Need accurate bookkeeping, tax planning, or certified financials in California?
San Diego combines a world-class innovation hub with complex state and local tax laws—making professional financial support essential as companies scale. These top-tier CPA firms, accounting specialists, and audit advisors help San Diego founders stay compliant, investor-ready, and financially organized.
CFO Hub
Headquartered in the UTC/La Jolla area, CFO Hub is a premier provider of outsourced CFO, controller, and accounting services. They specialize in high-growth companies that need executive-level financial strategy without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Great for: Scaling startups, venture-backed companies, and businesses needing fractional CFO leadership and back-office support
Considine & Considine
A cornerstone of the San Diego professional community for over 75 years. Based near Little Italy, they provide comprehensive tax, accounting, and estate planning services. They are known for a personalized approach that bridges the gap between small boutique service and large-firm capability.
Great for: Family offices, real estate investors, and established local professional service firms.
Accountant Partners – San Diego
Focused on owner-managed private companies, this firm emphasizes “partner-level value.” They are known for their 100-point tax strategy assessments and quarterly planning sessions to ensure small business owners never overpay on their California tax burden.
Great for: Small business owners, owner-operators, and entrepreneurs seeking a fixed-fee pricing guarantee
Moss Adams – San Diego
One of the largest accounting firms in the region, Moss Adams has a massive presence in La Jolla. They are a leader in assurance for San Diego’s core industries, including NIH grant compliance for biotech firms and financial statement audits for the tech and manufacturing sectors.
Great for: Biotech and life science firms, tech companies preparing for IPO, and organizations with complex grant or regulatory compliance needs.
Haskell & White
One of the largest independently owned firms in Southern California. Their San Diego office specializes in “The Value of Experience,” providing high-level audit and due diligence services for mergers and acquisitions and SEC filings.
Great for: Middle-market companies, businesses preparing for a sale or acquisition, and companies requiring SEC-level reporting expertise.
CapinCrouse LLP
A national firm with a strong San Diego focus on the non-profit sector. They provide expert auditing and review services specifically for faith-based organizations, charities, and higher education institutions.
Great for: Non-profits, private schools, and mission-driven organizations needing specialized compliance and audit services.
Looking for personalized tax planning or certified financials in San Dirgo?
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Entrepreneurs in the San Diego area should consider engaging a financial professional at key stages to protect and scale their ventures. Important times include:
Business Formation: Choosing the right entity (C-Corp vs. LLC) is critical in San Diego, especially for those seeking venture capital or R&D tax credits.
R&D Tax Credit Claims: If your San Diego company is developing new products or software, a specialized CPA can help you claim significant state and federal credits.
Funding Rounds: Investors and VC firms typically require reviewed or audited financials before closing a Series A or B round.
Cross-Border Operations: Given San Diego’s proximity to Mexico, businesses with international trade or “maquiladora” operations need specialized tax expertise.
San Diego is a premium market, and fees reflect the high level of specialization required for biotech and tech industries:
Hourly Rates: Typically range from $200 to $450+ depending on the seniority of the CPA and the complexity of the task.
Monthly Subscription/Retainers: Many modern firms (like Profitwise or Dark Horse) offer fixed-fee monthly packages for bookkeeping and tax, providing budget predictability.
Audit Fees: Priced by the complexity of the engagement. While significant, they are a necessary investment for companies seeking high-level financing or preparing for an exit.
Pricing Guarantees: Some local boutiques offer “Upfront Fixed Fee” guarantees to eliminate billing surprises for small business owners.
Audits are not legally required for all small businesses, but they are often contractually or regulatorily mandated:
Investor Requirements: Most professional investors and VC firms require yearly audits to protect their investment.
NIH/Government Grants: Common in San Diego’s biotech hub, certain federal grants require specific compliance audits.
Banking Covenants: Lenders often require a “Review” or “Audit” as a condition of maintaining a business line of credit.
Non-Profit Statutes: California law requires non-profits with a certain level of gross revenue to undergo an independent audit.
To ensure a productive consultation with a San Diego accountant, consider asking these crucial questions:
What is your specific experience with R&D tax credits or biotech-specific accounting?
Do you offer Fractional CFO services if we need help with financial modeling for a pitch deck?
How do you handle California-specific tax issues, such as the $800 minimum franchise tax and sales tax for e-commerce?
Can you provide a fixed fee quote for my annual tax preparation and ongoing bookkeeping?
How do you use technology to streamline our financial reporting (e.g., integrations with QuickBooks or Gusto)?