Hire the Best Certified Public Accountants

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Rating is 4.8 out of 5.
4.8/5
Based on 1,871 client reviews
Nidhi A.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

$20/hr
5.0
7 jobs

Are you a business owner needing accurate financials to make informed decisions? I help clients like you streamline their accounting and provide SOPs for bookkeepers to follow, ensure tax compliance, and understand their cash flow. I am a Top 10 National rank-holder Chartered Accountant from India with academic degrees in Accounting, Financial Management and Taxation. I have a work experience of over 15 years in the field of accounting, financial analysis, modeling, budgeting and allied activities. I bring along significant international experience having worked in Singapore, India and Hong Kong and with organizations like Ernst & Young and ICICI Bank. I have completed Certified Public Accountancy course in US (conducted by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, US) and have competence in US GAAP accounting and US taxation practices. I have been running my own accounting firm for over 10 years with over 50 clients across mid-tier corporates and small businesses and provide following services: - Financial analysis and modeling - Budgeting and forecasting - QuickBooks Online Setup, Review & Cleanup, SOPs - Preparation of P&L, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Statements - Financial planning & Advisory Let's connect to discuss how I can bring clarity and accuracy to your business finances.

  • Accounting
  • Financial Audit
  • Financial Modeling
  • Budget Planning
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Management
Yogesh S.

Gurgaon, India

$25/hr
4.8
123 jobs

*Crypto Tax Accountant | Fixing Inaccurate Reports Before They Cost You Money* Crypto tax mistakes don't come from trading too much. They come from trusting software reports that were never properly reviewed—and filing them anyway. I'm a crypto tax accountant specializing in reconciliation, cost basis reconstruction, and fixing the exact errors that cause inaccurate crypto tax filings. If you've imported wallets into Koinly, CoinTracking, SUMM, CoinTracker, CoinLedger, ZenLedger, or Blockpit and assumed the report was "done"—that's exactly where most problems begin. ⚠️ What I See Every Day Most reports arrive showing one or more of these: • "Review Needed" errors on the tax summary page • Missing cost basis or missing price warnings • Portfolio value or balance mismatches across exchanges and wallets • Negative coin balances • DeFi, NFT, bridging, or staking activity misclassified as taxable disposals • High-value trades showing zero or inflated gains • Bitcoin Ordinals with incorrect gains/losses • Validation errors that software flags but cannot resolve These are not cosmetic issues. Left unresolved, they can materially change your tax liability. Fixing them after filing is far more expensive than getting them right upfront. 🧠 Why Software Alone Isn't Enough Crypto tax platforms are tools—not solutions. They don't understand intent. They can't determine whether a transfer is internal, whether a DeFi interaction is non-taxable, or how cost basis breaks across bridges, LP exits, or wrapped asset conversions. That judgment requires a human crypto tax accountant. That's the work I do. 📌 What I Handle End-to-End I manually reconcile crypto activity across wallets, exchanges, and blockchains so that: ✓ Transfers are matched and cost basis flows correctly ✓ DeFi, staking, NFT, and bridge transactions are classified accurately ✓ No high-value disposal is left without a verified cost basis ✓ Final reports reflect economic reality—not software assumptions Complex activity I regularly work with: ✓ Perpetuals, margin positions, and derivatives ✓ DEX aggregators, LP tokens, liquidity events, and protocol migrations ✓ Staking derivatives, validator income, yield vaults, and rebases ✓ Bridging, wrapped assets, MEV rewards, and airdrops ✓ NFTs, Bitcoin Ordinals, nodes, mining, and ICOs ✓ Multi-wallet, multi-exchange portfolios with long transaction histories Chains: Ethereum and all EVM chains, Hyperliquid, Solana, Polygon, Base, Arbitrum, Avalanche, BSC, Cosmos, Near, Aurora, Cardano, Terra, EGLD, and more. 🛠 Platforms & Protocols I Work With I use Koinly, CoinTracking, CoinLedger, CoinTracker, ZenLedger, Blockpit, and SUMM as data engines—not final authorities. I apply professional judgment where automation falls short. DeFi protocols I routinely reconcile: Uniswap, Sushiswap, Aave, Curve, and similar platforms across complex multi-chain setups. 🧾 What Makes My Work Different I don't press "generate report" and hand it over. I trace transactions end to end, validate transfers on-chain, reconstruct cost basis accurately, and confirm every tax classification is defensible. Every account goes through structured validation checks before the final report leaves my hands. The result: reports that are complete, consistent, and ready to file with confidence. 🌍 Countries I Serve I work with clients across multiple jurisdictions and understand the reporting expectations in each market. I currently serve clients in: • United States (US) - IRS Form 8949, Schedule D, 1099-DA, HIFO/FIFO/LIFO cost basis methods • United Kingdom (UK) - HMRC crypto guidelines, Section 104 pooling rules • Canada - CRA crypto tax treatment, adjusted cost base (ACB) method • Australia - ATO crypto tax rules, CGT events and discount method • Germany - BZSt crypto tax rules, 1-year holding period exemptions • Austria - Austrian tax authority crypto reporting standards • New Zealand - IRD crypto guidance, income vs. capital treatment If your jurisdiction is not listed above, feel free to reach out. I regularly work with international clients and can adapt reconciliation outputs to suit local reporting needs. 🎯 Who I Work Best With Investors, traders, and businesses who value accuracy and documentation—and understand that a professional second set of eyes before filing is far less painful than an amended return or an audit afterward. Clients typically come to me when: • Their crypto tax report doesn't match their expectations • They want DeFi, NFT, or multi-chain activity reviewed properly • They need a defensible report before filing, not a rushed one • They've tried the software and realized something is off 📩 If your report shows Review Needed, Warning Transactions, or ⚠️ caution alerts—or if your profit and loss figures don't align with what you actually earned—reach out. I'll review your situation, explain exactly what needs to be fixed, and make sure your crypto taxes are filed accurately.

  • Tax Preparation
  • Blockchain, NFT & Cryptocurrency
  • Tax Accounting
  • Crypto Asset
  • Accounting
  • Account Reconciliation
  • US Taxation
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Bookkeeping
  • Crypto Wallet
Damien S.

Ormond Beach, Florida

$60/hr
5.0
117 jobs

I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. I have 4 years of experience in the tax and accounting field. I have prepared taxes for over 2,000 clients, and currently do monthly accounting and tax coaching. I currently service clients either monthly, quarterly, or just as-needed. My services include but are not limited to: -Bookkeeping / Bank Reconciliations -Multi-Year Book Cleanups/Catchups -Financial Statement Preparations -Tax Planning & Preparing -Tax Strategy and Coaching -Payroll Services -Sales Tax -LLC / Business Registrations and Annual Filings Please reach out for pricing as many of these are fixed rate services tailored around the value provided and your budget! If you don't see something listed, I may still be able to assist you. My goal is to save you money and save you time while not sacrificing the quality of service you deserve! -Damien Siegel, CPA

  • CPA
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Bookkeeping
  • Tax Accounting
  • Xero
  • CCH Axcess
  • Certified Tax Preparer
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Gusto
  • Payroll Accounting
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounting
Jade Mar M.

Mandaue City, Philippines

$15/hr
5.0
2 jobs

Helping small business owners stay compliant, profitable, and stress-free through accurate bookkeeping, accounting, tax support and advisory. Stop searching—your trusted Accountant and Bookkeeper is here. I turn your numbers into clarity, growth, and peace of mind, so you can focus on running and scaling your business. Bookkeeping and accounting are the financial backbone of your business. With accurate financial data, you gain visibility into profitability, cash flow, tax obligations, and growth opportunities—allowing you to make smarter business decisions with confidence. I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 9+ years of experience working with New Zealand and Australian accounting firms, specializing in small and growing businesses. I help business owners stay compliant, improve profitability, and maintain clean, reliable financial records. My goal is simple: reduce your financial stress and help your business grow. 🌟Services I offer but are not limited to: ✅ Accounting & Bookkeeping 📌Xero, QuickBooks Online and Zoho Books setup and management 📌Clean-up and catch-up bookkeeping 📌Bank, GST, and account reconciliations 📌Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) management ✅ Tax & Compliance 📌GST / BAS returns and filings 📌Individual, Company, Trust, and Partnership tax returns 📌Tax planning and optimization strategies ✅ Financial Reporting & Advisory 📌Financial statements preparation and analysis 📌Cash flow tracking and forecasting 📌Business dashboards and financial insights 📌Fixed asset register and depreciation schedules ✅ Data & Systems 📌Data entry and system imports 📌Advanced Excel formulas, pivots, and financial models 🌟 Why Clients Choose Me? ✅ EXPERTISE High-quality, accurate work with attention to detail and unlimited revisions. ✅TIMELINESS Reliable delivery on or before deadlines—because your reports and taxes cannot wait. ✅ RESPONSIVENESS & FLEXIBILITY Available at your convenience with responses within 24 hours (often faster). ✅ GROWTH-FOCUSED Continuously learning and applying automation, AI tools, and modern accounting practices to improve efficiency and reduce costs. ✅ TRUE FINANCIAL PARTNERSHIP I don’t just crunch numbers—I interpret them and provide insights to help you make strategic decisions and grow your business. Let’s hop on a call and see if we’re a great fit. Feel free to message me anytime—I’d love to help streamline your finances and support your business growth. Thank you and looking forward to helping you, Jade Mar

  • CPA
  • Accounting Basics
  • Bookkeeping
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Tax Return
  • Balance Sheet
  • Xero
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Analysis
  • Accounting
  • Tax Preparation
  • Business Plan
  • Accounting Software
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Cash Flow Analysis
  • Budgeting & Forecasting Software
  • Financial Reporting
Julie M.

Framingham, Massachusetts

$175/hr
4.8
138 jobs

I am a Certified Public Accountant with a Masters in Accounting, specializing in tax preparation. I have years of experience helping clients save money with my knowledge of tax law for business and individual taxes. My main goal with a client is to help them understand their tax situation and help them succeed in their financial goals, including a forward look approach to ensure the client receives the maximum deductions to increase cash flow, by offering tax planning and business consulting. My specialty is in small business, including accounting, tax preparation, and tax consulting to ensure that the business entity type is best suited for your needs and the most tax advantageous. I also offer accounting services, where my main goal with clients is to ensure that their books and financial statements accurately reflect their finances. With accurate financial statements, businesses can see their strengths and weaknesses, which will help them continue to grow their business and succeed. In my accounting business, my main goal is for my clients to be successful and help them by offering not only accounting and tax preparation services, but also business consulting on what is the most advantageous business entity type and taking a forward looking approach to see what they can do in the future to grow their business. I have worked with several small business owners just starting their business by setting up their accounting software and chart of accounts, creating a business strategy, including tax planning, to maximize cash flow to prepare them for success.

  • Tax Planning & Advisory
  • Tax Return
  • Bookkeeping
  • GAAP
  • Income Statement
  • Financial Analysis
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Xero
  • Tax Strategy
Anupama A.

Torrance, California

$200/hr
4.8
335 jobs

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)with 15+ years of experience as a Senior Accountant, Skilled in all areas of accounting and extensive knowledge of Tax from individual to large businesses with consistently meeting deadlines under pressure. • Licensed CPA from California. • Responsible for payroll & sales tax filing for clients. • Expert at designing accounting functions, systems, and best practices. • Responsible for reviewing & compiling client’s financial statement from E-commerce , Health, Automobile, Construction, Manufacturing & entertainment industries. • Expertise in remote work with minimal supervision, ensured client information confidentiality & Maintained positive relationships with prompt response to calls and emails. • Experience using online tools like Slack, Google Drive and Zoom skill • Individual Taxation ( form 1040 ). Expertise in case like capital gain, RSU ,ESPP , Rental income, Foreign income • Business Tax return ( Form 1120S, 1120, 1065).Expertise to solve all tax complication with required schedule for pass through business entity. • Bookkeeping, accounting and payroll services.

  • CPA
  • Tax Preparation
  • Budget Management
  • Payroll Accounting
  • Bookkeeping
  • Certified Tax Preparer
  • International Taxation
  • Corporate Tax
  • US Taxation
  • Sales Tax

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Certified public accountant hiring guide

A certified public accountant (CPA) can protect your business from costly tax mistakes, identify deductions you'd otherwise miss, and keep your financial records audit-ready. When you need help with annual filings, quarterly estimates, or ongoing bookkeeping, the right CPA brings specialized knowledge that pays for itself.

What does a certified public accountant do?

A CPA is a licensed financial professional who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met state-specific education and experience requirements. CPAs handle a wide range of accounting tasks, from preparing tax returns to advising on long-term financial strategy. Their license also grants them authority to represent clients before the IRS and sign audited financial statements.

Common CPA responsibilities include:

CPAs often rely on QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, FreshBooks, Drake Tax, Intuit ProConnect Tax, Lacerte, CCH Axcess, Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS, and Microsoft Excel for bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial analysis, and reporting. 

How to hire a certified public accountant on Upwork

Upwork gives you access to freelance CPAs across specializations, from individual tax prep to corporate audit support. Follow these four steps to find and hire the right CPA for your project.

Step 1: Post a job

Start by describing what you need explicitly so qualified candidates can self-select. Check out this certified public accountant job description template for guidance. Your job post should mention:

  • The type of engagement (one-time filing, ongoing monthly accounting, or audit support), your business entity type, and any industry-specific requirements such as nonprofit or e-commerce accounting.

  • Required CPA license and state of licensure

  • Relevant specializations (tax, audit, forensic accounting, or advisory)

  • Software proficiency (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, or similar)

  • Deadlines tied to filing dates or reporting cycles

  • Expected budget

  • Whether you need experience with specific tax codes or entity types

Use the Job Post Generator — powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI — to speed things up. Describe what you need in a few sentences, and Uma will draft a job post for certified public accountants that you can review and customize.

Step 2: Evaluate candidates

As proposals come in, look for CPAs with the credentials, industry expertise, and tax or accounting experience that match your business needs.

  • Confirm the candidate holds an active CPA license in good standing

  • Look for relevant experience in tax, audit, advisory, or financial reporting

  • Prioritize candidates who’ve worked with businesses similar to yours in size or industry

  • Review their experience with your accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite

  • Check Job Success Score, talent badges, client reviews, and portfolio samples

Uma can conduct instant video interviews and provide shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you identify strong candidates faster.

Step 3: Interview your top choices

Use interviews to evaluate each CPA's technical expertise, communication style, and ability to support your financial goals.

  • Discuss their experience with your industry, business structure, and accounting needs

  • Ask how they approach tax planning, compliance, and identifying potential deductions

  • Explore how they stay current with tax law changes and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements

  • Confirm familiarity with your accounting software and financial reporting processes

  • For additional guidance, review these accountant interview questions

You can schedule interviews directly within Upwork Messages. Conversations are documented with transcripts and summaries so you can revisit details when making your final decision.

Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work

Before work begins, agree on a contract with clear expectations for deliverables, deadlines, and communication to keep your engagement on track.

  • Define project milestones around specific tax filings, financial statements, audits, or advisory services

  • Establish reporting schedules, filing deadlines, and communication preferences

  • Clarify whether the engagement is project-based, seasonal, or ongoing

  • Determine how financial documents and sensitive information will be shared securely

Use Upwork's messaging and contract workroom to manage communication and project details in one place. Take advantage of identity verification, Hourly Payment Protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for a secure engagement.

The rates and information provided in this article are based on current data and industry sources available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research to confirm current rates and trends, as this information may change over time.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

How much does hiring a certified public accountant cost?

Hiring a freelance certified public accountant on Upwork generally costs $19-$70 per hour, depending on scope and experience.

This table breaks down typical project-based pricing for common CPA engagements.

Individual tax return

$150-$500/project

Intermediate
  • Federal and state return filing
  • Deduction and credit optimization
  • Prior-year amendment review

Small business tax filing

$500-$2,500/project

Intermediate to expert
  • Business entity return (1120, 1120-S, 1065)
  • Quarterly estimated tax calculations
  • Year-end tax planning memo

Financial statement preparation

$750-$3,000/project

Expert
  • GAAP-compliant balance sheet and income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Notes and disclosures

Audit preparation

$1,500-$5,000/project

Expert
  • Internal controls documentation
  • Supporting schedule compilation
  • Auditor liaison and response drafting

Ongoing monthly accounting

$500-$2,000/project

Intermediate to expert
  • Monthly reconciliation and close
  • Management reporting package
  • Sales tax filing and compliance

Frequently asked questions

Is hiring a certified public accountant worth it?

For most businesses, yes, hiring a certified public accountant is worthwhile. Many small business owners on Reddit and Quora report that a good CPA saves them thousands of dollars in missed deductions and penalty avoidance, making the investment pay for itself within the first filing season.

Is a CPA better than an accountant?

A CPA generally has more credentials than other accountants, but that doesn’t always mean a better fit for business needs. CPAs have passed the Uniform CPA Examination and hold a state-issued license, which grants rights that general accountants don't have, including the ability to sign audited financial statements, issue audit opinions, and represent clients directly before the IRS. If your needs involve audits, complex tax situations, or IRS correspondence, a CPA is the stronger choice. For routine bookkeeping, payroll, or basic accounting tasks, an experienced accountant may be all you need.

What are red flags when hiring a CPA?

When hiring a CPA, watch out for candidates who lack an active, verifiable license; guarantee specific refund amounts before reviewing your financials; or refuse to provide an engagement letter outlining scope, fees, and responsibilities. These are signs of an unprofessional or potentially unqualified practitioner.