Top Accounting firms in South Africa for Small Businesses

Last week, I was on a call with a distressed small business owner from Johannesburg. “Harshal, I’m drowning in paperwork and tax compliance issues,” she sighed. “I need professional help, but I don’t know which accounting firm would understand my small business needs without charging Big Four prices.”

This conversation wasn’t unique. In my decade of running ProfitBooks and supporting over 100,000 businesses with their financial management, I’ve heard similar concerns from countless South African entrepreneurs.

According to recent data, approximately 41% of small businesses in South Africa fail due to financial mismanagement and compliance issues. These are challenges that the right accounting partner can help overcome.

 

 

Finding the perfect accounting firm for your small business isn’t just about outsourcing a headache. It’s about gaining a strategic partner who can transform financial chaos into clarity while helping you navigate South Africa’s complex tax landscape.

Accounting is one of the essential services of any business, small or big.

Businesses are often forced to spend a lot on the accounting department.

There are various approaches that a business can take when it comes to its accounting needs.

It is a good idea to go through different options and choose the one that will provide the most benefits without costing your business a lot of money.

One of the most common options people take is hiring an accounting firm.

The accounting firms take care of all the tax and accounting needs of the business and give you the chance to focus on important tasks that help increase sales and grow your company.

What Is An Accounting Firm & Why Is It Important For Your Business?

An accounting firm mainly offers services like accounting and auditing for your business.

It produces financial records so that you can easily track your revenues and expenses.

Providing consulting on your business’s overall financial health is yet another important service that an accounting firm offers.

It helps you with long-range planning, such as buying property or upgrading your infrastructure. You will be, hence, able to determine how to break even and what your cash-flow needs are.

These firms typically offer:

• Bookkeeping and financial reporting – Tracking revenues and expenses to create accurate financial statements
• Tax planning and compliance – Ensuring you meet SARS requirements and maximize legitimate deductions
• Payroll management – Handling employee compensation and related tax obligations 
• Business advisory – Providing strategic insights on cash flow, growth planning, and infrastructure investments 
• Audit preparation and assurance – Examining your financial records and processes to ensure proper controls 
• Digital transformation – Implementing cloud accounting and automated financial systems 

As Latita Africa points out, many South African small businesses struggle with basic accounting tasks, and without professional help, errors in financial records and missed tax deadlines are common, sometimes leading to business closure. 

Now, let’s examine the top accounting firms that consistently receive praise from South African small business owners. 

 

How To Choose An Accounting Firm For Your Company’s Business?

Whether you’re a business that requires a complete accountancy service or an individual in need of tax advice, choosing the right firm is important.

 

1. Know your business needs

You first need to understand the kind of work or responsibilities you want the accounting firm to handle for your business. If you need monthly financial statements and bookkeeping tasks, a non-certified accountant or bookkeeper can be hired. But to get tax planning advice, tax returns, or audited financial statements, you need a CPA or certified public accountant. Check the type of accountants the firm has.

 

2. Look for small business experience

Large accounting firms like the Big 4 often charge higher fees than small to mid-sized firms. That may not be beneficial if you are a small business and have just started. You need someone who works with small businesses, and it could also be a bonus if the accountant works with businesses in your industry. While working for clients from a specific industry for a long time, some accountants get to know the related challenges very well.

 

3. Fees

Fees are an important consideration; after all, your accounting firm’s fees need to fit in with your business or personal budget.

Most firms calculate their fees in one of two ways: either per hour or at a fixed rate. How fees are calculated and the overall amounts for the firm, so make sure you clarify how much everything is going to cost before agreeing to move forward.

 

4. Ask About Accounting Software 

Before you choose an accountant, you’ll want to ask what software they recommend for their small business customers. You may find some accountants who are using the same old desktop accounting software. They do not want to switch to the latest online accounting solutions. You want to invest in an accounting software system that you can grow into in 3-5 years.

 

5. Decide Whether You Need an Accountant or a CPA Firm

Many small business owners start by managing their taxes on their own. Unlike in the past, it has become much easier for business owners to do simple bookkeeping tasks with the help of advanced software like ProfitBooks, Xero, Sage, and similar others.

But after a certain point in time, it does make sense to hire a professional or a team of accountants to handle accounting, payroll, and tax responsibilities. Whether you need a CPA or a solo accounting firm depends on the scale of your business and the number of transactions you do per month.

 

6. Range of accounting services

For businesses in particular, you want an accounting firm that offers a range of services – such as financial management, auditing/reporting, cash flow analysis, and succession planning.

This type of firm will do far more than complete your tax return; they’ll be able to provide you with advice regarding your business’s financial situation. It’s also far more efficient to deal with one firm for your financial needs.

 

Overview of Accounting Firms in South Africa

South Africa has its professional accounting bodies, which decide the rules and regulations for South African accounting firms. These include:

• Southern African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA)
• South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
• South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)

When it comes to accounting, although the Big 4 has a name and a well-deserved reputation, companies can get the same expertise and, oftentimes, better service at substantially lower fees when hiring a mid-sized regional accounting firm. If you own a small business, your accounting needs can be fulfilled by smaller firms with greater accessibility.

We have listed the top 7 accounting firms in Australia for small businesses. Let’s check them out:

 

1. Mazars – #1 Accounting Firm In South Africa

Mazars is an international, integrated and independent organisation, specialising in audit, acco, auditing, tax, and aorganizationicspecializingrange of markets and sectors. Mazars is present on 6 continents and represented in 21 integrated African countries and 6 correspondent African countries.

They provide a comprehensive and flexible range of services to our clients, specializing in audit, accountancy, advisory, tax, and legal services. Their integrated approach is designed to leverage a global talent pool and serve organizations of all sizes, from privately owned businesses to the largest multinational corporations. IoT provides our clients with the best, most relevant services. They continuously invest in developing strong sectoral expertise as well as the technological, scientific, and soft skills that will shape professional services shortly.

Mazars’ key services include:

• Audit, Assurance, and Reporting
• Consulting
• Financial advisory services
• Accounting and Outsourcing
• Tax
• Legal Services
• Actuarial services

 

2. Moore Stephens South Africa

 

 

Moore South Africa is one of the top mid-tier accountancy and consultancy networks on the African continent. Managing audits and dealing with multi-jurisdictional tax matters for multi-national operations is the core of their business. They also support entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and SMEs in all aspects of their audit, financial, tax, a, nd business advisory requirements.

Since Moore was founded in London over a century ago, the global network has grown to be one of the largest worldwide. Today, it consists of 609 offices in 112 countries, employing 30,569 people and with fees of more than US$ 3.06 billion.

Moore’s key services include:

• Cloud Accounting
• Audit & Assurance
• business consulting
• BusinessOutsourcingg
• Corporate finance
• Employers’ support & payroll
• Forensic investigations & fraud
• Governance, risk & assurance
• IT consulting services
• Tax
• Tax investigations
• VAT
• Wealth management

 

3. PKF

PKF has a proud history of over 90 years in South Africa. It is one of the largest mid-tier accounting firms in South Africa, providing high-quality audit, accounting, tax, and business advisory solutions.

PKF provides services to many different organizations – , large and small, both in the private and public sectors, so whatever your needs, PKF has the right expertise for you. They understand the challenges you face and the importance of clear decisions and a flexible approach in a complex and ever-changing environment. They will help you to find the right solutions, quickly and effectively.

They know that every business is different. Their member firms tailor their services to meet each client’s specific needs.

PKF’s key services include:

 

5. PR Niven & Company

PR Niven & Company is a full-service accounting firm in South Africa, dedicated to providing specialised accounting, auditing, consulting, and tax services to medium-sized businesses.

Founded on the principles of sound and credible financial practices, their experienced and professional team of chartered accountants and registered auditors strives to provide the highest level of integrity and professional advice to ensure their clients’ financial well-being.

Over the years, the firm has advanced from being a traditional accounting practice to now offering various specialized accounting services.

PR Niven & Company’s services include:

• Auditing
• Financial statements
• Maintaining accounting records of business entities
• Management consulting, strategic planning, and implementation
• Preparing cash flow statements
• Payroll services
• Completion and submission of VAT and Workmen’s Compensation returns
• Completion of personal and corporate income tax returns
• Annual submission and completion of Employment Equity forms
• Advising on computer systems, their installations, and implementation

 

6. Otonda Chartered Accountants

 

 

7. SNG Grant Thornton

SNG Grant Thornton is the South African member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

The firm has progressed expeditiously in every aspect ever since its establishment in 1985.

They aim to help dynamic organizations unlock their potential for growth by providing meaningful, forward-looking advice.

Their teams and member firms worldwide work and train together, sharing industry experience, technical expertise, and a commitment to excellence.

Whatever the geographic location, they apply the same insight, flexibility, and relevant experience. They examine each transaction ob, objectively and work to involve all parties to ensure that clients receive the highest quality advice, providing a truly distinctive client experience.

SNG Thornton’s key services include:

• Accounting
• Advisory
• Assurance
• Tax
• Outsourcing

 

8. ASL Advisory Services

 

When speaking with manufacturers and retail businesses in South Africa, ASL Advisory Services is frequently mentioned as a specialized accounting firm deeply familiar with the unique challenges these sectors face.

I’ve been particularly impressed with their inventory management expertise, which is so critical for product-based businesses yet often overlooked by more generalist accounting providers. 

ASL has built custom accounting workflows for various industries, allowing them to deliver more relevant insights than one-size-fits-all approaches.

Their management reporting packages include operational KPIs alongside financial metrics, giving business owners a more holistic view of performance.

They’ve developed specific expertise in supply chain financial management, helping clients optimize working capital even during challenging economic periods. 

Their technology platform integrates directly with popular ERP and point-of-sale systems, reducing manual data entry and ensuring financial records reflect operational reality.

While they maintain offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, they’ve successfully served clients throughout the country using their secure collaboration tools.

Their sector-specific workshops and webinars provide valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities for clients and the broader business community.

 

9. TymsBook Accounting Services

 

During my research into Africa-focused accounting solutions, TymsBook emerged as an innovative player challenging the traditional accounting firm model.

Positioning themselves as a tech-enabled alternative to conventional firms, they combine accounting software with professional services at significantly lower price points than their competitors. 

TymsBook’s approach is particularly refreshing. They’ve built their service offerings specifically for African business realities rather than adapting Western models.

Their platform handles multi-currency transactions seamlessly, which is invaluable for businesses trading across African borders.

Their accounting team has deep expertise in cross-border compliance, helping clients navigate the complexities of operating in multiple African jurisdictions. 

With service packages starting at just $100/month (compared to $300+ at traditional firms), they’ve made professional accounting support accessible to earlier-stage businesses.

Their mobile-first approach recognizes the smartphone-centric nature of African business, allowing clients to approve transactions, view reports, and communicate with their accountants entirely from mobile devices.

While relatively new to the market, the feedback I’ve heard from their clients suggests they’re delivering significant value, particularly for digitally-savvy entrepreneurs.

 

10. Built Accounting

 

Through my work with the Tony Elumelu Foundation supporting African entrepreneurs, I became familiar with Built Accounting, an emerging player making significant impact in the South African accounting space.

Founded by African entrepreneurs who understood the challenges of accessing affordable financial expertise, Built has designed its services specifically for small and growing businesses. 

What makes Built Accounting stand out is its technology-first approach to service delivery.

Their platform combines accounting software with professional services, creating an integrated experience rather than the disconnected software/accountant relationship many businesses struggle with.

Their unlimited invoicing, payment, and payroll features are included in their service packages, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions. 

Built’s approach to client education is particularly impressive. Rather than creating dependency, they actively help business owners understand their finances through personalized coaching sessions. Their pricing model scales with business size rather than billable hours, allowing growing companies to access more support without unpredictable cost increases.

Having impacted over 5,000 African businesses already, they represent the new generation of accounting firms built specifically around SME needs.

 

Comparing South Africa’s Top Accounting Firms for Small Businesses

After working with numerous South African business owners over the years, I’ve compiled this comparison based on both direct feedback and research. This should help you evaluate which firm might be the best fit for your specific needs:

 

Firm	Best For	Service Range	Technology Integration	Price Range	Geographic Coverage
PKF South Africa	Growing SMEs need comprehensive services	Full-service (accounting, tax, advisory)	Strong – supports multiple platforms	R3,500-15,000/month	National with offices in major centers
SNG Grant Thornton	Businesses with industry-specific needs	Full-service plus specialized industry solutions	Very strong – proprietary portal	R5,000-20,000/month	Major centers with remote service nationally
Mazars South Africa	Startups and growth-focused SMEs	Full-service with entrepreneurial focus	Excellent – early technology adopters	R3,000-12,000/month	Major cities with an emphasis on Cape Town
BDO South Africa	SMEs need both compliance and advisory services	Full-service with strong advisory focus	Strong – cloud accounting partners	R4,500-18,000/month	Comprehensive national coverage
Moore South Africa	Value-conscious small businesses	Scalable service packages	Good – client portal and collaborative tools	R2,500-10,000/month	Broad national presence
Nexia SAB&T	Businesses seeking B-BBEE advisory	Full-service with transformation focus	Improving – recent cloud adoption	R3,000-12,000/month	Strong in Gauteng with national reach
Konsise	Compliance-focused small businesses	Tax compliance specialization	Excellent – SARS integration	R1,500-8,000/month	Digital-first with nationwide service
ASL Advisory	Manufacturing and retail businesses	Industry-specific services	Very good – ERP/POS integration	R3,000-15,000/month	Major cities with remote capabilities
TymsBook	Tech-savvy African businesses	Integrated software and services	Excellent – mobile-first platform	R1,700-6,000/month	Digital delivery across South Africa
Built Accounting	Startups and rapid-growth SMEs	Technology-enabled accounting	Excellent – unified platform	R1,500-7,500/month	Digital-first with national coverage

What’s Good, What’s Not So Good 

What’s Good 

Having worked with numerous South African entrepreneurs, I’ve observed firsthand the benefits these accounting firms bring to small businesses: 

 

• Specialized SME Divisions: Most of these firms have dedicated small business units with appropriate pricing structures and service levels, unlike some larger firms that primarily target corporate clients. 
• Technology Integration: There’s been a massive shift toward digital transformation, with firms now working seamlessly with modern accounting software and offering online collaboration tools, making it easier to work remotely. 
• Business Advisory Focus: The best firms go beyond compliance, offering genuine business advice that creates value and supports growth – something I consider essential for any accounting relationship. 
• Scalable Services: As your business grows, these firms can scale their offerings without forcing you to change providers, creating continuity in your financial management. 
• Industry Expertise: Specialists who understand your specific business sector can provide insights and benchmarking that generic accountants simply cannot match. 
• African-Focused Solutions: Emerging firms like TymsBook and Built Accounting are designed specifically for African business realities rather than adapting Western models, which provides more relevant support. 
• Mobile Accessibility: The newer entrants recognize Africa’s mobile-first nature and have built their platforms accordingly, allowing business owners to stay connected on the go. 
• Pricing Innovation: We’re seeing more transparent, subscription-based pricing models replacing unpredictable hourly billing, making budgeting more straightforward for small businesses.

 

What’s Not So Good 

In the spirit of complete transparency, there are also some limitations I’ve observed: 

• Response Times During Peak Periods: Even the best firms struggle with responsiveness during peak tax seasons, which can be frustrating when urgent issues arise. 
• Partner Access vs. Junior Staff: While partners may handle client acquisition, day-to-day work is often handled by more junior staff, sometimes leading to quality inconsistencies. 
• Geographic Limitations: While all offer national service, businesses outside major centers may have fewer options for face-to-face meetings, which some owners still prefer. 
• Technology Adoption Varies: The depth of digital capabilities varies considerably between firms, which can impact collaboration efficiency – traditional firms typically lag behind newer entrants. 
• Cost Pressure: As firms face their rising costs, small business service fees have been increasing faster than inflation, creating budget pressure for many entrepreneurs. 
• Data Security Concerns: With more accounting work moving online, not all firms have implemented enterprise-grade security measures to protect sensitive financial information. 
• Compliance vs. Advisory Balance: Many firms still focus predominantly on compliance rather than forward-looking advisory, potentially missing opportunities to add strategic value. 
• Integration Limitations: Some accounting firms’ systems don’t integrate well with popular African payment platforms and mobile money services, creating friction for businesses using these tools.

 

How ProfitBooks Complements Your Accounting Firm Relationship

Running ProfitBooks for over a decade has given me unique insight into how accounting software and professional services work together.

While working with an accounting firm is essential for many South African businesses, I’ve seen how combining professional services with the right software creates a financial management approach that’s more than the sum of its parts. 

When we designed ProfitBooks, we specifically focused on making it easy for business owners without accounting knowledge to maintain accurate financial records.

Our South African clients particularly appreciate features like automated VAT calculation, multi-currency support for international trade, and intuitive invoicing software that makes billing professional and efficient.

 

 

The best accounting relationships I’ve observed involve business owners maintaining day-to-day records in user-friendly software like ProfitBooks, then sharing access with their accountants for period-end processing, compliance work, and advisory services. This approach: 

1. Reduces accounting costs: When your records are already organized and accurate, your accountant spends less billable time on basic bookkeeping 
2. Improves cash flow management: Real-time visibility into receivables, payables, and bank balances helps prevent cash crunches 
3. Enables better business decisions: Access to up-to-date financial information allows both you and your advisor to spot trends and opportunities quickly 
4. Simplifies tax compliance: Properly categorized transactions and automatic VAT tracking make SARS compliance straightforward 

I’ve found that South African businesses using our FREE ‘Startup’ plan can handle basic bookkeeping themselves, then engage an accountant quarterly for oversight and annually for financial statements.

More complex businesses benefit from our R300/month ‘SMB’ plan combined with monthly accountant oversight, creating an efficient division of financial management responsibilities. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve fielded hundreds of questions from South African business owners about working with accounting firms. Here are answers to the most common questions I hear: 

How do I know if my small business needs a professional accounting firm? 

Trust me, I’ve been there, trying to handle everything myself to save costs. But there are clear signs you need professional help: when tax compliance becomes overwhelming, when you’re not sure if your financial decisions are optimal, or when growth means more complex financial management. I’ve found that most businesses benefit from professional accounting help once they have 5+ employees or R1 million+ in annual revenue.

 

What services should small businesses expect from an accounting firm? 

At minimum, expect compliance basics (financial statements, tax returns, VAT submissions) and bookkeeping oversight. But don’t settle for just that! A good firm should also provide management accounts, cash flow forecasting, and business advice. When I evaluate accounting partnerships for our clients, I look for firms that act as business advisors, not just compliance processors. 

How much do accounting firms in South Africa typically charge? 

I’ve seen the full spectrum of pricing. For basic monthly accounting services, expect R2,500- 5,000 for a typical small business. Comprehensive packages including management reporting and advisory services usually range from R5,000- 15,0000 monthly. Annual financial statements and tax returns often cost R8,000-25,000 depending on complexity. In my experience, the lowest price rarely delivers the best value – what matters is finding the right fit for your specific needs. 

What’s the difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant, and an accounting firm? 

This confused me too when I started my business! Bookkeepers typically handle day-to-day transaction recording and basic reconciliations. Accountants prepare financial statements and provide more analysis. Accounting firms offer comprehensive services, including compliance, advisory, and often specialized expertise. I’ve found many small businesses do well with a combination: software or a part-time bookkeeper for daily records, with an accounting firm providing oversight and higher-level services. 

How often should I meet with my accountant? 

This varies by business, but I recommend at least quarterly meetings focused on business performance, not just compliance. Monthly meetings are better if you’re growing rapidly or facing challenges. The most successful business owners I know treat their accountant as part of their leadership team, not just a service provider they speak with at tax time. 

What qualifications should I look for in an accounting firm? 

Beyond basic qualifications (SAICA membership, registered tax practitioners), look for industry experience, client retention rates, and technology adoption. When I’m connecting businesses with accounting partners, I always ask about their staff training programs and quality control systems. The most important qualification, though, is often their experience with businesses similar to yours. 

Can I use both accounting software and an accounting firm? 

Absolutely – this is actually the optimal setup I recommend! In my experience, businesses get the best results when they manage day-to-day finances with user-friendly software like ProfitBooks, then share access with their accountant for oversight, compliance work, and advisory services. This approach reduces costs while improving financial visibility and decision-making. 

What documents should I prepare before meeting with an accountant? 

Save yourself time and money by coming prepared. Bring bank statements, sales records, expense receipts, asset registers, and any prior financial statements or tax returns. I also recommend preparing a list of specific questions or challenges you want to discuss. The more organized you are, the more value you’ll get from the meeting instead of paying your accountant to sort through paperwork. 

How do I evaluate if my accounting firm is providing good value? 

Look beyond basic compliance. Are they proactive with tax planning advice? Do they help you understand your numbers? Do they identify opportunities and risks? One test I suggest to business owners: after meeting with your accountant, ask yourself if you learned something valuable that will help your business perform better. If the answer is consistently “no,” it might be time for a change. 

What are the key tax and compliance deadlines South African businesses need to know? 

The South African tax calendar is complex, but critical dates include: 

• Provisional tax returns (February and August) 
• Annual tax returns (varying deadlines based on business structure) 
• VAT submissions (bi-monthly for most small businesses) 
• PAYE, UIF, and SDL (7th of each month) 
• Annual financial statements (within 6 months of year-end) 

Missed deadlines mean penalties and interest – one of the most unnecessary expenses I see businesses incur. A good accounting firm will ensure you never miss these deadlines. 

How do accounting firms handle confidentiality and data security? 

This is increasingly important in our digital world. Reputable firms should have clear confidentiality policies, secure client portals, encrypted communication channels, and staff training on data protection. When I evaluate firms, I specifically ask about their POPI Act compliance measures and how they protect client information. Never hesitate to ask these questions – your financial data is too sensitive to leave security to chance. 

Can accounting firms help with funding and investment? 

The best ones certainly do! I’ve seen accountants help businesses secure bank financing, prepare for investor pitches, and structure dealings with angel investors or venture capital. They can build financial models, help determine realistic valuations, and prepare the detailed documentation lenders and investors require. If growth funding is on your horizon, make sure your accounting firm has relevant experience in this area. 

 

Final Words

An accounting firm is a crucial aspect of your business.

You need a firm that is experienced, reliable, and ready to be there for you whenever a need arises. They will not only manage the accounting tasks but also offer practical business advice to support your business planning and growth. Good accounting firms help companies grow by managing complex financial work and offering advice on practical business issues.

This will be guaranteed to save you money in the short and long term. If you choose an accounting firm based on these tips, you reduce your risk of making the wrong choice for your small business.

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Looking for an easier way to manage your accounts?
Try ProfitBooks — an easy accounting software built for small businesses. Send invoices, track expenses, and manage your finances without any accounting knowledge.

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