Last Updated: March 2026

With over 700 accounting entities in Singapore and 40,000+ ISCA members (ISCA), the options range from global Big 4 firms charging S$20,000/month to solo bookkeepers at S$150. The gap between the cheapest and most expensive option is over 100x, and the “right” firm depends entirely on your company stage, not on who has the flashiest website.

This comparison evaluates 10 firms across three categories, Big 4, mid-tier, and SME-focused, with real pricing, honest commentary on each firm’s strengths and limitations, and a recommendation for which tier suits your business.

Key Takeaways

  • Big 4 firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY) dominate with ~70% of industry revenue but charge S$5,000-S$20,000+/month
  • Mid-tier firms (RSM, Foo Kon Tan, Baker Tilly) offer Big 4 expertise at S$1,000-S$5,000/month
  • SME full-service firms charge S$200-S$800/month and bundle accounting, tax, and secretarial
  • Match the firm tier to your company stage, overpaying for Big 4 when you have 10 employees makes no sense
  • All firms should support InvoiceNow/Peppol by 2031 (IRAS)

How We Selected These Firms

We evaluated accounting firms based on six criteria:

  1. Years in operation – longevity signals stability and track record
  2. Professional qualifications – ISCA membership, CPA/CA credentials, ACRA registration for audit
  3. Range of services – bookkeeping, tax, audit, advisory, payroll, GST
  4. Technology readiness – cloud accounting (Xero, QuickBooks), InvoiceNow/Peppol support
  5. Pricing transparency – published or verifiable fee ranges
  6. Client fit – which company size and complexity each firm serves best

We categorised firms into three tiers, Big 4, mid-tier, and SME-focused, rather than ranking them #1 through #10. The “best” firm depends entirely on your business stage, transaction volume, and compliance needs. A Big 4 firm is the best choice for a listed MNC; it’s the wrong choice for a 5-person startup.

For a deeper dive into evaluation criteria, see our guide on how to choose an accounting firm.


SME Full-Service – Best for Startups, Growing SMEs, and Established SMEs

SME Full-Service | S$200-S$800/month | Startups to established SMEsStrengths:Affordable, bundled services (acct + tax + secretary), hands-on, cloud-nativeLimitations:May not handle complex audit mandates, limited international networkBest for:Startups, growing SMEs, established SMEs wanting one provider for all compliance

Excellence Singapore

Website: excellencesg.com | Services: Accounting, bookkeeping, tax, GST, payroll, corporate secretarial, incorporation | Certifications: Xero and QuickBooks certified, ACRA-registered CSP

Excellence Singapore is an SME full-service firm that bundles accounting, tax filing, GST returns, payroll, incorporation, and corporate secretarial services under one roof. The firm serves SMEs at every stage, from newly incorporated startups through to established businesses with revenues up to S$50 million. Being Xero and QuickBooks certified means they’re InvoiceNow/Peppol-ready for the upcoming mandate.

The differentiator is the hands-on advisory approach: a dedicated team manages your account rather than routing you through a self-service portal or chatbot. For SMEs that want one provider handling their entire compliance lifecycle, from company registration to annual tax filing, this model reduces handoffs and coordination gaps between separate accounting, tax, and secretarial providers.

Best for: Startups, growing SMEs, and established SMEs wanting a single provider for all corporate compliance. Businesses that need advisory support alongside routine bookkeeping. The firm also serves Singapore subsidiaries of foreign companies that need local compliance without Big 4 overhead.
Limitation: Not a Big 4 firm, companies needing IPO-readiness or multi-jurisdictional audit across 10+ countries should look at the tiers below.
Pricing: S$200-S$800/month depending on transaction volume and service scope.

We built our bundled model specifically because we kept seeing SME clients juggle three separate providers, one for accounting, one for tax, one for corporate secretary, and losing time coordinating between them. When your accountant doesn’t talk to your secretary, filing deadlines get missed.

Boardroom

Founded: 1968 | Staff: ~600 (Singapore) | Clients: 7,300+ regionally

Boardroom is one of the largest corporate services providers in Asia-Pacific, with over 50 years of operation. They offer a comprehensive suite, accounting, payroll, tax, share registry, and corporate secretarial. With over 50 years of operation, they bring deep experience across multiple service lines.

Best for: Mid-cap companies and larger SMEs needing payroll, share registry, and corporate secretarial alongside accounting. Companies that value a long-established provider with regional presence.
Limitation: At 600+ staff and 7,300+ clients, smaller accounts may receive less personalised attention than at a boutique firm.
Pricing: Varies by service bundle; typically S$300-S$1,200/month for SMEs.

Precursor Assurance LLP

Staff: 80+ | Specialisation: Statutory audit and assurance for SMEs

Precursor Assurance is a pure audit and assurance firm focused on serving SMEs. If your primary need is a statutory audit, whether mandatory or requested by investors/lenders, they offer dedicated audit expertise without the overhead of a Big 4 or mid-tier firm. They don’t offer bookkeeping or tax filing, so they complement (rather than replace) your accounting provider.

Best for: SMEs that need a dedicated audit firm separate from their accountant. Companies where investors or banks require an independent auditor.
Limitation: Pure audit, you’ll need a separate provider for bookkeeping, tax, and secretarial.
Pricing: Project-based audit fees; varies by company size and complexity.

Key Takeaway: SME full-service accounting firms in Singapore charge S$200-S$800 per month and typically bundle bookkeeping, tax filing, GST returns, payroll, and corporate secretarial services. This compares to S$5,000-S$20,000+ for Big Four firms and S$1,000-S$5,000 for mid-tier providers (industry estimates, ACRA AE Survey 2025).


Mid-Tier – Best for Larger SMEs and Regional Operations

Mid-Tier | S$1,000-S$5,000/month | Larger SMEs, regional operationsStrengths:Partner-level attention, international network access, audit + advisory, competitive feesLimitations:More expensive than SME firms, less tech-forward than digital platformsBest for:SMEs with S$5M-S$20M revenue, multi-entity structures, companies needing audit + advisory

RSM Singapore

Founded: 1985 | Staff: ~1,000 | Network: RSM International (6th largest global network)

RSM is the largest firm outside the Big 4 in Singapore. They offer the breadth of a Big 4 firm, audit, tax, advisory, outsourcing, data analytics, at more accessible pricing. Their ASEAN coverage is strong, making them a natural fit for Singapore companies expanding regionally. If you’ve outgrown a smaller firm but can’t justify Big 4 fees, RSM fills that gap.

Best for: Growing SMEs crossing the S$5M revenue mark, companies expanding into ASEAN, businesses needing audit + outsourced accounting.
Limitation: At ~1,000 staff, smaller accounts may still get junior team attention.

Foo Kon Tan LLP

Founded: 1968 | Staff: ~300 | Network: HLB International

One of Singapore’s oldest and most respected homegrown practices. Foo Kon Tan is known for their partner-led approach, senior partners actively manage client relationships rather than delegating to junior staff. They’ve expanded into ESG/sustainability advisory and technology consulting while maintaining their core audit and tax practice.

Best for: Mid-cap companies wanting partner-level attention, family businesses, companies valuing a long-standing local firm.
Limitation: Smaller global network than RSM or Baker Tilly.

Baker Tilly TFW

Founded: 1954 (heritage) | Staff: ~300 | Network: Baker Tilly International (10th largest global network)

Baker Tilly stands out for their restructuring and recovery practice. If your business is going through financial difficulty, M&A, or operational restructuring, they have dedicated teams for this. Their corporate advisory arm handles valuations, due diligence, and transaction support.

Best for: Companies in transition (M&A, restructuring), cross-border businesses, SMEs needing valuation services.
Limitation: Less known for routine bookkeeping, their strength is advisory and assurance.

Key Takeaway: Medium-sized accounting firms in Singapore posted the fastest revenue growth at 47.4% in 2024 (ACRA, 2025). Firms like RSM Singapore, Foo Kon Tan, and Baker Tilly serve larger SMEs with S$5M-S$20M revenue at fees of S$1,000-S$5,000 per month, offering partner-level attention and international network access.


Big 4 – Best for MNCs, Listed Companies, and Complex Structures

Big 4 | S$5,000-S$20,000+/month | MNCs, listed companies, complex structuresStrengths:Global network, deep specialisation, IPO-ready, multi-jurisdictional complianceLimitations:Expensive for SMEs, partner attention reserved for largest clients, long onboardingBest for:Listed companies, MNCs, IPO preparation, transfer pricing, multi-entity groups

PwC Singapore

Founded: 1906 | Staff: ~3,700 | Network: PwC Global

PwC is the largest professional services firm in Singapore. Their strength lies in deals and M&A advisory, digital transformation consulting, and comprehensive audit services. They handle some of the biggest audit mandates in Southeast Asia. For companies preparing for an IPO or needing cross-border tax structuring, PwC’s depth is hard to match.

Best for: Large MNCs, IPO candidates, companies with complex international structures.
Limitation: Minimum engagement fees make them inaccessible for most SMEs. Partner attention is reserved for the largest accounts.

KPMG Singapore

Founded: 1941 | Staff: ~3,160 | Network: KPMG International

KPMG has the longest history among the Big 4 in Singapore, over 80 years. They’re particularly strong in risk and compliance advisory, government-linked projects, and regulated industries (banking, insurance). Their tax practice is well-regarded for transfer pricing and international tax planning.

Best for: Regulated industries, government-linked entities, companies needing deep risk/compliance expertise.
Limitation: Similar to PwC in pricing. Less consulting-focused than Deloitte.

Deloitte Singapore

Founded: 1967 | Staff: ~2,900 | Network: Deloitte Global

Deloitte has the strongest consulting arm among the Big 4 in Singapore. If your needs go beyond compliance into technology consulting, digital transformation, or operational restructuring, Deloitte’s advisory capabilities stand out. Their audit practice is robust but their differentiation is in advisory.

Best for: Companies needing consulting + audit under one roof, tech-driven businesses, digital transformation projects.
Limitation: Higher fees than some Big 4 peers for pure audit engagements.

EY Singapore

Founded: ~1960s (EY global formed 1989) | Staff: ~3,500 | Network: EY Global

EY is strong in technology consulting and managed services. Their “building a better working world” positioning translates into a focus on purpose-driven advisory, sustainability reporting, ESG compliance, and workforce transformation. For companies navigating the intersection of tax, technology, and sustainability, EY offers a differentiated approach.

Best for: Technology companies, ESG/sustainability reporting, managed services.
Limitation: Brand positioning can feel abstract for companies wanting straightforward tax and audit.

For companies unsure whether they actually need a Big 4 firm, see our guide on audit requirements in Singapore.

Key Takeaway: The Big Four accounting firms (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY) account for approximately 70% of Singapore’s SGD 3.5 billion accounting industry revenue (ACRA, 2025). They serve MNCs, listed companies, and complex group structures at fees ranging from S$5,000 to S$20,000+ per month.


Which Firm Is Right for Your Business Stage?

The right tier depends on where your company is today, not where you hope to be in five years. Overpaying for a Big 4 engagement on a startup budget wastes money. Using a freelance bookkeeper when you have 20 employees and GST obligations creates compliance risk.

Business Stage Revenue Recommended Tier Monthly Budget
Pre-revenue startup <S$500K SME full-service (Excellence SG) or digital platform S$200-S$500
Growing SME S$500K-S$5M SME full-service (Excellence SG) S$400-S$800
Established SME S$5M-S$50M SME full-service (Excellence SG) or mid-tier (RSM, Foo Kon Tan) S$600-S$5,000
Foreign subsidiary in SG Any SME full-service (Excellence SG) or mid-tier S$400-S$2,000
Large enterprise / MNC >S$50M Big 4 (PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY) S$5,000-S$20,000+
IPO preparation Any Big 4 S$10,000+
Restructuring / M&A Any Baker Tilly or Big 4 advisory Project-based

The most common pattern we observe: SMEs start with a full-service firm at incorporation, stay for 3-5 years as they grow, and some eventually transition to a mid-tier firm when they cross S$5M revenue or need statutory audit. The transition point isn’t about outgrowing your firm, it’s about when your compliance needs (multi-entity, cross-border, audit mandates) require deeper specialisation.

For a detailed comparison of accounting software to pair with your firm, see our accounting software guide. And to avoid the most common pitfalls, review our guide on tax mistakes SMEs make.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much do accounting firms charge in Singapore?

Fees vary by tier. Big 4 firms charge S$5,000-S$20,000+ per month. Mid-tier firms (RSM, Foo Kon Tan, Baker Tilly) range from S$1,000-S$5,000/month. SME full-service firms charge S$200-S$800/month for comprehensive bookkeeping, tax, and compliance. Always compare total annual cost including year-end fees, tax filing surcharges, and ad-hoc queries, the monthly retainer rarely tells the full story.

Do I need a Big 4 firm for my SME?

Almost certainly not. Big 4 firms are designed for MNCs, listed companies, and complex multi-jurisdictional structures. Their minimum engagement fees are often higher than an SME’s entire annual accounting budget. A mid-tier or SME-focused firm provides the same statutory compliance, tax filing, GST returns, financial statements, at a fraction of the cost. The exception: if you’re preparing for an IPO or your investors/regulators specifically require a Big 4 audit opinion.

What’s the difference between a mid-tier firm and an SME full-service firm?

Mid-tier firms (RSM, Foo Kon Tan, Baker Tilly) have 200-1,000+ staff, belong to international networks, and handle complex assurance, advisory, and cross-border work. SME full-service firms typically bundle accounting with tax and secretarial under one roof, serving businesses from startups through to established companies with revenues up to S$50 million. The key difference is structure: mid-tier firms are built around audit and advisory practices with international network access, while SME full-service firms are built around end-to-end compliance bundling with hands-on advisory. The pricing difference (S$200-S$800 vs S$1,000-S$5,000/month) reflects the different operating models.

Can I switch accounting firms mid-year?

Yes. There’s no restriction on timing. The outgoing firm provides your accounting records and workpapers, and the incoming firm picks up from there. The transition typically takes 2-4 weeks. The best time is after your financial year-end and tax filing are complete, but mid-year switches are entirely manageable.

Should I choose a firm that also offers corporate secretarial services?

For most SMEs, yes. Bundling accounting and secretarial under one provider reduces coordination gaps and often costs 15-30% less than engaging separate firms. Your accountant and secretary need to stay aligned on filing deadlines, officer changes, and annual returns, having them under one roof prevents things from falling through the cracks. See our guide on how to choose a corporate secretary for the full evaluation framework.


Finding the Right Fit

The best accounting firm for your Singapore business isn’t the biggest or the cheapest, it’s the one that matches your company stage, your compliance needs, and your budget. A startup with 30 monthly transactions needs a different provider than a listed company with cross-border operations.

Start with the tier that fits your revenue and complexity. Then evaluate individual firms using the criteria in our complete evaluation guide: qualifications, technology readiness, pricing transparency, and InvoiceNow support.

If you’re looking for a firm that bundles accounting, tax, GST, payroll, and corporate secretarial for Singapore SMEs, contact Excellence Singapore for a consultation. We’ll assess your compliance needs and recommend the right service scope, even if that means pointing you toward a mid-tier or Big 4 firm when your situation calls for it.

For the full accounting compliance picture, start with our compliance guide.