Introduction
People search for an Accountant / CA in Los Angeles for a simple reason: the financial stakes are high. Between complex state and local tax rules, fast-moving industries (entertainment, real estate, tech, healthcare), and a heavy mix of W-2, 1099, and entity income, small mistakes can become expensive.
This guide is built for business owners, high-income professionals, and families who want a dependable Accountant / CA in Los Angeles—whether you need tax filing, bookkeeping, audit support, or year-round planning.
Below you’ll find a carefully screened list, what each firm is best known for, typical pricing expectations, and how to compare options. We evaluated candidates using publicly available information (where available), including service breadth, longevity signals, and reputation indicators.
About Accountant / CA
An Accountant / CA helps individuals and organizations manage financial records, taxes, compliance, and strategic planning. In Los Angeles, many clients need more than “tax prep”—they need year-round guidance on cash flow, entity structure, payroll, deductions, multi-state filings, and audit readiness.
You may need an Accountant / CA when you:
- Start (or buy) a business and need entity and tax setup
- Need ongoing bookkeeping and monthly financial statements
- Have complex tax situations (RSUs, stock sales, multi-state income, foreign reporting)
- Run payroll and need consistent compliance support
- Face an IRS/FTB notice or need representation
- Want proactive tax planning (not just filing)
Average cost in Los Angeles (typical ranges, varies by complexity):
- Individual tax return: $300–$1,500+
- Small business tax return: $800–$3,500+
- Monthly bookkeeping: $300–$1,500+ / month
- Advisory/consulting: $150–$500+ / hour (or custom fixed fees)
Licensing/certifications (California):
- “CPA” (Certified Public Accountant) is a state-licensed credential in California.
- “CA” commonly refers to Chartered Accountant internationally; in Los Angeles, many clients specifically seek a CPA for tax, attest, and higher-trust engagements.
Key takeaways
- A CPA is often preferred for tax strategy, compliance, and representation matters.
- Pricing in Los Angeles varies widely based on complexity and responsiveness needs.
- The best fit is usually based on industry experience and service model (ongoing vs. one-time).
How We Selected the Best Accountant / CA in Los Angeles
We screened providers using criteria that match real buyer intent—accuracy, responsiveness, and the ability to handle Los Angeles complexity.
Selection criteria:
- Years of experience (signals such as firm longevity and partner-level backgrounds when publicly available)
- Verified customer review signals (only publicly available review information when known; otherwise noted as not publicly stated)
- Service range (tax, audit/assurance, advisory, bookkeeping/accounting, specialty niches)
- Pricing transparency (whether typical fee models are clearly explained; many firms quote after discovery)
- Local reputation (recognition, visibility, and established presence in Los Angeles)
Only publicly available information is referenced when confidently known. If a detail (phone, email, specific review summary) isn’t clearly published by the firm or reliably available, it’s marked “Not publicly stated.”
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a large, diverse business ecosystem with a high concentration of closely held businesses, real estate investors, production and entertainment income, cross-border taxpayers, and venture-backed companies. That diversity drives strong demand for Accountant / CA services—from straightforward tax filing to specialized advisory and compliance.
Because many residents and businesses in Los Angeles manage multiple income streams (W-2 + 1099, rentals, equity compensation, side businesses), the city has consistent year-round demand for bookkeeping, payroll, and proactive tax planning.
Key neighborhoods and business hubs commonly served include:
- Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
- Hollywood and West Hollywood
- Century City and Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica and West Los Angeles
- Culver City
- Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena
- Sherman Oaks and the San Fernando Valley
- Not publicly stated (varies by firm office coverage and service model)
Top 5 Best Accountant / CA in Los Angeles
#1 — HCVT (Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP)
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Tax, advisory/consulting, assurance (varies by engagement), outsourced accounting (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends (typically custom proposals)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.hcvt.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank):
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, mid-market businesses, complex tax and advisory needs
#2 — SingerLewak LLP
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Tax, assurance, advisory, accounting support services (varies / depends), specialty industry support (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.singerlewak.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank):
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Established businesses needing full-service CPA support
#3 — GHJ (Green Hasson Janks)
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Tax, advisory, assurance (varies / depends), specialty practices (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.ghj.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank):
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium advisory, industry-focused accounting, growing companies
#4 — Moss Adams LLP (Los Angeles)
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Tax, assurance, consulting, outsourced finance/accounting (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.mossadams.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank):
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, multi-entity businesses, advisory-led engagements
#5 — CohnReznick LLP (Los Angeles)
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Tax, assurance, advisory, transactions and specialized consulting (varies / depends)
- Price Range: Varies / depends
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.cohnreznick.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link (Leave it blank):
- Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, complex compliance, companies needing broad resources
Comparison Table
| Professional | Rating | Experience | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCVT (Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP) | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Premium, mid-market businesses |
| SingerLewak LLP | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Full-service CPA support |
| GHJ (Green Hasson Janks) | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Premium advisory, industry-focused work |
| Moss Adams LLP (Los Angeles) | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Multi-entity businesses, advisory-led |
| CohnReznick LLP (Los Angeles) | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Varies / depends | Complex compliance and broad resources |
Cost of Hiring a Accountant / CA in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, pricing depends heavily on complexity, turnaround time, and whether you need year-round support. A simple tax filing is priced very differently than ongoing bookkeeping with monthly close, payroll coordination, and proactive tax planning.
Average price range (typical):
- Individual returns: $300–$1,500+
- Business returns: $800–$3,500+
- Monthly bookkeeping/accounting: $300–$1,500+ per month
- CFO/advisory support: $150–$500+ per hour or fixed monthly packages
Emergency pricing (when applicable):
Rush work (last-minute filing, cleanup bookkeeping, urgent notices) often costs more due to re-prioritization and after-hours staffing. Many firms price this as a premium hourly rate or a rush multiplier. Exact policies vary / depend.
What affects the total cost:
- Business type and entity structure (sole prop vs. partnership vs. S-corp vs. C-corp)
- Volume and quality of records (clean books vs. “shoebox” bookkeeping)
- Number of states/countries involved (multi-state filings, foreign reporting)
- Payroll complexity (employees, contractors, multi-state payroll)
- Industry-specific needs (entertainment residuals, real estate cost segregation, inventory, job costing)
- Responsiveness and turnaround expectations (standard vs. rush deadlines)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Accountant / CA cost in Los Angeles?
Most individuals pay $300–$1,500+ for tax filing, while businesses often pay $800–$3,500+ per return. Monthly bookkeeping commonly ranges $300–$1,500+, depending on transaction volume and reporting needs.
How to choose the best Accountant / CA in Los Angeles?
Start by matching the provider to your situation: industry, entity type, and whether you need year-round support. Ask how they handle proactive tax planning, turnaround times, and what’s included in their fee (filing only vs. planning + support).
Are licenses required in Los Angeles?
To use the title CPA in California, the accountant must be licensed by the state. Not all tax preparers are CPAs; if licensing matters to you, confirm credentials and standing directly with the professional.
What’s the difference between a CPA and an Accountant / CA?
In Los Angeles, “Accountant / CA” is often used broadly, but CPA is a specific licensed credential. CPAs can provide higher-trust services (and often handle more complex compliance and advisory work), while non-CPA accountants may focus on bookkeeping and basic tax prep.
Do I need an Accountant / CA for a small business in Los Angeles?
If you have steady revenue, contractors/employees, sales tax, or multiple expense categories, professional help usually saves time and reduces errors. It’s especially useful when you’re deciding between sole prop, LLC, and S-corp taxation.
Who offers 24/7 service in Los Angeles?
24/7 availability is not publicly stated for most firms and is uncommon outside of special engagements. If you need urgent help, ask about rush options, after-hours response, and realistic turnaround timelines before you sign.
Can an Accountant / CA help with IRS or California FTB notices?
Many do, especially CPAs who offer tax resolution or representation support. Ask whether notice response is included in your annual fee or billed separately, and whether they’ll communicate directly with the agency on your behalf.
Should I hire a local Los Angeles firm or a remote accountant?
Local firms can be helpful for complex California-specific issues and in-person meetings, but many clients do fine with remote service if communication is strong. The best choice is the one with relevant experience and consistent processes.
What questions should I ask before hiring?
Ask about: what documents they need, expected timelines, who will do the work (partner vs. staff), how they handle extensions, how planning is delivered, and how they bill (fixed fee vs. hourly). Also ask what situations commonly increase fees.
When should I book an Accountant / CA in Los Angeles?
If you want proactive planning, book well before tax season—often in Q3 or Q4. For tax filing-only work, earlier is still better; many firms cap new clients close to deadlines.
Final Recommendation
If you want premium, full-service support (tax + advisory + complex compliance), start with larger, established firms like HCVT, GHJ, Moss Adams, SingerLewak, or CohnReznick—especially if you have multiple entities, investors, or industry-specific complexity.
If you’re primarily budget-focused, you’ll usually do better with a smaller local practice or solo CPA (not listed here because specific, confidently verifiable details weren’t available in this guide’s scope). In that case, prioritize a clear fixed-fee quote, defined turnaround times, and a written list of what’s included.
For most Los Angeles clients, the best overall value comes from an Accountant / CA who can do year-round planning, not just annual filing—particularly if your income is variable (commissions, production work, real estate, equity compensation, or self-employment).
Get Your Business Listed
If you’re an Accountant / CA in Los Angeles and want your details added or updated, email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/.