The best accountants in Canberra for 2027 are RSM Australia, Hardwickes, DFK Everalls, Vivid Chartered Accountants, Aero Group, PAQ Group, Nexia Canberra, William Buck, Kelly+Partners and Moore Australia. This list is part of our Canberra business services hub.
Canberra’s accounting market reflects its economy. Many clients are public servants with salary packaging and investment properties, while businesses often depend on government contracts that bring audit, grant acquittal and compliance requirements.
The city has a strong mix of mid-tier national firms with Canberra offices and long-running local practices. Chartered Accountants (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia membership and registration with the Tax Practitioners Board are the baseline checks.
This list of top accountants in Canberra covers mid-tier firms, business advisers and tax practices. If you are starting out, our guide to starting a business in Canberra covers registrations and support.
Accountants In Canberra At A Glance
Company
Based In
Best For
Known For
RSM Australia
Canberra
Audit, tax and government consulting
Client Choice Award-winning firm
Hardwickes
Canberra
Business, audit and CFO advisory
Canberra accounting firm founded in 1952
DFK Everalls
Canberra
Tax and strategy for businesses and individuals
Canberra-based multifaceted firm
Vivid Chartered Accountants
Canberra
Small business and SMSF accounting
Customer-service focused chartered firm
Aero Group
Canberra
Tax and business accounting
Offices in Canberra and Surfers Paradise
PAQ Group
Canberra
Business accounting and advisory
Recommended local accounting practice
Nexia Canberra
Canberra
Audit and advisory for mid-sized organisations
Part of the Nexia network
William Buck
Barton
Mid-tier accounting and business advice
Expanded into Canberra through a 2021 merger
Kelly+Partners
Kingston
Proactive business accounting
Listed accounting group with a Canberra office
Moore Australia
Canberra
Audit, tax and advisory
Canberra office of a national network
Best Accountants In Canberra
1. RSM Australia — Mid-Tier Firm With Government Focus
RSM is a full-service chartered accounting firm with a large Canberra office covering audit, tax, risk and restructuring, and financial planning.
Its Canberra office also runs a government and public sector consulting practice and sits on several federal panels.
2. Hardwickes — Long-Established Canberra Practice
Hardwickes is a Canberra accounting firm founded in 1952 that offers audit, taxation, superannuation, business and CFO advisory services.
Its long local history suits family businesses and not-for-profits that value continuity.
3. DFK Everalls — Canberra Accounting And Financial Services Firm
DFK Everalls is a Canberra-based accounting and financial services firm providing tax advice to private and business clients, trusts, companies and partnerships.
It suits clients who want accounting and broader financial strategy from one firm.
Kelly+Partners has a Canberra business accounting team in Kingston focused on proactive accounting and tax planning for business owners.
Its model suits owners who want regular advisory meetings rather than once-a-year compliance.
10. Moore Australia — National Network Firm With Canberra Directors
Moore Australia has a Canberra office providing audit, tax and advisory services as part of a national network.
It suits organisations that want a mid-tier firm with local directors.
How We Chose
We started from Canberra business directories, professional body listings and local review platforms, then checked each firm’s website, services and Canberra presence. We favoured registered tax agents and chartered or CPA firms with clear service offerings and consistent positive reviews. Read more about how we research and rank.
How To Choose An Accountant In Canberra
What Is The Difference Between A Tax Agent And A Chartered Accountant?
A registered tax agent can prepare and lodge tax returns. A chartered accountant is a member of CA ANZ with additional training and can provide broader advisory, audit and business services.
Do Public Servants Need A Specialist Accountant?
Not necessarily, but an accountant familiar with salary packaging, work-related deductions and investment properties can save you time and reduce errors.
Should My Business Use A Local Or National Firm?
Local practices often offer more personal service, while mid-tier firms bring audit capacity and specialists. Businesses with government contracts or grants may need audit and acquittal experience.
What Should I Ask Before Engaging An Accountant?
Ask about fixed versus hourly fees, who will do the work, response times and which software they support, such as Xero or MYOB.
Conclusion
For audit and government-facing work, RSM and Nexia are strong choices, while Hardwickes and DFK Everalls bring long local histories.
Also worth a look: Vivid Chartered Accountants for small business and SMSF work, Kelly+Partners for proactive advisory and Aero Group for tax planning.
Whoever you choose, confirm registrations, agree on fees upfront and make sure the firm understands your industry.
