Finding the right staff accountant firm can be the key to managing day-to-day finances efficiently—whether you’re a small business, nonprofit, or growing startup. Staff accountants typically provide support in areas like bookkeeping, payroll, reconciliations, and financial reporting. This article highlights five top-rated firms in Boston, giving you the tools to make a confident, informed decision.
Comparison Table
| Firm | Map & Directions | Fees | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔗 Marcum LLP | 🚗 Map | 💲150–$300/hour | 💼 25+ years |
| 🔗 O’Connor & Drew, P.C. | 🚗 Map | 💲175–$275/hour | 💼 70+ years |
| 🔗 RSM US LLP | 🚗 Map | 💲200–$350/hour | 💼 40+ years |
| 🔗 Tonneson + Co | 🚗 Map | 💲175–$325/hour | 💼 45+ years |
| 🔗 DGC (DiCicco, Gulman & Company) | 🚗 Map | 💲180–$330/hour | 💼 30+ years |
Firm Profiles
🔗 Marcum LLP
Fees: $150–$300/hour
Experience: 25+ years
Specialties:
✔️ Bookkeeping and payroll
✔️ Financial statement preparation
✔️ QuickBooks and Xero advisory
✔️ Cloud accounting
Areas Served: Boston Metro, Cambridge, Quincy, Somerville
Marcum LLP is one of the leading mid-tier national firms with a strong local presence in Boston. Known for their deep accounting bench and digital-first approach, they are especially popular with tech startups and nonprofits needing consistent reporting.
🔗 O’Connor & Drew, P.C.
Fees: $175–$275/hour
Experience: 70+ years
Specialties:
✔️ Internal controls and reconciliations
✔️ General ledger maintenance
✔️ Government and education accounting
✔️ Financial reporting
Areas Served: Boston, Braintree, and South Shore
A long-standing New England firm, O’Connor & Drew has deep institutional expertise and works with public agencies, universities, and regulated industries. They are praised for reliability and documentation excellence.
🔗 RSM US LLP
Fees: $200–$350/hour
Experience: 40+ years
Specialties:
✔️ Outsourced accounting
✔️ ERP system integration
✔️ Month-end closing
✔️ Compliance & controls
Areas Served: Boston, Seaport District, national clientele
RSM is a major national firm with strong capabilities in outsourced finance and accounting for mid-market businesses. They use advanced technology and secure platforms to streamline the accounting function.
🔗 Tonneson + Co
Fees: $175–$325/hour
Experience: 45+ years
Specialties:
✔️ Payroll and AR/AP support
✔️ Fund accounting
✔️ Nonprofit accounting
✔️ Monthly and quarterly close
Areas Served: Boston, Wakefield, Lynn, Malden
Tonneson + Co is highly recommended for their nonprofit specialization and personalized service. They also offer tailored support for startups and closely held businesses looking for reliable month-to-month financial support.
🔗 DGC (DiCicco, Gulman & Company)
Fees: $180–$330/hour
Experience: 30+ years
Specialties:
✔️ Transactional accounting
✔️ Real estate and construction
✔️ Professional services
✔️ Financial analysis
Areas Served: Downtown Boston, Newton, Brookline
DGC offers hands-on support to firms in professional services, architecture, and construction. They provide practical, compliance-ready books that integrate well with strategic planning.
🗣️ Client & Community Mentions
“Tonneson is absolutely fantastic for nonprofits. We’ve used them for 7 years and their staff accountants are top-notch.” — Reddit user u/bostonbookkeeper
(source)
“RSM really changed the game for our internal operations. Having monthly reports ready before the 5th of the month is priceless.” — TrustPilot Review
(source)
“O’Connor & Drew helped our college during an internal audit and were worth every penny. Very detail-oriented.” — Client testimonial
(source)
📈 Industry Context
The role of staff accountants is evolving beyond just data entry and reconciliations. In Boston’s fast-paced market, firms are increasingly expected to offer cloud-based systems, financial dashboards, and even integration with client CRMs or ERPs.
Outsourced staff accounting has become a strategic asset, not just a cost center. Companies in Boston—from nonprofits to law firms—often rely on hybrid accounting teams that blend internal staff with contracted professionals. Boston’s proximity to financial centers and academic institutions contributes to a highly educated accounting workforce, making it an ideal place to find skilled support for day-to-day accounting functions.
✅ Tips Before You Hire
- Clarify expectations. Do you need daily, weekly, or monthly support?
- Ask about tech platforms. Ensure they’re compatible with your systems (QuickBooks, NetSuite, etc.).
- Get a clear scope of work. Avoid scope creep by outlining tasks in writing.
- Request references. Ask for contact info from similar past clients.
- Consider scalability. Can the firm grow with your business?
- Look for industry knowledge. Find accountants familiar with your sector.
- Discuss communication cadence. Weekly check-ins? Monthly summaries?
🚀 Recommended Next Steps
- Assess your internal capacity—what tasks need outside help?
- Create a list of desired services, such as payroll or reconciliation.
- Shortlist 2–3 firms from the table above that align with your size and sector.
- Set up discovery calls to evaluate fit, fees, and systems.
- Confirm terms in writing, including availability, deadlines, and escalation paths.
☝️ Final Thoughts
- Marcum LLP: Great for startups and nonprofits seeking efficient, digital-first bookkeeping.
- O’Connor & Drew, P.C.: Trusted by public agencies and schools for reliability and process rigor.
- RSM US LLP: Ideal for mid-market firms needing outsourced teams and tech integration.
- Tonneson + Co: Excellent for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
- DGC (DiCicco, Gulman & Company): Best for real estate, construction, and professional services support.
Get multiple quotes before you choose a firm. The right staff accountant partner can bring clarity, consistency, and compliance—freeing up your time to focus on growth.