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Local services · Columbia, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Accountants in Columbia, SC

Finding the right accountant can make all the difference for your finances. Here are the best options in Columbia, SC, based on real reviews.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceDavid J. Watkins & Associates, CPA
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Columbia-metro accountants businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

In Columbia, SC, having a reliable accountant can ease the financial burden for both individuals and businesses alike. From tax preparation to financial planning, skilled accountants offer essential services that ensure compliance and optimize financial health.

To create this list, we evaluated ten local accountants based on their Vetted Scores, which reflect customer reviews and satisfaction. We consider only those who meet our rigorous standards, ensuring that you have access to trustworthy professionals.

10providers evaluated in Columbia
4.61average rating across the field
101customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does this service cost in Columbia? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

David J. Watkins & Associates, CPA

★★★★★5.0(13 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 13 reviews, David J.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Kyle J. Towles CPA, LLC

★★★★★4.8(20 reviews)

Kyle J.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
93Score

Barb & Company, PA

★★★★★4.5(23 reviews)

Barb & Company, PA has a solid rating of 4.5 based on 23 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
13Individuals and small businesses needing personalized accounting services.
2
95Score
4.8★★★★★
20Cost-conscious clients and small business owners.
3
Barb & Company, PA
Barb & Company, PA
Most Reviewed
93Score
4.5★★★★★
23Individuals and businesses needing expert tax services.
4
92Score
5.0★★★★★
4Clients seeking tailored accounting solutions from a newer firm.
5
91Score
5.0★★★★★
4Individuals looking for personalized service.
6
90Score
5.0★★★★★
3Clients needing dependable accounting from a new firm.
7
84Score
4.5★★★★★
8Small businesses needing reliable tax services.
8
82Score
4.3★★★★★
17Individuals and small businesses needing detailed accounting.
9
80Score
4.3★★★★★
6Clients needing a variety of accounting services.
10
78Score
3.7★★★★★
3Clients needing basic services without frills.
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 providers.

Our evaluation process involves analyzing customer ratings, review counts, and overall satisfaction. Each accountant's Vetted Score is calculated based on real user feedback, ensuring that we highlight the most reputable options.

No business pays for placement in our rankings, and we refresh our data monthly to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Our last update was on June 13, 2026.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

David J. Watkins & Associates, CPA

★★★★★5.0(13 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 13 reviews, David J. Watkins & Associates, CPA, is highly praised for their thoroughness and professionalism. Clients appreciate their personalized approach and attention to detail, making them an excellent choice for both individual and business accounting needs. However, their availability can sometimes be limited due to high demand.

Pros

  • Excellent customer service
  • Highly knowledgeable
  • Personalized services

Cons

  • Limited availability
  • Higher fees compared to some competitors
Best forIndividuals and small businesses needing personalized accounting services.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
2
Best Value

Kyle J. Towles CPA, LLC

★★★★★4.8(20 reviews)
95Score

Kyle J. Towles CPA, LLC holds a strong rating of 4.8 from 20 reviews. Clients commend their efficiency and clear communication, making them a great option for those looking for value without compromising quality. They specialize in both personal and business accounting. One downside is that their newer status means they have fewer reviews compared to more established firms.

Pros

  • Clear communication
  • Efficient services
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Still building reputation
  • Fewer reviews
Best forCost-conscious clients and small business owners.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $300
3
Most Reviewed

Barb & Company, PA

★★★★★4.5(23 reviews)
93Score

Barb & Company, PA has a solid rating of 4.5 based on 23 reviews. Clients appreciate their friendly service and expertise in tax preparation and financial consulting. They are well-regarded for their thoroughness and attention to detail. However, as they handle a higher volume of clients, some may experience longer wait times during peak seasons.

Pros

  • Friendly and approachable
  • Experienced in tax preparation
  • Thorough work

Cons

  • Longer wait times during busy seasons
  • Limited availability for immediate consultations
Best forIndividuals and businesses needing expert tax services.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
4

Kyle & Company PC

★★★★★5.0(4 reviews)
92Score

Kyle & Company PC has a perfect rating of 5 from just 4 reviews, showcasing the high satisfaction of their initial clients. They are praised for their attentive service and in-depth knowledge of accounting practices. As a newer firm, they are promising but unproven in the long term. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients seeking tailored accounting solutions from a newer firm.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and newer firm with fewer services offered.

Pros

  • High client satisfaction
  • Attentive service

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Newer firm with fewer services offered
Best forClients seeking tailored accounting solutions from a newer firm.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
5

Scott and Company LLC

★★★★★5.0(4 reviews)
91Score

Scott and Company LLC also boasts a perfect rating of 5 from 4 reviews. Clients highlight their personalized attention and expertise in various accounting services. Their small size allows for a more intimate client relationship, but like other new firms, they have yet to establish a broader reputation. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individuals looking for personalized service.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and smaller firm with less capacity.

Pros

  • Personalized attention
  • Expertise in various services

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Smaller firm with less capacity
Best forIndividuals looking for personalized service.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
6

Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A.

★★★★★5.0(3 reviews)
90Score

Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. has a perfect rating of 5 from 3 reviews, indicating a strong start. Clients appreciate their professionalism and thoroughness. However, their limited review base makes them promising but unproven in the competitive landscape of accounting services. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing dependable accounting from a new firm.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited review base and newer firm with few established processes.

Pros

  • Professional and thorough
  • Excellent client feedback

Cons

  • Very limited review base
  • Newer firm with few established processes
Best forClients needing dependable accounting from a new firm.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
7

Schmoyer and Company, LLC

★★★★★4.5(8 reviews)
84Score

Schmoyer and Company, LLC has a rating of 4.5 from 8 reviews, with clients praising their knowledge and reliability. They offer a range of services, including tax preparation and business consulting. However, some clients noted occasional delays in communication, which could be a concern for those needing immediate assistance. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is small businesses needing reliable tax services.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $200 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are occasional communication delays and limited specialization.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable staff
  • Reliable services

Cons

  • Occasional communication delays
  • Limited specialization
Best forSmall businesses needing reliable tax services.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
8

Robert A Keisler CPA P A

★★★★★4.3(17 reviews)
82Score

Robert A Keisler CPA P A has a rating of 4.3 from 17 reviews, with clients appreciating their thoroughness and attention to detail. They are well-suited for individuals and small businesses alike. However, some clients report that their fees can be on the higher side compared to competitors. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individuals and small businesses needing detailed accounting.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $200 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees and mixed client experiences.

Pros

  • Thorough and detail-oriented
  • Good for individuals and small businesses

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • Mixed client experiences
Best forIndividuals and small businesses needing detailed accounting.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
9

McGregor & Company LLP

★★★★★4.3(6 reviews)
80Score

McGregor & Company LLP has a rating of 4.3 from 6 reviews, with clients highlighting their professionalism and expertise. They provide various accounting services, but their limited review count means they may not have the same level of established trust as others on this list. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing a variety of accounting services.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $200 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and potentially less trusted.

Pros

  • Professional staff
  • Wide range of services

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Potentially less trusted
Best forClients needing a variety of accounting services.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
10

Poole Dennis E CPA

★★★★★3.7(3 reviews)
78Score

Poole Dennis E CPA has a rating of 3.7 from 3 reviews. While some clients appreciate their straightforward approach, the low review count suggests a lack of broader client feedback. This makes them a more uncertain choice compared to others listed here. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients needing basic services without frills.. It serves Columbia, SC, with $150 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and mixed client satisfaction.

Pros

  • Straightforward service
  • Basic accounting support

Cons

  • Very limited reviews
  • Mixed client satisfaction
Best forClients needing basic services without frills.
Service areaColumbia, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $300
Before you book

How to choose an accountant in Columbia

Choosing the right accountant requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

Experience and Expertise

Look for accountants who have experience in your industry or specific financial needs.

Reputation and Reviews

Check online reviews and ratings to gauge client satisfaction and reliability.

Services Offered

Ensure the accountant provides the services you require, whether it's tax preparation or financial consulting.

Pricing Structure

Understand their fee structures and make sure they fit within your budget.

What it costs

What accountants cost in Columbia

Accountant fees can vary significantly based on services provided and complexity. Here’s a general breakdown:

Basic Tax Preparation$150 to $300 for straightforward individual returns.
Business Tax Services$400 to $1,000 depending on the size and complexity of the business.
Financial Consulting$100 to $300 per hour based on the accountant's experience.
Bookkeeping Services$200 to $500 monthly, depending on the volume of transactions.

Frequently asked questions

How much does accounting cost in Columbia?

Typical costs range from $150 to $500 depending on the services required.

What should I look for in an accountant?

Consider their experience, reputation, services offered, and pricing structure.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Columbia residents: Editor's Choice David J. Watkins & Associates, CPA

The top three accountants in Columbia, SC, are David J. Watkins & Associates, CPA, Kyle J. Towles CPA, LLC, and Barb & Company, PA. They stand out for their exceptional client service, expertise, and overall reliability, making them the best choices for anyone seeking quality accounting services.