, Goodfirms, Invensis, and RevenueBase.

BDO Australia — 1,000–5,000 employees, strong in audit, tax, corporate finance, and advisory. BDO Australia — 1,000–5,000 employees Grant Thornton Australia — 1,000–5,000 employees, widely used for audit, tax, and mid‑market advisory. Pitcher Partners — 1,000–5,000 employees, highly rated for privately owned and family‑controlled businesses. Findex — 3,000+ staff and 110+ offices, one of the largest privately owned advisory firms. Findex — 3,000+ staff and 110+ offices McGrathNicol — leading restructuring, insolvency, and forensic firm. Hall Chadwick — one of Australia’s largest independent accounting groups. William Buck — 1,100+ staff and 150 partners, strong in advisory and business consulting.

Best for: SMEs, mid‑market companies, family businesses, industry‑specific advisory, and national coverage.

💻 Outsourced & Cloud‑Based Accounting Firms (Fast‑Growing Segment)

These firms are heavily used by startups, SMEs, and cost‑conscious businesses, appearing across Whiz Consulting, Clutch, Goodfirms, and DesignRush rankings.

Whiz Consulting — SOC 2 & ISO 27001 certified, 150+ accountants, strong in virtual accounting and payroll. hammerjack — ~1,000 finance professionals, widely used for outsourced bookkeeping and BAS. Priority1 Bookkeeping — 50 specialists, strong in payroll, BAS, and cloud bookkeeping. Sapphire Digital Accounting — 200+ professionals, end‑to‑end accounting and tax. Talent Formula — 200+ staff, bookkeeping, SMSF, virtual CFO. TaxAssist Accountants — 100+ employees, popular for small business tax and payroll.

Best for: startups, small businesses, e‑commerce, hospitality, and companies wanting scalable, cloud‑based accounting.

⭐ High‑Rated Firms (Based on Reviews & Rankings)

Goodfirms and Clutch highlight firms with top verified client satisfaction:

Vserve Ebusiness Solutions — 5.0 rating, 250–999 staff. AIMS Australia Tax Accountants — award‑winning CPA practice. TAX NEXTGEN — trusted by 40,000+ clients. Morris Cohen Glen & Co — strong culture fit and compliance expertise.

Best for: tax returns, small business compliance, and specialised advisory.

🧭 How to Choose the Right Firm

Across sources, the most important factors are:

Industry expertise (mining, healthcare, retail, tech) Service range (audit, tax, advisory, CFO services) Technology adoption (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, NetSuite) Client reviews & reputation Pricing transparency Global reach (important for cross‑border tax)

✅ Quick Recommendation by Business Type

Business Type | Best Firms Large enterprise / multinational | PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG Mid‑market / national business | BDO, Grant Thornton, Pitcher Partners, Findex Family business | Pitcher Partners, William Buck, DS Accountants (from Stacked Finance list) Startup / digital business | Whiz Consulting, hammerjack, Priority1, WITH Accounting Tax‑focused small business | TaxAssist, AIMS Australia, Morris Cohen Glen & Co

If you want, I can narrow this down to the best firm for your specific industry or business size.

Selecting the best accounting firm in Australia depends on whether you need a massive global network for enterprise audit and tax compliance, a fast-growing second-tier firm for mid-market advisory, or a specialized boutique agency for small business and self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

Explore complete industry rankings via the Australian Financial Review Top 100 Accounting Firms database or view employee sentiment on the Prosple Accounting & Advisory Rankings.

1. The Big Four (Enterprise & Multinational)

In terms of pure scale, global reach, and corporate audit volume, Australia’s "Big Four" remain the largest players:

Deloitte Australia: Consistently ranks at or near the top for overall revenue and graduate employer reputation in the Prosple Employer Rankings, handling massive corporate and public sector contracts. PwC Australia (PricewaterhouseCoopers): A heavy hitter in audit, tax, and consulting, though it has navigated significant structural changes and governance restructurings in recent years. KPMG Australia: Deeply entrenched in corporate audit (auditing a large share of top Australian listed companies) and major business advisory. EY Australia (Ernst & Young): Strong across financial services, private enterprise assurance, and tax strategy.

Note: Data from the Australian Financial Review Top 100 Accounting Firms highlights that while the Big Four lead in gross revenue, they have recently experienced slight contractions in staff numbers as demand cools for high-cost consulting.

2. Leading Second-Tier & Mid-Market Firms

Many mid-sized businesses and private enterprises increasingly turn to second-tier firms for more direct partner access, tailored advisory, and competitive pricing:

BDO in Australia: Ranked as the 5sh largest accounting firm in the country with major multi-state footprints, delivering strong double-digit revenue growth. RSM Australia: A massive nationally owned network (with nearly 30 offices) offering comprehensive audit, tax, and turnaround advisory. Grant Thornton Australia: A major player in mid-market audit, corporate finance, and tax advisory. Pitcher Partners: Widely recognized for middle-market family businesses, private wealth, and corporate advisory across major Australian capital cities. William Buck: A top-ten national mid-tier firm specializing in mid-sized commercial entities, not-for-profits, and corporate finance. Kelly+Partners Accountants: An ASX-listed network (ASX: KPG) focused heavily on small-to-medium enterprise (SME) owners and wealth-integrated accounting.

3. Boutique, Regional, & Specialty Firms

For small-to-medium businesses (SMEs), startups, and specialized needs like SMSFs (Self-Managed Super Funds), local boutique firms often outperform national giants:

Allan Hall (Brookvale/Northern Beaches & National): Frequently decorated at the Australian Accounting Awards for excellence in SMSF and multi-service advisory. The Pen Accounting (Surry Hills): A popular Xero Gold Partner tailored specifically to creative industries, startups, and media production. Fortuna Advisory Group & Acclime Australia: Noted in national roundups for rapid scaling and high-growth advisory services for cross-border and local businesses.

What Real Users & Discussions Say

Community discussions on local forums indicate that raw revenue rankings do not always reflect day-to-day client satisfaction, as service quality heavily depends on local branch teams and individual managers. “ Mid tier and second tier firms have carved out a strong position by offering high touch, relationship driven services at a time when clients are seeking more personalised support. ” intheblack

Australia’s accounting and advisory landscape is anchored by the dominant "Big Four" global networks, followed by a strong tier of mid-tier national firms and specialised boutique practices handling small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

The top accounting and advisory firms operating in Australia are organized below by market tier and scale:

The "Big Four" (Enterprise & Large Corporate)

These firms handle major public audits, multi-national tax structures, and large-scale enterprise consulting.

PwC Australia: Consistently ranks among the largest by revenue, offering extensive audit, tax, and legal/advisory services to major corporations. Check details via PwC Australia. PwC Australia Deloitte Australia: A market leader in growth with massive consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and tax practices. Learn more on Deloitte Australia. Deloitte Australia KPMG Australia: Widely used across major commercial sectors, government bodies, and financial services for tax, audit, and enterprise solutions. Visit KPMG Australia. KPMG Australia EY Australia (Ernst & Young): Focuses heavily on assurance, tax, strategy, transactions, and technology transformation for large-scale operations. Explore via EY Australia. EY Australia

Top Mid-Tier Firms (Mid-Market, Growth & Corporate)

These firms offer comprehensive tax, accounting, and corporate advisory services, making them popular choices for mid-sized businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and growing enterprises.

BDO Australia: One of the fastest-growing major mid-tier networks providing robust national coverage and advisory services. See BDO Australia. BDO Australia Grant Thornton Australia: Highly rated for employer reputation and mid-market corporate advisory, tax, and audit capabilities. View Grant Thornton Australia. Grant Thornton Australia RSM Australia: A major national firm with a strong footprint servicing regional and metropolitan SMEs. Visit RSM Australia. RSM Australia Pitcher Partners: Highly regarded mid-tier firm specialising in middle-market businesses, family-owned operations, and private clients. Check Pitcher Partners. Pitcher Partners William Buck: Renowned for personalized accounting, audit, and wealth advisory tailored to growing businesses and non-profits. See William Buck. William Buck

SME & Boutique Specialists (Small Business & Individuals)

For smaller enterprises, startups, and personal tax needs, specialized or accessible modern firms are frequently utilized:

Findex: One of total largest providers of integrated financial advisory and accounting services for regional and metro SMEs. Check Findex. Findex BlueRock: A tech-forward advisory and accounting firm tailored to modern growing businesses, startups, and digital enterprises. Explore BlueRock. BlueRock POP Business: Frequently used by micro-businesses and sole traders looking for streamlined, tech-integrated, and accessible compliance services. Visit POP Business. POP Business

If you can share whether you are looking for a firm for enterprise corporate audit, mid-market business advisory, or personal/small business tax, I can help narrow down the best fit for your specific location and industry.