The accounting industry in South Africa is a strong force behind business transformation and the foundation of compliance. Accounting specialists in this nation, which is one of Africa’s most advanced financial centers, are essential to businesses’ growth from inception to international expansion.
There are more than 50,000 certified chartered accountants (CA[SA]) working in the public and commercial sectors, according to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). These professionals maintain top-notch financial standards while assisting businesses with increasingly intricate tax regulations, digital transformations, and international reporting obligations.
Therefore, this guide will help you identify the top 10 accounting companies in South Africa, ranging from multinational behemoths to top-performing local firms. Also, what makes each stand out in 2025? Find out!
Industries Fueling Accounting Demand in South Africa
From banking and agriculture to mining and energy, accounting is essential to all of South Africa’s major industries.
Accountants conduct extensive audits and asset valuations in industries such as mining, while also managing internal audits that utilize IFRS standards and ensuring regulatory compliance in banking and finance.
Cost accounting and sustainability audits are essential to the efficiency and environmental consciousness of agriculture and agro-processing.
Agile, computer-savvy accountants are in high demand throughout retail, FMCG, and the burgeoning digital startup industry. These sectors require proficiency with cloud-based software such as Xero and QuickBooks, as well as expertise in inventory valuation and VAT reporting.
Accountants must quickly adjust as South Africa’s economy becomes more diverse, providing not only compliance but also growth-promoting strategic insights.
Trends and Statistics
The market for accounting firm services in South Africa was estimated to be worth US$5.56 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$11.18 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.
Traditionally, outsourced accounting and financial services have been the largest segment of the South African business process outsourcing industry, accounting for US$1.65 billion in 2023 and expected to nearly double to US$3.15 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of approximately 9.6% annually. This suggests a significant demand for remote consulting and accounting services.
Accounting companies are quickly adopting blockchain, AI, automation, and ESG reporting tools. At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3%, the carbon accounting software segment was estimated to be worth US$125 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$393.9 million by 2030. Automation and advisory services, especially financial consulting and ESG audits, are driving the sector’s growth.
Despite growing demand, particularly in ESG auditing and consulting services, the industry faces challenges due to a lack of competent experts. Declining board exam pass rates and increased emigration are diminishing the availability of qualified auditors and accountants.
To compensate for this, businesses are increasingly adopting platform-based business models, utilizing on-demand personnel, and integrating cloud and AI technologies to scale service delivery and effectively retain top talent.
Leading Mid-Tier Accounting Companies in SA
While the Big Four dominate the top tier, mid-tier and worldwide network companies are the foundation of South Africa’s dynamic accounting ecosystem. These companies offer a compelling combination of high-quality service, customized attention, and affordable prices, making them appealing to SMEs, family enterprises, NGOs, and even specific public sector clients.
Many of these enterprises are members of reputable multinational alliances or networks, which provide them with access to global best practices, technical support, and cross-border expertise all without the overheads associated with the Big Four.
Notable players include:
1. Invensis
Invensis is a global business process outsourcing (BPO) company with over 25 years of experience, offering comprehensive Finance & Accounting (F&A) services. Trusted by 600+ customers and staffed by more than 6,000 professionals, Invensis empowers businesses to streamline operations through scalable, technology-driven finance solutions.
Specifics
Details
Key Features
Finance & Accounting Outsourcing: Offers end-to-end solutions including accounts payable/receivable, bookkeeping, payroll processing, and financial reporting.
High Accuracy & Cost Efficiency: Clients have seen up to 25% improvement in financial accuracy and 30% reduction in operational costs.
Massive Invoice Processing Capability: Processes over 400 million invoices a year with a 99% accuracy rate.
Diverse Industry Coverage: Serves industries like healthcare, mortgage, transportation, education, IT, insurance, and more.
Global Reach & Credentials: Supports Fortune 500 clients such as Philips, Verizon, and IBM, across a global delivery network with presence in India, the US, the UK, Australia, and beyond.
Highlights
Invensis stands out for delivering scalable, high-accuracy financial operations with proven results like 99% invoice accuracy, 25% better reporting precision, and 30% cost savings.
One of the fastest-growing accounting companies in South Africa, BDO provides individualized services to SMEs and mid-market businesses. They provide audit, advisory, and tax services to their clients from offices in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth.
They are appealing because they offer a hands-on approach and strong partner involvement in client engagements, while also striking a balance between local agility and global best practices.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Audit & Assurance Services: Offers independent financial statement audits, internal audits, and risk assurance services tailored for both listed and private companies.
Tax Advisory & Compliance: Offers comprehensive tax solutions, including corporate tax, international tax, transfer pricing, VAT, and personal tax planning.
Advisory Services: Delivers expert business restructuring, corporate finance, forensic services, sustainability consulting, and digital transformation support.
Business Services & Outsourcing: Supports SMEs and large companies with outsourced accounting, payroll, and financial reporting solutions.
Financial Services Sector Specialization: Deep industry expertise in banking, insurance, asset management, and fintech, ensuring compliance and strategic advisory aligned with South African and global standards.
Risk Advisory & Governance: Offers governance reviews, regulatory compliance, cyber risk, IT assurance, and internal controls consulting.
Level 1 B-BBEE Contributor: Actively supports transformation and inclusion, holding a Level 1 status, the highest Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment rating.
Highlights
As of March 2024, BDO SA reported R2.18 billion in revenue.
Has over 2,168 staff across seven offices nationwide.
Supported by 161 partners and directors providing high-touch, client-focused service.
Holds Level 1 BBBEE credentials.
Part of the US$15 billion BDO global network.
3. Forvis Mazars South Africa
Forvis Mazars has French roots and a significant African footprint in South Africa, especially in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Mazars, which serves NGOs, public institutions, and private businesses, is well-known for its inclusive governance and integrated services.
The company is a pioneer in inclusive recruiting procedures, sustainability audits, and integrated reporting.
Tax Advisory & Compliance: Delivers bespoke tax consulting across corporate, personal, indirect tax, and transfer pricing drawing on local insight and global best practice.
Financial Advisory & Transactions: Supports clients through mergers, valuations, restructuring, and strategic advisory engagements to drive transformative business decisions.
Consulting & Management Advisory: Offers services including business transformation, operational excellence, post-merger integration, and risk management strategy.
Outsourcing & Cloud Accounting: In partnership with Xero, delivers real-time financial information access, forecasting, and streamlined VAT compliance via cloud-based accounting solutions.
Highlights
Operates across 7 South African offices with over 1,000 staff.
Part of a 3,000-person team spanning 45 offices in 20+ African countries.
RSM offers international expertise to South African companies and is the sixth-largest audit, tax, and consulting network globally. The goal of RSM South Africa is to help mid-market businesses expand internationally by outsourcing accounting services.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Streamlined Finance Operations: Their Accounting & Finance Outsourcing Services provide expert handling of bookkeeping, financial reporting, and VAT compliance, backed with regular analytics, freeing management to focus on growth.
Access to Skilled Professionals: By outsourcing to RSM, you tap into a team of trained financial professionals with broad industry knowledge who stay current on tax laws, compliance, and accounting standards.
Regulatory Compliance & Payroll Assurance: RSM manages payroll processing including SARS EMP501 reconciliation, UIF returns, leave management, and tax directive assistance to ensure you meet legal obligations and avoid penalties.
Cost Efficiency & Scalability: Outsourcing transforms fixed overhead into variable service fees, reduces infrastructure costs, and removes payroll software licensing burdens ideal for scaling businesses.
Enhanced Data Integrity & Risk Control: Their processes minimize the risk of errors or fraud such as ghost payroll entries and enhance statutory accuracy via structured internal controls.
Core Management Focus: Outsourcing routine finance work (e.g., month-end closing or document filing) enables business leadership to focus on strategic priorities, innovation, and client growth.
Highlights
A strategic merger in July 2023 expanded RSM South Africa’s talent and service capabilities.
Merger contributed to a 29% surge in RSM’s Africa revenue in 2023.
The network comprises 64,000 professionals across 120+ countries.
Operates from over 820 offices worldwide, placing RSM SA within a strong global network.
5. PKF South Africa
As a member of the PKF International network, PKF South Africa focuses on providing tailored financial services to companies of all kinds. They work in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, and Gauteng, among other significant regions.
The strengths of PKF include its dedication to providing prompt service, solid partner-client relationships, and in-depth knowledge of regional markets such as real estate, education, and hospitality.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Audit & Assurance: Offers rigorous external and internal audits, financial reporting assurance, and risk advisory services tailored for listed, private, and public-sector clients.
Tax Advisory & Compliance: Provides comprehensive tax consulting across corporate, VAT, transfer pricing, payroll, and expatriate tax, combining up-to-date regulation knowledge with global network expertise.
Cloud Accounting & Digital Solutions (PKF Ignite): As a Xero Platinum Partner, it delivers cloud-based accounting, automated bookkeeping, financial forecasting, and real-time analytics for scalable businesses.
Business Risk & Internal Audit: Provides outsourced internal audit, risk assessment, compliance testing, and control review services, strengthening governance infrastructure.
Advisory & Corporate Services: Offers a full slate of advisory solutions, including valuations, M&A due diligence, restructuring, litigation support, forensic accounting, and growth strategies.
Company Secretarial & Governance Support: Manages corporate secretarial requirements, statutory compliance, board administration, and shareholder documentation to support corporate governance needs.
ESG & Sustainability Advisory: Embeds ESG strategy into operations via materiality assessments, carbon reporting, stakeholder engagement, and ESG-aligned financial modeling.
Highlights
PKF SA has over 470 staff and 43 directors and consultants, enabling a partner-led service ethos with deep involvement in client engagements.
Operating across multiple cities in South Africa (Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg, etc.), PKF provides personalized support backed by its global network spanning 150 countries, with a total global fee income of US$2.39 billion in 2023.
6. SNG Grant Thornton
SNG Grant Thornton is a proud South African company with international experience. With services for SOEs, municipalities, and public institutions, it is essential to South Africa’s public finance industry.
The company regularly participates in mentorship programs and youth employment collaborations, reflecting its strong commitment to transformation and development.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Tax Compliance: Handles full-spectrum tax compliance, including annual & provisional income tax returns, VAT registrations and returns, tax clearance certificates, IRP5/EMP501 submissions, and SARS objections or appeals, ensuring reduced risk and timely filings.
Accounting & Bookkeeping: Provides robust accounting support with bookkeeping, document management, bank reconciliations, management accounts, VAT preparation, and annual financial statements delivered through cloud platforms that enable mobile access and seamless data flow.
Payroll Services: Manages comprehensive payroll operations, including payslip generation, PAYE, UIF, SDL, workers’ compensation administration, IRP5s, EMP501/EMP201 returns, and tax directives offering certainty and legal compliance.
Company Secretarial Services: Provides corporate administration including company registrations, MOI drafting and amendments, share transfers, auditor and director changes, annual returns for CIPC, statutory record maintenance, and iXBRL filings, ensuring governance and regulatory adherence.
Highlights
Largest locally-owned audit and advisory firm in Southern Africa, serving dynamic, growth-oriented clients across sectors with deep local expertise.
Member of Grant Thornton International, a global network of 73,000+ professionals in 150+ countries generating over US$7.2 billion in annual revenues.
Balanced global and local approach international access with a strong South African foundation.
Quality-focused leadership 76.3% of employees affirm leadership’s commitment to quality (2024 Transparency Report).
Rising client satisfaction Client Voice scores increased from 83% in 2022 to 87% in 2023.
7. Morar Incorporated
With a strong emphasis on transformation and ethical accounting, Morar Inc. is a black-owned audit and advisory company that is proudly South African. They serve both private customers and public sector organizations, as well as NGOs and municipalities.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Annual Financial Statements: Preparation of fully compliant annual financial statements by IFRS and relevant statutory requirements.
Management Reporting: Delivers tailored management accounts and reports to support decision-making and financial planning.
Completion and Submission of Returns: Handles monthly and periodic submissions for VAT (Value-Added Tax), PAYE (Pay As You Earn), UIF (Unemployment Insurance Fund), SDL (Skills Development Levy), and WCA (Workmen’s Compensation).
Tax & Statutory Registrations: Assists with the registration of VAT, PAYE, UIF, and SDL.
PAYE Bi-Annual Reconciliation: Prepares and submits the PAYE reconciliations required by SARS every 6 months.
Data Capture: Offers accurate and efficient data entry of financial records and transactions into cloud or desktop accounting systems.
Highlights
Level 1 B-BBEE Certified: Morar is a leading black-owned and managed national company, committed to economic transformation and inclusion.
Operates 10 offices across nine provinces, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Strong Workforce: Employs approximately 180+ staff members.
Locally Founded & Led: One of the most significant tax and accounting firms established and directed by South African leadership.
The Big Four (Global Tier) Accounting Companies in SA
The Big Four international accounting companies, Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, have a significant influence on South Africa’s accounting scene. These companies have established a reputation not only as regional titans but also as integral components of a global network, offering unparalleled professional services and financial expertise.
8. South Africa’s Deloitte
A member of the global Deloitte network, Deloitte South Africa offers a comprehensive range of professional services, including audit, consulting, taxation, risk advisory, and financial advisory services. Deloitte provides services to a variety of industries, including energy, mining, finance, and telecommunications, and has locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Deloitte is dedicated to innovation and utilizes state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, to provide solutions that look to the future. Their corporate governance advice has a particularly significant impact on changes in both the public and private sectors, helping companies maintain compliance and competitiveness within complex regulatory frameworks.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Accounts Payable & Receivable: Utilizes managed-service frameworks and Deloitte’s Business Process Solutions to support end-to-end transactional finance operations, such as invoice entry, supplier payments, and receivables reconciliation.
Cash Management: Provides controllership and treasury transformation services to improve cash forecasting and liquidity planning in businesses.
Planning and Budgeting: Provides integrated budgeting, driver-based forecasting, and scenario modeling as part of Deloitte’s advisory services for Finance Transformation and Finance & Performance.
Procurement Requisitions: Integrates managed business process services, operational finance, and finance transformation to improve end-to-end procure-to-pay operations.
HR & Payroll Integration: To guarantee accuracy and compliance, Deloitte’s shared services and managed business services approach is used to coordinate finance, HR, and payroll.
Dashboards and KPIs: Finance & Performance and Transformation services provide interactive KPI dashboards, analytics, and performance insights that facilitate excellent decision-making.
Grants and Fund Monitoring: Provides guidance on accounting controls, compliance, and financial reporting frameworks to public sector and fund-managing organizations as part of their controllership and accounting operations.
Highlights
Global Presence, Local Presence: Good adherence to both local economic demands and international norms.
Trusted by Top Brands: Provides services to a wide range of international corporations and JSE-listed businesses.
9. PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) South Africa is notable for being a leader in auditing, corporate governance, and tax services, with more than 5,000 workers. With significant offices in Durban, Cape Town, and Midrand, PwC has a presence in every province. Many industries use their reports, such as the “Tax Pocket Guide.”
PwC’s advisory strategy blends strategic insight with in-depth technical expertise. Their expertise in B-BBEE advising, corporate strategy, and ESG auditing all crucial areas for South African businesses managing compliance and transformation has earned them special recognition.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Assurance (Audit & Financial Reporting): Enhances external financial reporting, compliance with IFRS and South African regulations, and strengthens confidence in governance.
Tax Advisory & Compliance: Offers integrated global and local tax solutions across corporate, indirect, transfer pricing, and M&A contexts backed by tax technology and in-house training programs.
Consulting & Risk Services: Helps clients transform through strategy, ESG, AI-led operations, and risk advisory by integrating consulting and assurance into holistic solutions.
Deal Advisory (M&A & Restructuring): Executes cross-border deal structuring, due diligence, valuation, and post-merger integration, guided by capital markets and tax specialists.
Finance Transformation (Planning & Budgeting): Delivers driver-based budgeting, forecasting, and finance performance management through tailored transformation services.
Managed Business Services (Finance, HR & Payroll): Provides end-to-end managed services integrating HR, payroll, and finance for scalable compliance and operational efficiency.
Sustainability Reporting & ESG Advisory: Supports organizations in incorporating sustainability and climate risk into reporting and long-term strategy (e.g., ESG-focused consulting).
Highlights
Offers assurance and advisory solutions designed to drive organizational growth.
Achieved 6% growth in recent performance.
Employs approximately 10,000 people across the region.
Leverages initiatives like SATIC for cutting-edge solutions.
Sustained nearly R9 billion in income within the economy.
10. EY South Africa (Ernst & Young)
EY South Africa is a part of the global Ernst & Young network, one of the “Big Four” professional services companies. With a strong presence in major South African cities, EY offers assurance, tax, strategy, transactions, and consulting services to a diverse range of industries.
EY South Africa is particularly well-known for its extensive industry knowledge, forward-thinking solutions, and strong support for African entrepreneurship and inclusive development.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Assurance (Audit & Financial Reporting): Delivers IFRS‑aligned, digital-enabled external audits, climate and sustainability assurance, forensic investigations, and technology risk assessments.
Financial Accounting Advisory Services (FAAS): Offers technical advisory, governance support, and reporting solutions, including complex accounting transitions and IPO readiness.
Climate Change & Sustainability Services (ESG): Integrates sustainability reporting, climate risk management, and ESG strategy into broader assurance and advisory offerings.
Technology Risk & Transformation: Combines IT audit, cybersecurity assurance, and digital transformation frameworks including EY.ai to modernize financial and operational controls.
Strategy, Transactions & Transformation Consulting: Supports M&A, restructuring, transaction due diligence, and operational transformation via EY-Parthenon and local advisory teams.
Tax Function Operations & Private Tax Services: Provides integrated support in corporate and private client tax planning, indirect tax, transfer pricing, and tax operations automation.
Highlights
Cutting-edge AI-enabled services: Use advanced technology to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and insights.
Strategic partner role: Helps businesses navigate digital transformation, regulatory demands, and sustainability-driven change.
Impressive global performance: EY earned US$49.35 billion in revenue in FY 2023, up 14.2% from FY 2022.
Strong service line growth: Assurance (+11.0%), Tax (+12.2%), Consulting (+21.6%), and Strategy & Transactions (+8.4%).
11. KPMG South Africa
With a significant presence in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, KPMG South Africa provides reliable audit, tax, and advisory services. Notwithstanding previous difficulties, the company has stabilized and is once more dependable for auditing and restructuring services in the public sector.
The company assists businesses with internal audit frameworks, cyber risk mitigation, and turnaround strategies, emphasizing transparency and governance.
Specifics
Details
Key Offerings
Audit & Assurance (General Ledger and Financial Reporting): Provides comprehensive external audit and assurance services, aligned with IFRS and South African regulations, ensuring reliable financial disclosure for investors and regulators.
Accounting Advisory & Reporting Optimization: Helps clients implement IFRS conversions, IPO readiness, merger-related accounting transitions, and quality-close processes for timely, accurate reporting.
Tax Advisory & International Mobility Services: Offers integrated tax solutions including corporate, indirect, transfer pricing, and global mobility services through technology-powered compliance and advisory frameworks.
Digital Consulting & Finance Transformation: Supports finance-led digital transformation using KPMG Powered Enterprise, Microsoft, and AI-based technology solutions for process automation and data analytics.
Risk, Governance & Compliance (GRC): Provides enterprise-level risk management, governance advisory, technology assurance, and ESG advisory to strengthen internal control and stakeholder confidence.
Private Enterprise Services: Tailored services for entrepreneur-led and owner-managed businesses, offering scalable finance, tax, and advisory support with local insight.
Offers trusted governance and ESG advisory services.
Has a deep regional reach across South Africa and the continent.
Serves as an authoritative partner for boards and executives navigating high-stakes transformation.
Conclusion
The accounting industry in South Africa is more than simply statistics; it is the foundation of growth, trust, and financial integrity in a changing economy. Selecting the right accounting partner can enhance your approach, whether you’re navigating regional tax laws or preparing for international expansion.
Every business, regardless of size or industry, can find a partner, from the Big Four’s global reach to the specialized accuracy of companies like Ngubane & Co. and TAG.
Are you prepared to work with a leading accounting company? Your company will succeed if you base your evaluation on technological agility, industry knowledge, and ethical alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when choosing an accounting firm in South Africa?
Look at the firm’s industry experience, range of services, B-BBEE rating, client reviews, geographic presence, and whether they are part of a global network. This ensures you get expertise tailored to your business needs.
Which accounting firms in South Africa are part of international networks?
Several South African firms, such as RSM South Africa, BDO South Africa, and PKF South Africa, are members of global networks, giving clients access to international expertise and resources.
Are there black-owned accounting firms among South Africa’s top players?
Yes. For example, Morar Incorporated is one of the leading black-owned and managed national firms, holding a Level 1 B-BBEE certification.
Do top SA accounting firms only serve large corporations?
No. While they work with major corporates, most also offer tailored services for SMEs, start-ups, and non-profits, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access professional financial guidance.
What services do South Africa’s top accounting firms provide?
They typically offer audit & assurance, tax advisory, accounting & bookkeeping, business valuations, corporate finance, payroll, and compliance services, often with specialized sector expertise.
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Finance & Accounting
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