Find Professional Accountants Near You
An accountant plays a central role in managing financial information, ensuring compliance, and helping individuals and businesses make informed decisions.
Find an Accountant by StateAn accountant plays a central role in managing financial information, ensuring compliance, and helping individuals and businesses make informed decisions. Whether you are filing personal taxes, running a small business, or managing a growing company, working with an accountant provides structure, accuracy, and clarity around your finances.
Accountants support a wide range of financial needs, from day-to-day record keeping to tax preparation and financial reporting. Their role adapts to the complexity of each situation, making them relevant for individuals, self-employed professionals, startups, and established businesses alike.
This page explains what accountants do, the types of services they provide, how they differ from other accounting professionals, and how to choose the right accountant based on your needs. From here, you can also explore accountant services by state and city.
What does an accountant do?
An accountant is responsible for organizing, analyzing, and reporting financial information. Their work ensures that financial records are accurate, compliant with regulations, and useful for decision-making.
Preparing and reviewing financial records
Managing bookkeeping and transaction categorization
Preparing tax returns and supporting tax compliance
Producing financial statements such as balance sheets and income statements
Advising on budgeting, cash flow, and financial planning
Depending on the client, an accountant may work on a one-time basis (for example, tax filing) or provide ongoing support throughout the year.
Who typically works with an accountant?
Accountants work with a broad range of clients. Their services are not limited to large companies and are often essential for individuals and small businesses.
Individuals
Needing help with tax preparation or complex financial situations
Self-employed professionals
Independent contractors managing their own finances
Small business owners
Managing day-to-day finances and compliance
Growing companies
Needing structured financial reporting and guidance
Organizations
Seeking compliance and financial clarity
The level of involvement varies, but the goal remains the same: maintaining accurate financial records and reducing financial risk.
Accountant vs other accounting professionals
The term "accountant" is often used broadly, which can create confusion. While all accountants work with financial data, not all accounting professionals have the same role or qualifications.
Accountants
Handle a wide range of financial and tax-related tasks and may or may not be certified
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Licensed professionals with additional qualifications and regulatory authority
Bookkeepers
Focus primarily on recording and organizing daily transactions
Tax accountants
Specialize in tax preparation and tax strategy
Understanding these differences helps ensure you choose the right type of professional for your situation.
Common accounting services
Accounting services can vary widely depending on individual or business needs. Some of the most common services include:
Bookkeeping and transaction management
Tax preparation and filing
Financial statement preparation
Payroll support and reporting
Budgeting and cash flow management
General financial guidance and compliance support
Some accountants focus on specific areas, while others provide a more comprehensive range of services.
How much does an accountant cost?
The cost of working with an accountant depends on several factors. There is no fixed price, as fees are influenced by the type and complexity of services provided.
Pricing is typically influenced by:
Individual versus business needs
One-time services compared to ongoing support
Volume of financial transactions
Tax complexity and reporting requirements
When should you hire an accountant?
You may benefit from hiring an accountant if:
Your financial situation becomes more complex
You want to reduce the risk of errors or penalties
You need help organizing financial records
You are starting or growing a business
You want better visibility into your finances
Even basic accounting support can save time and help prevent costly mistakes.
Find Accountant Services by Location
Accounting needs and practices can vary depending on location. Regulations, tax requirements, and business environments differ across states and cities.
Popular States
From this page, you can explore accountant services organized by state and city to find information relevant to your location and needs. Each local page focuses on accounting services within a specific geographic area.
Get started with an accountant
If you want to better understand your accounting needs or estimate potential costs, you can explore accountant services in your state or city. Local pages provide a starting point to understand how accounting services are typically offered in different areas.
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Find accountant services in all 50 states. Use the search or filter by letter to find your state.