How many accounting services firms are there in the United States?

The United States has tens of thousands of accounting services firms, ranging from small independent practices to large multinational accounting networks. Together, the industry employs more than 590,000 professionals and continues to grow steadily, driven by ongoing demand for accounting, auditing, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services.

From 2018 to 2023, the number of accounting firms in the U.S. increased at an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.8%, reflecting the industry's stable expansion and the continued need for financial and regulatory expertise.

The largest accounting firms

The U.S. accounting industry is led by the Big Four firms:

• Deloitte
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• Ernst & Young (EY)
• KPMG

These firms dominate the market by serving multinational corporations, public companies, and large organizations. They provide services such as:

• Financial auditing
• Tax planning and compliance
• Business consulting
• Risk management
• Mergers and acquisitions advisory

For example, Deloitte reported approximately US$32.7 billion in U.S. revenue in 2023, highlighting the significant market presence of the largest accounting firms.

Mid-sized and small accounting firms

Beyond the Big Four, the U.S. is home to thousands of regional, mid-sized, and boutique accounting firms. These firms play a vital role by serving:

• Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
• Startups
• Nonprofit organizations
• Individual taxpayers
• Industry-specific clients requiring specialized expertise

Many also offer customized services, including:

• Bookkeeping
• Payroll processing
• Tax preparation
• Financial reporting
• Business advisory
• Compliance support

A growing and diverse industry

The U.S. accounting services industry continues to expand as businesses face increasingly complex financial reporting, tax regulations, and compliance requirements. Advances in cloud accounting, automation, and digital financial management have also created new opportunities for firms to deliver more efficient and technology-driven services.

The accounting services industry in the United States is large, diverse, and steadily growing, consisting of tens of thousands of firms that collectively employ more than 590,000 professionals. From global accounting networks to local CPA firms, these organizations play an essential role in supporting financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and business growth across every sector of the U.S. economy.