Procurement Market Intelligence Report
Accounting Services
Sourcing Guide & Market Intelligence
Smarter cost management starts with comprehensive market intelligence
United States
Europe
Global
Quick Navigation
Accounting Services Global Overview
Definition
Summary
Accounting services include a wide range of financial services that surround the assessment, preparation, and consultation of a business's financials. Service providers include small, midsize, and large accounting firms that employ accounting professionals, which often have Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certifications. Buyers are private or public companies, nonprofit organizations, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies.
This Report Includes:
- Financial Statement Preparation
- Valuation Services
- Capital Budgeting Planning
- Cost Accounting
- Accounting Standards Compliance
Not in this Report:
- Auditing Services
- Bookkeeping Services
- Billing Services
- Tax Accounting
- Payroll and Inventory Accounting
Global Accounting Services Procurement Trends
Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Accounting Services market.
Warning Trends
Fed lowers rates for the first time in 2025
- On September 17, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted to lower interest rates to a target range of 4.0% to 4.25%, down 0.25% from the rate it had been holding since November of last year.
- Despite indications at the start of the year that steady reductions to the relatively high 4.25% to 4.5% rate were on the horizon, the Fed held off on rate cuts for much of the year due to concerns that the combination of higher tariffs and a reduction in borrowing costs could cause rebounding inflation.
- The September cut to Fed interest rates signals a shift in this strategy, indicating that the Fed now considers weakening employment figures a greater threat than inflation. As a result, FOMC officials have also signaled that two additional rate cuts are likely before the end of the year in an effort to fight unemployment and stimulate the economy.
- Declining Fed funds rates will provide relief to borrowers by lowering the market interest rates for consumer and business loans. This reduction in the cost of borrowing will reduce the cost of many banking and financial services, and may spur increases in demand across the economy.
Neutral
GSA memo asks agencies to review consulting contracts
- The General Services Administration (GSA) recently issued a memorandum asking government agencies to review their consulting contracts with the ten highest-paid firms. The ten firms are Accenture PLC (Accenture Federal Services), Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., CGI Group Inc. (CGI Federal), Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte Consulting), General Dynamics Corporation (General Dynamics IT), Guidehouse Inc., Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (HII Mission Technologies), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Leidos Holdings, Inc., and Science Applications International Corporation, Inc. (SAIC).
- The memo states that agencies are strongly encouraged to cut non-essential consulting contracts, providing a list of those intended to be terminated by March 7, 2025. By April 19, 2025, agencies must submit their reviews of non-GSA consulting service contracts.
- According to the GSA, the ten consulting firms identified are set to receive $65.0 billion in fees in 2025. The Department of Defense (DoD) has stated its intention to terminate or descope contracts non-essential to the DoD’s purposes; some of the largest market players with high-value DoD contracts include Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Accenture.
- According to the Government Accountability Office, in the fiscal year 2023, government agencies spent $478.0 billion on services, with the DoD accounting for $230.0 billion and non-defense agencies accounting for the rest. The DoD spent $21.3 billion on support, professional, and engineering and technical services, while non-defense agencies spent $21.4 billion on professional services, which includes consulting, training, and support services.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) initially cancelled 875 contracts (amounting to around $2.0 billion) but has currently paused efforts. However, contract terminations across most agencies are expected to continue.
Inflation climbs above 3.0% for the first time in seven months
- In January, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month inflation rate, the most commonly used measure of inflation, rose by 0.1% to 3.0%, the highest it has been since June 2024.
- This uptick in inflation follows cuts to interest rates which may have added to consumer demand, fueling higher consumer prices.
- Additionally, the threat of impending tariff hikes has driven preemptive stockpiling by importers, adding to demand and price growth across a range of industries in the United States.
- While inflation is still low relative to previous years, sustained recent increases in inflation and the potential effects of tariffs, such as the recently implemented 10.0% on all Chinese goods, mean prices are still rising at a faster-than-normal pace.
Global Accounting Services Market - Suppliers by Region
| Country/Region | Number of Suppliers |
|---|---|
| #1 Europe | 192,395 |
| #2 China | 168,835 |
| #3 United States | 120,000 |
Explore supplier concentration across the globe
We've uncovered the 11 top regions for global procurement, based on feedback from our most strategic clients. Access vendor counts for each unique region when you subscribe.
2
Geography Drilldown - US & Europe
Average Cost of Accounting Services
United States
2026 Market Pricing$35.00 to $XXX.XX
per hourEurope
Average Price
Prices in the Accounting Services market range from $35.00 to $XXX.XX, depending on Experience Level, Professional Certification, Type of Service, Complexity of Buyer's Organization and Location. For example, lower prices are associated with Junior accountant & employees ($35 to $200 per hour per accountant), whereas higher prices are associated with Principal or director accountant ($200 to $500 per hour per accountant) and Mid to senior accountant ($120 to $350 per hour per accountant).
Need the scoop on international price trends?
Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.
Accounting Services Category Price Trends
Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Accounting Services market, prices in the US have grown 2.9% from 2022 to 2025. Meanwhile, the recent three-year CAGR for Europe is +2.5%.
United States (2022-2025)
Europe (2022-2025)
Compound Annual Growth Rate
Wondering where prices are heading?
Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.
Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Accounting Services
Total cost of ownership is Medium in the Accounting Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Cancellations may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.
Negotiated Before
Implementation
Billed During
Labor
Unforeseen
Cancellations
Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations
In 2026, buyer power amounts to -1.9 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Price Driver Volatility. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more
United States
Europe
Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future
Develop strategies for the upcoming year and identify unforeseen opportunities for buying now
- Actionable "Buy Now" and "Buy Later" insights
- Near-real-time updates to current and forecast Buyer Power Scores
- Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components
Supply Chain Risk
The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Medium, which has a negative impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:
1st
Tier Suppliers
- Computer & Packaged Software Wholesalers
- Commercial Real Estate Lessors
- Office Stationary Wholesalers
2nd
Tier Suppliers
- Computer Manufacturers
- Commercial Bankers
- Office Stationary Manufacturers
Biggest Accounting Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue
The largest Accounting Services vendors by revenue in the US are RSM US LLP, Bdo Usa, Llp and Grant Thornton Llp. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more
| Supplier | Operational Size | Headquarters | Number of Employees | Market Share (%) | Market Share Performance (3yr trend) | Total Revenue ($ million) | Profit Level (%) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu | Global | London, UK | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| EY | Global | London, UK | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| KPMG International Limited | Global | Amstelveen, NL | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp | Global | London, UK | >10,000 | 10-15 | ||||
| Bdo Usa, Llp | Global | US | < 5 | |||||
| Grant Thornton Llp | Global | London, UK | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| RSM US LLP | Global | Chicago, IL | >10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Cliftonlarsonallen Llp | National | Minneapolis, MN | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
| Cohnreznick Llp | International | New York, NY | 1,001-10,000 | < 5 | ||||
Looking for a list of suppliers by country?
Subscribers can access vendor information on Canadian and European suppliers, too. We also offer custom research services to help with vendor sourcing anywhere in the world.
Profit Analysis
The average profit margin across vendors in the Accounting Services market is 17.2% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Wages. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more
Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis
On average, vendor risk is low in the market, indicating that buyers face a low chance of experiencing service disruptions due to issues such as financial instability among service providers.
The market has a moderate level of market share concentration, indicating that the top four vendors have a strong position in the market and operate at a lower level of competition.
The supply chain for accounting services presents a moderate risk to suppliers and buyers. While these services are not reliant on many input costs, current volatile trends in the real estate market have increased the risk of price shifts.
The rate of regulatory change in the market for accounting services has been moderate, with numerous organizations overseeing and changing accounting standards. As a result, suppliers may pass on compliance costs to buyers as regulations change.
The United States is a net importer of computers, indicating a wide availability of computers to select from at a competitive price point as domestic producers compete with foreign vendors, helping keep operating costs low. While some computer equipment has been impacted by tariffs, this market is not directly impacted as purchases are infrequent.
Supplier Information
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is a private company operating globally in the mining, finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services, administration, business support and waste management services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services,... Subscribe to learn more
EY
EY is a private company operating globally in the mining, finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services, management consulting services, environmental,... Subscribe to learn more
KPMG International Limited
KPMG International Limited is a private company operating globally in the mining, finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include oil & gas field consulting services, management consulting... Subscribe to learn more
Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp
Pricewaterhousecoopers Llp is a private company operating globally in the finance & insurance, professional, scientific & technical services, administration, business support and waste management services and educational services sectors. The company's offerings include management consulting services, environmental,... Subscribe to learn more
Bdo Usa, Llp
Bdo Usa, Llp is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services and administration, business support and waste management services sectors. The company's offerings include business valuation services, merger & acquisition consulting services, e-discovery consulting... Subscribe to learn more
Cliftonlarsonallen Llp
Cliftonlarsonallen Llp is a private company operating nationally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include accounting services and audit services. Founded in 1960, the company is currently headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America Subscribe to learn more
Cohnreznick Llp
Cohnreznick Llp is a private company operating internationally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include accounting services, tax accounting services and audit services. Founded in 1919, the company is currently headquartered in New York, New York, United... Subscribe to learn more
Crowe Global
Crowe Global is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include supplier diversity consulting services, ipo consulting services, accounting services, tax accounting services and audit services. Founded in 1942, the company is... Subscribe to learn more
Grant Thornton Llp
Grant Thornton Llp is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include business valuation services, accounting services, tax accounting services and audit services. Founded in 1924, the company is currently headquartered in London,... Subscribe to learn more
Accelerate the vendor selection process
Get a clear picture of the competition in a market and discover which vendors are best-suited for your sourcing needs. Our supplier profiles include hard-to-find financial ranges for private companies, cover public company data and feature an interactive competitor matrix.
Procurement Management KPIs for the Accounting Services Market
Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio and Average Resolution Time. Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Service Timeliness and other factors.
| KPI | Level of Importance (1-5) | Measurements | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounts Receivable Turnover Ratio |
|
A high ratio indicates the vendor is efficient and effective A low ratio is an indication of inefficient collection or poor credit policies on the buyer's part |
This ratio measures how well a company's department or accounting provider can collect its accounts receivables. This ratio can be used to compare vendors across the market to determine their quality of their services. |
| Average Resolution Time |
|
Time to resolution for minor issues Time to resolution for major issues |
How quickly a vendor can resolve customer complaints is a strong indicator of the quality of their customer service. Buyers should consider the method used to communicate with the vendor (phone, email, etc.) and the severity of the issue when assessing the vendor’s response time. |
|
|||
Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations
How can I gain leverage during negotiations?
Customer Service
If you do not have a local office near my facilities, how do you ensure optimal service?
How many staff members do you have at the office dealing with my account? How do you determine how many staff members to assign to an account?
Experience and Expertise
How do you make sure all your staff is up to date on regulatory changes?
Do you have a minimum amount of continuing professional education (CPE) hours for your staff?
Service Performance
What safeguards do you have in place to protect confidential information?
Do you have an ethics or compliance officer?
The ultimate prep for procurement negotations
View all 37 negotiation questions for this category when you subscribe.
Accounting Services RFP Guidelines
What should my RFP include?
Organizational Overview
Buyers should give an overview of their organizations, including industry, products and services offered, type of ownership (i.e., public or private), number of establishments and geographic regions in which they operate.
Buyers should include a description of their existing accounting department, including key personnel and their responsibilities.
Statement Of Need
Buyers should outline their service requirements (e.g., financial statement preparation, cost accounting, etc.) on a weekly, monthly and/or annual basis.
Buyers should include financial profiles of their organizations, such as major expenses, annual revenue, relevant funding and revenue mix.
Project Budget
Buyers should include the budget for the contract.
Buyers should include what other expenses (e.g., printing and mailing) they will cover.
The RFP process made easy
Find out how you can access RFP templates for 800+ procurement categories to start writing better, more consistent RFPs.
We display average pricing information, trends and market data.
Our Reports include:
- Opportunity assessment
- Market dynamics
- Recent developments
- Positive and warning trends
- Buyer power levers
- Price environment and market pricing
- Geographic wage rates
- Global market updates
- Total cost of ownership
- Cost structure benchmarks and analysis
- Supply chain and vendors
- Global supplier breakdown
- Market share concentration
- Regulation and business requirements
- Vendor management and KPIs
- Sourcing strategy guidance
