Charlotte’s position as the “Wall Street of the South” has created a thriving ecosystem of accounting talent, with over 7,700 professionals and 2,200+ CPAs serving the region. Finding the right accounting partner matters more than ever for businesses navigating complex financial landscapes.
Whether you’re a startup navigating your first tax season, a mid-market company expanding across state lines, or an enterprise requiring complex audit services, Charlotte offers everything from Big Four giants to boutique specialists. For accounting firms looking to expand their service offerings—particularly around sales tax compliance—partnering with managed solutions can help bridge capacity gaps without adding headcount.
Key takeaways
- Forvis Mazars earned the 2026 Best of Accounting 5-Year Gold recognition—ideal for complex, multi-state operations
- GreerWalker earned IPA “Best of the Best” for 11 consecutive years, ranking #129 nationally—the top regional choice for mid-market companies
- Big Four presence (Deloitte, PwC, EY) provides enterprise-grade resources for corporations, public company audits, and international operations
- Boutique firms like Scharf Pera (47 years in Charlotte) and Fisher, P.A. offer personalized attention at accessible price points for small businesses
- Regional powerhouses (Elliott Davis, BGW, BRC) balance sophisticated capabilities with relationship-driven service—perfect for growing companies
1. Forvis Mazars
Forvis Mazars was formed from the 2022 merger of BKD and DHG to create FORVIS, and the 2024 combination with Mazars to form the new global network, creating a top 10 national firm with unmatched Charlotte market presence.
Core capabilities:
- Tax advisory and compliance – Multi-state planning, M&A tax structuring, international tax
- Audit & assurance – Public and private company audits, SOC reports, benefit plan audits
- Business consulting – Transaction advisory, valuation services, restructuring
- Risk & compliance – Internal audit, cybersecurity assessments, regulatory compliance
What makes Forvis Mazars stand out:
With 72 locations nationwide and two Charlotte offices, they combine national resources with local expertise.
Best for:
Mid-market to large companies requiring sophisticated multi-state tax planning and audit services with the backing of a top 10 national firm.
2. Cherry Bekaert
Cherry Bekaert consistently ranks among the top 25 national firms while maintaining deep Carolinas roots. Multiple partners appear on the Forbes 2025 Best CPAs list, including CEO Michelle Thompson and Partner Tara Edwards.
Core capabilities:
- Transaction advisory – Due diligence, deal structuring, post-merger integration
- Tax planning – State and local tax (SALT), R&D credits, transfer pricing
- Audit & assurance – Industry-specialized audits for healthcare, manufacturing, real estate
- Risk & technology – IT risk assessments, digital transformation advisory
Best for:
Growing companies navigating transactions, expansions, or industry-specific compliance requirements where sector expertise matters.
3. GreerWalker LLP
GreerWalker stands out as Charlotte’s premier regional firm, earning IPA “Best of” the Best recognition for 11 consecutive years. The firm ranks #129 among the nation’s largest accounting firms by revenue and remains one of the 10 largest CPA firms in the Carolinas.
Core capabilities:
- Tax planning & compliance – Individual, business, estate, and trust taxation
- Assurance & accounting – Financial statement audits, reviews, compilations
- Corporate finance advisory – M&A advisory, business valuations, exit planning
- Forensic accounting – Litigation support, fraud investigations, dispute resolution
Best for:
Mid-market private companies seeking Big Four–caliber expertise with accessible partner relationships and regional market knowledge.
Office: Charlotte headquarters
4. Deloitte
Deloitte ranks as the second largest accounting firm in Charlotte by professional staff, bringing global capabilities to the Queen City’s largest corporations. Managing Director Laura Hinson appears on the Forbes Best CPAs list.
Core capabilities:
- Audit & assurance – Public company audits, SEC reporting, PCAOB compliance
- Tax – Global tax planning, transfer pricing, indirect tax, tax technology
- Consulting – Digital transformation, strategy, human capital
- Risk advisory – Cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, financial crime
What makes Deloitte stand out:
As a Big Four firm, Deloitte provides unmatched depth in complex audit engagements, international tax planning, and management consulting—essential for public companies and enterprises with global operations.
Best for:
Public companies, large enterprises, and organizations requiring SEC audit capabilities or international tax expertise.
5. PwC
PwC ranks third largest in Charlotte by professional staff. Their presence serves Charlotte’s concentration of major financial institutions.
Core capabilities:
- Financial services audits – Banking, insurance, asset management
- Tax transformation – Tax technology, process optimization, global structuring
- Deals advisory – M&A due diligence, valuations, integration
- ESG reporting – Climate disclosures, sustainability assurance
What makes PwC stand out:
PwC’s financial services specialization aligns perfectly with Charlotte’s banking sector, serving clients like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Truist with industry-specific expertise.
Best for:
Financial institutions, large corporations pursuing IPOs, and enterprises requiring global Big Four capabilities.
6. EY (Ernst & Young)
EY operates across six service lines, including emerging capabilities in AI development and cybersecurity. Charlotte partners Sophie Campbell-Smith and Michael O’Leary appear on the Forbes Best CPAs list.
Core capabilities:
- Assurance – Financial statement audits, climate-related disclosures
- Tax – Global compliance, controversy, incentives
- Consulting – Technology transformation, supply chain, finance optimization
- Strategy & transactions – Corporate strategy, M&A, restructuring
What makes EY stand out:
EY’s “Building A Better Working World” mission translates into technology-forward services that help clients modernize finance functions while maintaining audit and tax excellence.
Best for:
Organizations seeking digital transformation alongside traditional accounting services, particularly those modernizing finance operations.
7. Elliott Davis
Elliott Davis combines traditional accounting with cybersecurity and IT services, positioning itself as a “Forward Thinking, Lasting Solutions” partner.
Core capabilities:
- Tax planning – Federal, state, local, and international compliance
- Assurance – Industry-specialized audits, agreed-upon procedures
- Cybersecurity – Penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, incident response
- IT services – Technology assessments, cloud migration, managed IT
What makes Elliott Davis stand out:
Their healthcare, nonprofit, and technology industry specializations address Charlotte’s growing sectors, while integrated cybersecurity services help clients manage digital risk.
Best for:
Healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and technology companies seeking accounting expertise combined with IT risk management.
8. Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton offers top 10 national firm resources at more accessible price points than the Big Four. With a global network spanning 135+ countries, they serve the middle market effectively.
Core capabilities:
- Audit & assurance – Private company audits, SOC reports, employee benefit plans
- Tax services – Federal, state, international, tax technology
- Advisory – Transaction services, forensic, valuation
- Business process outsourcing – Finance and accounting outsourcing
Best for:
Mid-market companies seeking national firm capabilities without Big Four pricing, especially those planning international expansion.
Office: Charlotte location
9. BGW
BGW’s “Anything But Typical” approach includes regular podcasts on business concepts and deep engagement with closely-held businesses.
Core capabilities:
- Tax planning – Business, individual, estate, and trust
- Accounting – Audits, reviews, compilations
- Advisory – Business consulting, strategic planning
- Client engagement – Educational podcasts, proactive communication
Best for:
Closely-held businesses and entrepreneurs seeking a relationship-driven firm that prioritizes education and communication.
Office: Charlotte location
10. BRC (Bernard Robinson & Company)
BRC maintains eight offices across North Carolina (Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Dunn, Wilmington, Smithfield, and Fayetteville), with a 2026 Best of Accounting Award recognition.
Core capabilities:
- Tax services – Business, individual, state and local
- Audit & assurance – Financial statement audits, agreed-upon procedures
- Business consulting – Strategic planning, process improvement
- Industry focus – Food, real estate, construction
What makes BRC stand out:
Their “Accounting Excellence” focus on middle market and private companies, combined with statewide coverage, makes them ideal for businesses with operations across North Carolina.
Best for:
Private companies with multi-location North Carolina operations requiring consistent service across the state.
11. Fisher, P.A.
Fisher, P.A. focuses on proactive business advisory for middle-market clients.
Core capabilities:
- Business advisory – Strategic planning, financial forecasting, KPI development
- Tax compliance & planning – Federal, state, multi-state planning
- Outsourced accounting – Controller services, bookkeeping, payroll
- Industry specialization – Construction, real estate, entertainment
What makes Fisher, P.A. stand out:
Their technology-forward approach and construction, real estate, and entertainment industry expertise serve Charlotte’s growing creative and development sectors.
Best for:
Middle-market businesses in construction, real estate, or entertainment seeking proactive advisory rather than just compliance.
Office: Charlotte location
12. Scharf Pera & Co.
Scharf Pera has served Charlotte since 1977—nearly 50 years of local expertise. With over 1,000 clients, they make professional accounting accessible to small businesses and individuals.
Core capabilities:
- Tax planning & preparation – Individual, business, estate
- Auditing & attestation – Financial statement services
- Financial consulting – Cash flow planning, business valuations
- Business consulting – Entity selection, succession planning
Best for:
Small businesses, individuals, and startups seeking experienced, affordable accounting with personalized attention.
Choosing the right Charlotte accounting firm
The right firm depends on your business complexity, growth trajectory, and service requirements. Big Four firms excel for public companies and enterprises with international operations. Regional powerhouses like GreerWalker and Elliott Davis balance sophisticated capabilities with accessible relationships. Boutique firms provide personalized attention for small businesses and individuals.
For accounting firms serving clients with multi-state sales tax obligations, partnering with managed compliance services can expand capacity without adding staff. Solutions like Zamp handle filing and registrations across 13,000+ U.S. jurisdictions and 70+ countries—either as a fully managed service or working alongside your existing team—while sharing liability for accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a Charlotte accounting firm?
Match firm size to your complexity. Big Four suits public companies and enterprises; regional firms serve mid-market growth companies; boutiques work well for small businesses. Verify industry specialization—firms with healthcare, real estate, or technology expertise deliver more value than generalists. Check client ratings on ClearlyRated for verified satisfaction scores, and confirm the firm handles your state compliance needs if you operate in multiple jurisdictions.
How do Charlotte accounting firms handle multi-state sales tax?
Most firms either handle sales tax in-house with varying expertise levels, refer clients to SALT specialists, or partner with managed compliance providers. Growing businesses with economic nexus in multiple states often benefit from specialized solutions that provide real-time rooftop-accurate rates, automated filing, and proactive notice management—especially as state obligations become more complex.
Can a small Charlotte business afford professional accounting services?
Yes. Many boutique firms provide affordable services for small businesses. Firms offer tiered service packages—basic bookkeeping and annual tax preparation costs significantly less than full advisory services. Charlotte firms increasingly offer startup-friendly pricing to capture growing businesses early.
What’s the difference between Big Four and regional accounting firms?
Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) provide global reach, SEC audit capabilities, and the deepest specialization—but at premium prices with less partner accessibility. Regional firms like GreerWalker, ranking #129 nationally, offer sophisticated services with direct partner relationships and more competitive pricing. For private mid-market companies, regional firms often deliver better value and responsiveness.
