Accountants · Wilmington, NC/Updated June 13, 2026
The 10 Best Accountants in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington's accounting market is growing, with several firms competing for your business. Here's how to find the right fit for your financial needs.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceHayes CPA, PLLC
94Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Wilmington-metro accountants businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.
Wilmington's accounting landscape is still developing, with only ten providers evaluated and a total of 209 combined reviews. The competition is tight, and a few firms are emerging as leaders, showing a promising commitment to client satisfaction. As trust builds in this thin market, choosing the right accountant is crucial for your financial health.
Our list ranks the top accountants based on their Vetted Scores, which reflect their ratings and the number of reviews. We considered factors such as service area, response times, and state licensing to help you make an informed decision.
10accountants evaluated in Wilmington
4.66average rating across the field
209customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
To compile this list, we evaluated 10 accounting firms in Wilmington, NC, focusing on their ratings and the volume of client feedback. Each firm's Vetted Score is derived from their star ratings and the number of reviews, ensuring a fair assessment of their performance.
No business pays for placement in our rankings. We refresh our data monthly to keep the information accurate and relevant so you can trust that our recommendations reflect the current market.
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.
With a rating of 4.8 from 43 reviews, Hayes CPA, PLLC comes highly recommended for its attentive service and expertise in tax preparation. Clients appreciate the firm's personalized approach and thoroughness in handling complex financial matters. However, some feel that availability can be limited during peak tax season. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is tax preparation and financial consulting. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability during peak season and higher fees than some competitors.
Rhyne CPA & Associates, PLLC holds an impressive rating of 4.9 based on 18 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its affordability and clear communication. They excel in providing value for individual and small business needs, but the lower number of reviews leaves some uncertainty about their long-term reliability. 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 affordable accounting for individuals and small businesses. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $75 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are fewer reviews than competitors and limited service offerings.
Pros
Affordable pricing
Clear communication
Good for small businesses
Cons
Fewer reviews than competitors
Limited service offerings
Best forAffordable accounting for individuals and small businesses
John E Nichols PLLC has a solid rating of 4.7 from 24 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm’s proactive approach to financial management and attention to detail. They are particularly noted for their expertise in tax planning. However, some clients mention that response times can vary. 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 tax planning and proactive financial management. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are variable response times and limited office hours.
Pros
Proactive financial management
Attention to detail
Expertise in tax planning
Cons
Variable response times
Limited office hours
Best forTax planning and proactive financial management
Goodson & Taylor, CPAs has a rating of 4.7 from 19 reviews. Clients value their thoroughness and expertise in both personal and business accounting. They offer a range of services, but some clients have noted that their fees can be on the higher side compared to other local firms. 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 comprehensive accounting services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $150 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees and average response times.
With a rating of 4.5 from 48 reviews, Red Bike Advisors is known for their friendly and accessible service. They focus mainly on personal finance and tax consulting. However, some clients feel that their expertise in business accounting is less robust compared to other firms in the area. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personal finance and tax consulting. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less expertise in business accounting and higher volume of clients may affect service.
RPS Accounting and Tax PC has a rating of 4.6 from 16 reviews. Clients appreciate their efficiency and straightforward approach to tax preparation. They are a good choice for individuals seeking quick service, but some clients have reported issues with follow-up communication. 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 quick tax preparation. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $200 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are issues with follow-up communication and limited service offerings.
Woodruff & Associates CPA, PC holds a rating of 4.6 from 11 reviews. They are praised for their personalized attention and thorough tax advice. While they cater well to individual clients, their limited number of reviews suggests a less established reputation in the community. 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 personalized tax advice. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less experience than some competitors.
Marlies Y Hendricks, CPA PLLC has a perfect rating of 5.0 from 4 reviews. Clients rave about her attention to detail and personalized service. While she is an excellent choice for individuals needing tailored financial advice, the limited review base makes it hard to gauge consistency. 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 tailored financial advice. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and newer to the market.
Dustin Kern, CPA, P.C. has a strong rating of 4.6 from 10 reviews. Clients appreciate his thoroughness and knowledge in tax matters. However, the smaller number of reviews raises questions about the firm's long-term reliability and client retention. 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 tax-related services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $100 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and smaller firm may lack resources.
Century Accounting & Tax Services has a rating of 4.2 from 16 reviews. Clients note their affordability and basic services for tax preparation. However, the lower rating and fewer reviews may indicate limited experience or service quality compared to others in Wilmington. 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 basic tax preparation services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $75 to $150 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are lower rating and fewer positive reviews.
Selecting the right accountant involves understanding your specific needs, the firm's expertise, and their availability. Here are three key factors to consider.
Specialization
Look for accountants who specialize in your industry or financial situation. Some may focus on small businesses, while others excel in personal tax returns.
Response Time
Consider how quickly the firm responds to inquiries. A firm that prioritizes communication can save you time and stress during tax season.
Licensing and Credentials
Ensure the accountant holds the appropriate licenses and certifications in North Carolina. This guarantees they meet state regulations and standards.
What it costs
What accountants cost in Wilmington
Accountant fees in Wilmington can vary based on services offered and complexity. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.
Individual Tax PreparationExpect to pay between $200 to $500 for basic tax preparation services, depending on the complexity of your return.
Business Tax ServicesBusiness tax preparation can range from $300 to $1,000, influenced by the size of your business and the services needed.
Consultation FeesHourly rates for consultations typically fall between $100 to $250, depending on the accountant's experience and expertise.
Monthly Accounting ServicesFor ongoing monthly accounting services, expect fees to range from $300 to $1,500, contingent on the volume of transactions and services required.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hiring an accountant cost in Wilmington?
Most accountants in Wilmington charge between $150 to $400 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the services required.
What should I look for in a Wilmington accountant?
Look for an accountant who specializes in your specific needs, whether it's personal tax preparation, business accounting, or financial planning. Reviews can also provide insight into their reliability and expertise.
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 Wilmington residents: <Editor's Choice name>
If you're seeking personalized, attentive service, Hayes CPA, PLLC is the best pick. They excel with established clients needing ongoing support. For those who prioritize a stellar reputation on recent reviews, Rhyne CPA & Associates, PLLC is an excellent choice, especially for small businesses. If you want to work with someone who has a solid track record and a bit more experience, John E Nichols PLLC can meet your needs effectively.
Cityvetted
