Top Mid-Size & Specialized Accounting Firms in Toronto (2026): How to Choose the Right CPA Firm
Table of Contents
| Quick Answer: Toronto’s top mid-size accounting firms include Crowe Soberman, Segal GCSE, Zeifmans, Schwartz Levitsky Feldman, Adams Miles and Shimmerman Penn. Well-known specialized firms include McGovern Hurley for public company audits and CPA4IT for technology businesses. For small and medium-sized owner-managed businesses across the GTA that want senior CPA access, tax planning and bookkeeping under one roof, AV CPA Professional Corporation is a strong fit. The right choice depends on your size, industry, audit needs and budget. |
Transparency note: this guide is published by AV CPA Professional Corporation. Other firms are listed in alphabetical order based on public information, with no paid placements. Always confirm services directly with each firm.
Key Takeaways
- Mid-size firms offer audit, tax and advisory with more partner time than the Big 4.
- Specialized firms win when your industry or need is niche, like public company audits or IT.
- Many Toronto mid-size firms belong to global networks such as Crowe, Moore and Nexia.
- Owner-managed businesses often get the best value from partner-led GTA firms.
- Always check CPA Ontario membership and ask who will actually do your work.
Big 4 vs Mid-Size vs Specialized Firms: What Is the Difference?
| Big 4 | Mid-Size | Specialized / Boutique | |
| Typical clients | Large and public companies | Mid-market and growing private companies | Owner-managed businesses, professionals and niche industries |
| Team size | Thousands | Dozens to a few hundred | About 10 to 100 |
| Partner access | Limited for smaller clients | Regular | Direct, often daily |
| Fees | Highest | Moderate | Usually most affordable |
| Best for | Complex global reporting | Audit plus tax and advisory at scale | Deep expertise in one area and personal service |
Recruiting firm Minted Search Group describes mid-size Toronto firms as offering deeper partner involvement than larger firms, and boutiques as partner-led teams of about 10 to 100 professionals serving owner-managed businesses, professional practices and niche industries.
Top Mid-Size Accounting Firms in Toronto (Alphabetical)
Adams Miles
Accounting, audit, assurance and strategic consulting for private businesses.
Crowe Soberman
A Toronto mid-size firm and independent member of Crowe Global, offering audit, tax, advisory and risk services to SMEs, individuals, not-for-profits and public companies.
Schwartz Levitsky Feldman (SLF)
Assurance, tax and advisory services for private and public companies.
Segal GCSE
Formed by the merger of Segal LLP and GCSE LLP, creating one of the GTA’s largest independent accounting and advisory firms. A member of Moore Global.
Shimmerman Penn
A mid-sized firm in North York serving owner-managed businesses with accounting, tax and advisory.
Stern Cohen
Accounting, tax, advisory and estate planning for businesses and not-for-profits.
Zeifmans
Tax, accounting and consulting, and a member of the Nexia International network.
Top Specialized Accounting Firms in Toronto and the GTA
AV CPA Professional Corporation (featured)
Best for small and medium-sized owner-managed businesses across the GTA. See the full profile below.
CPA4IT
Bookkeeping and accounting focused on information technology businesses.
McGovern Hurley
A CPAB-registered audit firm known for audit work with public companies.
Featured: AV CPA Professional Corporation
Best for: small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and individuals across Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA who want senior CPA access without Big 4 fees.
- Leadership: Principal and CEO Ayub Vohra, CPA, CA, who started his career at PwC, with Managing Director Umair Ayub, CPA, ADIT.
- Services: tax (personal, corporate, GST/HST, cross-border and CRA audit support), accounting and compilation engagements, audit and assurance, cloud bookkeeping, payroll, business advisory and corporate finance.
- Industries: medical and dental practices, law firms, real estate, construction and trades, e-commerce, restaurants and franchises, tech, trucking and not-for-profits. See all industries.
- Why clients choose AV CPA: direct CPA access, an encrypted client portal, monthly financial statements and both Canada and U.S. tax support.
- Getting started: a free, no-obligation 30-minute consultation.
| Comparing accounting firms in Toronto? Talk to a CPA before you decide. Get a free 30-minute consultation to review your business, taxes and goals, with no obligation. Book Your Free Consultation | Call 289-218-6331 |
How to Choose the Right Accounting Firm in Toronto
- Define what you need: bookkeeping, tax, a compilation, a review or a full audit. Not every firm offers audits.
- Match your size and industry: a firm that already works with businesses like yours will spot issues faster.
- Check credentials: confirm CPA membership with CPA Ontario. Public company auditors must be registered with CPAB.
- Ask who does the work: will a partner review your file, and who is your day-to-day contact?
- Compare pricing models: fixed monthly fees, project fees or hourly billing.
- Test the technology: cloud bookkeeping, secure portals and e-signing save time.
- Look for proactive planning: the best firms bring tax-saving ideas before year-end, not just at filing time.
When Is the Best Time to Switch Accounting Firms?
Many business owners stay with an accountant who no longer fits because switching feels complicated. In practice, the move is simple when it is timed well. The best moments are:
- Before your fiscal year-end, so your new firm can plan taxes and prepare year-end statements from the start.
- After a CRA review or reassessment that your current accountant did not handle well.
- When your business grows, for example when you incorporate, hire staff, sell to the U.S. or need financing.
- When you only hear from your accountant once a year, at filing time, with no planning in between.
A good new firm will request prior returns and working papers from your old accountant for you, review your files and flag missed savings. With December 31 approaching, November is one of the best months to make a change.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a CPA Firm
- Have you worked with businesses in my industry?
- Who will be my main contact, and how fast do you respond?
- Is your pricing fixed or hourly, and what is included?
- Do you prepare compilations, reviews and audits?
- How do you help with CRA audits or reviews?
- Can you handle U.S. or cross-border tax if I need it?
- What software do you use, and can you work with mine?
- How often will we review my numbers?
- Do you provide tax planning, or only tax filing?
- Can I speak with a current client?
Red Flags When Choosing an Accountant
- No CPA designation or unclear credentials.
- Vague pricing or surprise bills.
- Slow replies or missed deadlines.
- No tax planning, only last-minute filing.
- Pressure to sign long contracts before understanding your needs.
Planning for year-end? Read our year-end tax planning guide for 2026. Based in Peel Region? See our guide to the top accounting firms in Mississauga.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mid-size accounting firm?
A mid-size accounting firm sits between the Big 4 and small practices. These firms typically employ dozens to a few hundred people and offer audit, tax and advisory services, usually with more partner involvement and lower fees than the largest firms.
What are some top mid-size accounting firms in Toronto?
Well-known mid-size firms in Toronto include Crowe Soberman, Segal GCSE, Zeifmans, Schwartz Levitsky Feldman, Adams Miles and Shimmerman Penn. Many are members of international networks such as Crowe Global, Moore Global or Nexia.
What is a specialized accounting firm?
A specialized or boutique firm focuses on certain industries or services, such as public company audits, IT companies, medical and dental practices, real estate, or cross-border tax. They offer deep expertise in a niche, often with a smaller, partner-led team.
Is a mid-size firm better than a Big 4 firm for a small business?
For most small and owner-managed businesses, yes. Mid-size and boutique firms usually offer more direct access to senior CPAs and fees that fit a smaller budget, while Big 4 firms focus on large and public companies.
How do I check if an accounting firm is licensed in Ontario?
Ask whether the firm’s CPAs are members of CPA Ontario and whether the firm is licensed to provide public accounting services such as audits. Firms that audit public companies must also be registered with the Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB).
Does AV CPA Professional Corporation serve Toronto clients?
Yes. AV CPA is based in Mississauga and serves small and medium-sized businesses and individuals across Toronto and the GTA, with tax, accounting, audit and advisory services and a free 30-minute consultation.
More questions? Visit our FAQs.
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Find the Right CPA Partner for Your Business
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