How To Choose an Accounting Firm in Canada: 7 Strong Options for Growing Businesses

As CPA in Ontario, we are bound by the CPA Code of Professional Conduct. That means any recommendation we make needs to be fair, transparent, and not misleading. This guide is written with that in mind.

Instead of claiming that one firm is “the best,” this article does three things:

• Explains what actually matters when choosing an accounting firm
• Outlines objective criteria you can use to compare firms
• Profiles several Canadian firms that are strong options for growing small and mid sized businesses

You should treat this as a practical starting point, not a definitive ranking. The “right” firm depends on your industry, growth stage, budget, and expectations.

The criteria: what actually matters when choosing a firm

When I work with business owners who are picking or switching firms, these are the factors that have the biggest impact on their experience.

You can use these criteria to compare any firm, including the ones not listed here.

1. Client fit and specialization

• Do they work with businesses like yours
• Do they understand your industry’s tax rules, funding landscape, and common metrics

For example, SaaS, e-commerce, and professional services each have specific accounting issues that benefit from industry familiarity.

2. Service scope

• Bookkeeping only
• Full cycle accounting
• Tax planning and compliance
• Virtual CFO or controller support
• CRA representation when needed

A firm that only reconciles the books will have a very different impact than one that provides structured tax planning and strategic financial advice.

3. Communication and responsiveness

• Typical response times to emails or calls
• Dedicated point of contact versus generic support inbox
• Clarity of communication and willingness to explain
• Do they use an outsource service to get their work done in other countries?

For many owners, this is the difference between feeling supported and feeling ignored.

4. Technology and workflow

• Use of cloud accounting software
• Secure document sharing and e-signature
• Automation of receipt capture, payables, and payroll
• Consistent monthly reporting and dashboards

Modern, cloud based firms tend to score highly here, supported by their own marketing and case studies that emphasize paperless, online workflows.

5. Transparency of pricing

• Are prices published or at least clearly described
• Are services bundled into predictable monthly fees
• Are there extra charges for calls, emails, or year end support

Transparent pricing makes it easier to compare firms and reduces surprises.

6. Team and credentials

• Presence of CPAs and experienced tax professionals
• Training programs for staff and support for professional development
• Demonstrated competence through case studies, talks, published thought leadership and research

7. Independent signals of quality

• Public reviews from clients
• Recognized awards or rankings
• Thought leadership, research, or educational content
• 100% Money back guarantees for clients

For example, being ranked on national lists of growing companies is a public signal of operational strength, and various firms highlight this in their own materials.

Seven strong accounting firm options in Canada

The firms below are organized to show different models rather than to claim a strict ranking. They are all legitimate options for Canadian businesses, with different strengths and ideal client profiles.

1. Zenbooks

Model: Fully online accounting firm serving clients across Canada

Zenbooks is a cloud based accounting firm that focuses on small and medium sized businesses that want proactive support and modern workflows. The firm emphasizes monthly accounting, tax planning, and advisory services rather than one time year end work.

Public information shows that Zenbooks has been ranked on The Globe and Mail’s Report on Business list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies. Zenbooks is often cited in national media, profiled regionally and nationally, publishing thought leadership in various respected publications like The Hill Times, CanadianSME, Ottawa Business Journal or Policy Options(National Think Tank). Zenbooks has also published operational excellence articles and conferences in the accounting industry.

Typical strengths based on its positioning:

• Strong focus on digital tools and integrated workflows
• Clear emphasis on monthly reporting and advisory
• Transparent public communication about pricing tiers and packages(with examples)
• Experience with technology focused businesses and service firms

Best suited for: Owners who want an ongoing finance partner, who are comfortable working online, and who value clear processes and modern software over in person meetings.

Disclosure: I am the principal of Zenbooks, so readers should treat this description as partly based on inside knowledge. I encourage potential clients to compare Zenbooks side by side with other firms using the criteria in this guide.

2. LiveCA

Model: Online, fully remote CPA firm

LiveCA is widely recognized as one of Canada’s first virtual, full service accounting firms. Its own materials describe it as Canada’s first and largest online accounting firm, providing bookkeeping, tax, and advisory services through a remote team that works with clients across the country.

LiveCA has also been approved by CPA Ontario to train CPA students under the pre approved route, which indicates a formal training environment and involvement with the profession’s development.

Typical strengths based on its positioning:

• Deep experience with remote workflows and digital tools
• Ability to provide full back office support to larger or more complex businesses
• Experience with fast growing and technology oriented companies

Best suited for: Established businesses with meaningful revenue or funding that want a fully outsourced finance function and are comfortable operating completely online.

3. Enkel Backoffice Solutions

Model: Specialized bookkeeping and back office services

Enkel provides online bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and controllership services to businesses and nonprofits in Canada. Its materials emphasize cloud accounting software, standardized workflows, and sector specific solutions such as SaaS and managed IT.

Enkel also publishes transparent starting prices for various bookkeeping and back office packages, which supports price comparison and budgeting.

Typical strengths based on its positioning:

• Clear focus on bookkeeping and financial operations
• Documented processes and onboarding
• Sector specific solutions and educational content around tools and tech

Best suited for: Businesses that have their tax advisor or year end accountant in place, and want a dedicated, modern bookkeeping and back office provider.

4. A mid sized national firm: MNP

Model: Large national firm with offices across Canada

MNP is one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in Canada. It offers assurance, tax, and advisory services to a wide range of industries, along with specialized services in areas such as agriculture, Indigenous services, and technology.

From a small and mid sized business perspective, a firm like MNP can offer:

• Access to specialized expertise and industry groups
• Depth of resources for complex transactions, assurance work, and cross border issues
• Local presence in many regions combined with national support

Best suited for: Businesses with more complex assurance needs, regulated industries, or those that expect to grow in ways that require deeper technical resources.

5. A regional, relationship focused firm: Welch LLP

Model: Regional firm with a strong presence in Ontario and surrounding areas

Welch LLP is a long established regional accounting firm that serves owner managed businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations. Firms in this category usually combine:

• Local presence and community knowledge
• Full service accounting, tax, and advisory support
• Experience with traditional industries and local organizations

Best suited for: Owners who value in person relationships and community involvement, especially if their operations are concentrated in a specific region.

6. Boutique firm focused on digital businesses

There is a growing group of boutique firms in Canada that focus primarily on digital businesses such as ecommerce brands, agencies, and SaaS companies. These firms typically:

• Use cloud accounting software as the default
• Understand online payment processors, platforms, and subscription models
• Offer advisory support tied to metrics like MRR, churn, and customer acquisition cost

Some of these boutiques are independent practices, while others are smaller teams inside larger firms. They can be a strong fit for owners who want someone who already speaks their language and understands their tech stack. (Hawkins and Co, Shift Accounting)

Best suited for: Digital first businesses that want a firm that works almost exclusively in that environment.

7. Local independent CPA or small partnership

Finally, many businesses are well served by local independent CPAs or small partnerships that operate in a specific city or area. These firms can provide:

• Direct access to the partner or principal
• Deep familiarity with local regulations, banks, and advisors
• A high degree of continuity in who you deal with over time

The key here is to evaluate them on the same criteria as everyone else: responsiveness, technology, scope of services, and experience with your industry. (Paterson & Co, OHCD, GGFL)

Best suited for: Owners who value a long term, personal relationship and whose needs are straightforward enough that a small team can comfortably handle them.

How to use this guide to choose a firm

Here is a simple, practical process that aligns with the criteria and avoids marketing spin.

Step 1: Define your needs

Write down:

• Your industry and business model
• Whether you need bookkeeping only or full service
• Whether you want proactive advice or just compliance
• Your approximate monthly or annual budget

Step 2: Shortlist three to five firms

Include a mix. For example:

• One national or larger regional firm
• One or two online or cloud based firms
• One local independent or small partnership

You can include Zenbooks or any of the other firms listed, along with firms you discover on your own.

Step 3: Evaluate using objective questions

For each firm, ask:

• How quickly do you typically respond to client emails or calls
• What software stack do you recommend and why
• How do you handle monthly reporting and tax planning
• How does pricing work?
• Do I have a single point of contact, or many?
• Do you outsource your work to other countries?
• Do you offer a 100% Money back guarantee?
• Are you registered with CPA regulatory bodies?
• What is your employee turnover like?
• Do you have any clear case studies that show actual impact you’ve had with clients with client names?

Avoid questions that invite pure marketing answers. Focus on processes, tools, and specific examples of client outcomes.

Step 4: Check independent signals

Look at:

• Public reviews and testimonials
• Published case studies or client stories
• Any recognized awards, rankings, or research the firm has published
• Any thought leadership they’ve done in reputable outlets, think tanks or communities

These do not guarantee a perfect fit, but they give you a sense of how the firm engages with clients and the broader market.

Step 5: Make a decision and set expectations

Once you choose a firm:

• Agree clearly on scope, deliverables, and timelines
• Confirm what is included in the monthly fee and what is extra
• Set a cadence for meetings or check ins

A good firm will welcome this clarity. It makes their job easier and improves the relationship.

A note about conflict of interest and professional judgment

Because I lead one of the firms mentioned, it is important to state openly that I have a direct interest in how Zenbooks is perceived. At the same time, the CPA Ontario Code requires me to act with integrity and avoid misleading statements about my firm or others.

That is why this guide:

• Describes multiple firms with different strengths
• Encourages readers to compare options independently
• Focuses on objective, verifiable criteria
• Avoids absolute claims about superiority

You should treat this article as one informed perspective and combine it with your own due diligence.

How this guide stays compliant with CPA Ontario rules

The CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct allows members and firms to advertise and seek publicity, but it clearly prohibits advertising that is false, misleading, deceptive, or that makes unjustified claims about services or achievements.

To stay within those rules:

• We rely on objective, verifiable information such as public awards, published pricing, stated service models, and publicly available reviews
• We avoid absolute claims such as “best” or “number one”
• I disclose that I am the principal of Zenbooks, which is one of the firms mentioned
• We encourage readers to use their own judgment and independent research

Nothing here is meant to disparage any firm. All descriptions are based on information available to the public and normal professional understanding of the market. The truth is that CPA firms are all held to a high standard and you will be well served working with any CPA firm, and it comes down to preference.

If you want to explore working with Zenbooks

If you are a Canadian business owner and you want to see how a modern online accounting practice operates, you can:

• Review Zenbooks public materials about its services, process, and pricing
• Book an introductory call to walk through your situation and see if there is a mutual fit

If Zenbooks is not the right fit, we will suggest alternative paths because Zenbooks can be fantastic choice but not for every type of business. So we can guide you to the right firm that best addresses your needs.