Hire the Best Certified Public Accountants

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4.8/5
Based on 1,871 client reviews
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
Aitzaz H.

Lahore, Pakistan

$25/hr
4.9
20 jobs

Hi there! I am Experienced in the registration, preparation, and corporate tax filing for UK LTD and US LLC companies and individuals. I'm a CPA and Associate member of IFA (UK) and IPA (AUS) with over 10 years of extensive experience in accounting, taxation, and financial modelling. My primary focus is assisting small and medium-sized entities with their bookkeeping and taxation needs. Here's a glimpse of the services I offer: ✅ Preparation of Annual Accounts for UK LTD (Active+Dormant) and Corporation tax returns CT600 ✅ Preparation and filing of individual tax returns/ self-assessments. SA100 ✅ Preparation and filing of Confirmation Statements CS01 ✅ Preparation and filing of monthly and quarterly VAT Returns using MTD compliant software. ✅ Monthly Payroll submissions, payroll registration of directors. ✅ Closing / Strike off of UK LTD companies. ✅ Seamless integration of Amazon and Shopify stores with QuickBooks and Xero through A2X. ✅ Bookkeeping in XERO, QuickBooks Online, Sage50/300, Free Agent, and Wave apps for Amazon and Shopify sellers ✅ Comprehensive financial management services, including management accounts, forecasts, budgeting, and cash flow statements. ✅ Expertise in tax returns for individuals and single-member Foreign Owned LLCs (USA). If you require any specific accounting or tax-related assistance, please feel free to discuss your needs in detail. I'm excited to collaborate with you and I invite you to reach out for an interview. Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. Best regards, Aitzaz Hassan Awan CPA AFA MIPA

  • CPA
  • Chart of Accounts
  • Balance Sheet
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Certified Tax Preparer
  • Bookkeeping
  • Xero
  • Corporate Tax
  • Accounting Principles & Practices
  • Cash Flow Statement
  • Sage 300
  • Wave Accounting
  • Financial Modeling
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
Zain M.

Lawrence Township, New Jersey

$75/hr
5.0
8 jobs

Big Four-trained accountant (PwC New York & EY) with 8+ years of experience helping businesses go from messy books to clean, decision-ready financials. I've worked with Fortune 500 companies and now I bring that same level of rigor to small and mid-sized businesses that need a senior accounting partner without the full-time price tag. Whether you're behind on your books, preparing for an audit, or just need someone who actually understands what the numbers mean, I can help. Here's what I do: 1. QuickBooks Online bookkeeping, cleanup & reconciliations 2. Month-end and year-end close 3. Fractional Controller & financial reporting 4. Audit-ready financial statements (US GAAP & IFRS) 5. Multi-entity & intercompany accounting 6. AP/AR management 7. Cash flow analysis & variance reporting 8. PCAOB & SOX compliance support

  • Financial Audit
  • GAAP
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Xero
  • Bookkeeping
  • Budgeting & Forecasting Software
  • Financial Reporting
  • Tax Preparation Software
  • US Taxation
  • Accounting Advisory
Yukti B.

Champaign, Illinois

$25/hr
4.1
137 jobs

Top-Rated Plus | 10+ Years Experience | $100K+ Earned on Upwork | U.S. Master’s in Accountancy & CPA-Equivalent Are you looking for an accountant who doesn’t just “manage books” but actually helps you save time, stay compliant, and grow profitably? That’s exactly what I do. With over 10 years of hands-on experience and $100K+ earned working with U.S. clients on Upwork, I bring the right mix of technical expertise, strategic insight, and proven results to every project. Clients trust me because I combine the knowledge of U.S. Master of Accountancy (University of Illinois) and Chartered Accountant (CPA-equivalent) — with practical experience across bookkeeping, tax, reporting, and financial systems. ✅ What I Deliver Full-Cycle Bookkeeping & Accounting – QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite U.S. Tax Preparation & Advisory – Certified IRS VITA volunteer with experience filing federal & state returns GAAP-Compliant Financial Reporting – including ASC 606 and revenue recognition standards Audit & Compliance Support – smooth coordination with auditors and regulators Financial Planning & Insights – budgeting, forecasting, and data dashboards (Excel, Tableau, SQL, Python) 📈 Proven Results Helped U.S. businesses increase profitability by up to 25% through smarter financial planning Reduced month-end close times by 18%, ensuring faster and more reliable reporting Improved billing accuracy by 20%, accelerating cash collections across clients Delivered smooth audits with fewer adjustments year-over-year for multiple businesses If you’re searching for a reliable financial partner who can bring clarity to your numbers, ensure compliance, and give you insights to scale with confidence — let’s connect. As a Top-Rated Plus freelancer, I’m committed to long-term partnerships and measurable results for U.S. businesses. 📩 Let’s connect to discuss how I can simplify your finances and help your business grow with confidence.

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Accounting Software
  • General Ledger
  • Cash Flow Analysis
  • Balance Sheet
  • Xero
  • GAAP
  • Oracle NetSuite
  • Bookkeeping
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Receivable Management
  • Accounting
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Accounts Payable Management
Mubashar H.

Lahore, Pakistan

$25/hr
5.0
32 jobs

I am a licensed CPA with more than 10 years of experience, and I spend most of my days helping contractors, developers, and property managers actually understand their numbers. I trained at Deloitte with additional time at EY and BDO, and I work with clients across the US, UK, and Australia. What sets me apart is that I understand the software your business runs on, not just QuickBooks. I know how Buildertrend talks to QBO, why JobTread cost code mapping matters for job profitability, and how to reconcile an AppFolio rent roll back to a clean balance sheet. Most accountants stop at the books. I connect your operations to your books, your books to your reports, and your reports to better decisions. Credentials and tools Licensed CPA (ICPAP, license M-4008), QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, Xero Certified Advisor Construction: Buildertrend, JobTread, Procore, CoConstruct, Sage 300 CRE Property management: AppFolio, Buildium, Rent Manager, Yardi Breeze Dashboards: Fathom, Spotlight, Looker Studio, Power BI How I can help Bookkeeping: Reconciliations, AP and AR, payroll, multi currency, subcontractor and vendor management Reporting: GAAP and IFRS statements, job profitability reports, WIP schedules, KPI dashboards Cleanup and migration: QBO and Xero cleanup, catch up bookkeeping, chart of accounts restructure, audit ready in days Fractional CFO: Cash flow forecasting, CAPEX planning, draw schedules, investor decks, scenario modeling For construction clients, I set up and manage Buildertrend and JobTread integrations with QBO, handle job costing by phase and cost code, run AIA progress billing (G702 and G703), track retention, and build WIP and over under billing schedules. For real estate, I connect AppFolio and Buildium to QBO, deliver property level P&L, reconcile rent rolls, handle CAM and triple net reconciliations, and track mortgage, escrow, and security deposits. A few results I am proud of Saved a client more than 500K through tax strategy and cost analysis Took a Buildertrend to QBO setup live in five days with real time job costing and zero double entry Turned a messy set of books audit ready in 10 days Built dashboards that gave owners back more than 20 hours every month If any of this sounds like what you need, send me a message and we can set up a quick call. I am happy to look at where things stand and tell you honestly how I can help.

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Account Reconciliation
  • Xero
  • QuickBooks Online
  • Data Analysis
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Bookkeeping
  • Financial Statement
  • Construction Management Software
  • Buildertrend
  • Building Reconstruction
  • Gusto
  • Job Costing
  • Real Estate Financial Modeling
  • Real Estate
  • Construction
  • Procore
  • Project Accounting

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Don't just take our word for it

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.