Top Rated CPAs in Columbia, SC (2026)
Choosing the right cpa in Columbia, SC can be overwhelming. With 36 cpas operating across the Columbia metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At Top CPAs, we analyze publicly available data to rank every cpa on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates cpas in Columbia, South Carolina using aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 36 active businesses in the Columbia market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Scores on this list range from 15 to 36 out of 100, 10 of 15 hold professional certifications, the average firm has 20 years of experience. Updated April 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Columbia.
The Top 15 CPAs in Columbia, SC
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#1 Accounting Systems Incorporated 36/100
Selected for 23 years of experience (est. 2003); CPA, MBA certified; team of 2 professionals; specializes in our process, step one, step two.
Accounting Systems Incorporated is an Columbia-based accounting firm offering comprehensive services to clients across SC. The team holds professional credentials including cpa, mba. Reach them at 80…
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#2 Southern Payroll 34/100
Selected for 21 years of experience (est. 2005); CPA certified.
Southern Payroll provides accounting services in Columbia, SC. Reach them by phone at +18037792885 or online to discuss your project.
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#3 V K Bartley Bookkeeping & Tax Services 27/100
Selected for 17 years of experience (est. 2009); specializes in experience you can trust, call 803 470 0601 or request an appointment, accountant in columbia, sc.
Call V K Bartley Bookkeeping and Tax Services now at 803-470-0601 to learn more about Accountant in Columbia, SC.
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#4 V K Bartley Bookkeeping and Tax Services 25/100
Selected for 17 years of experience (est. 2009); specializes in accountant in columbia, sc, message sent., error.
For professional accounting services in Columbia, SC, contact V K Bartley Bookkeeping and Tax Services at 8034700601 or explore their website.
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#5 Thomas, Watson and Company 20/100
Selected for CPA certified.
Thomas, Watson and Company serves Columbia and surrounding SC communities with professional accounting services tailored to each client's needs. Located at 111 Executive Pointe Blvd. Reach them at +1…
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#6 Bauknight Pietras & Stormer 20/100
Selected for Licensed, CPA certified; specializes in for our existing clients, accounting, assurance.
Bauknight Pietras & Stormer is an accounting firm based in Columbia, SC, dedicated to delivering quality accounting services. “Smith Howard” is the brand name under which Smith Howard PC and Smith Ho…
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#7 Tax Assistance Group - Columbia 20/100
Selected for Licensed, CPA certified; specializes in experience, confidence, respect.
Looking for an accounting firm in Columbia? Tax Assistance Group - Columbia serves the greater Columbia metropolitan area. Call 8436541324 or visit their site for details.
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#8 Frady and Stafford CPA 20/100
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in q: what types of clients do you serve?, q: do you offer virtual consultations?, q: can you help with irs issues or audits?.
Clients in Columbia trust Frady and Stafford CPA for their accounting needs. The team holds professional credentials including cpa. Reach them at +18037724907 or email fscpa@bellsouth.net. Visit thei…
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#9 Schmoyer And Company LLC 20/100
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in our services, location, client portal.
Schmoyer And Company LLC is an accounting firm proudly serving Columbia, SC. Reach them at 8032542050 or email info@schmoyercpa.com. Visit their we…
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#10 South Carolina Society of Accountants 19/100
Selected for CFP certified; team of 2 professionals.
South Carolina Society of Accountants brings reliable accounting services to Columbia and nearby communities in SC. Reach out at +18035407521 or visit them online.
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#11 Kyle J. Towles CPA, LLC 19/100
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in leave a comment cancel reply, services, credentials.
An accounting firm in the heart of Columbia, Kyle J. Towles CPA, LLC is just a phone call away at 8035861008. Learn more on their website.
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#12 Frady & Stafford, CPAs, PA 18/100
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in q: what types of clients do you serve?, q: do you offer virtual consultations?, q: can you help with irs issues or audits?.
Frady & Stafford CPAs PA in Columbia, S.C., has assisted clients with all types of accounting and tax matters for 40 years. Contact us for a consultation (803) 772-4907.
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Selected for specializes in locate a 1031 expert in your area, exchange topics, delayed exchange.
Based in Columbia, SC, IPX1031 - Investment Property Exchange Services, Inc. provides comprehensive accounting services to residential and commercial clients throughout the region. The sale and excha…
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#14 The Hobbs Group 16/100
Ranked 14th among cpas in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Serving Columbia and the surrounding SC region, The Hobbs Group is available at +18037990555. Visit their website for more information on their accounting services.
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#15 Browns Accounting Services 15/100
Ranked 15th among cpas in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Browns Accounting Services is an accounting firm firm serving Columbia and surrounding areas in SC. Reach them at +18037827153 or email mbrown1947@gmail.com. Visit their website to learn more about t…
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How We Ranked These CPAs
This list ranks cpas by their aggregate customer rating (Google and verified review platforms). Ties are broken by Guide Score. Only businesses with at least one verified review are eligible.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best cpas in Columbia?
Top CPAs ranks cpas using our Guide Score (0-100), a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score weighs Google reviews and ratings (30%), professional credentials and certifications (10%), press and media recognition (5%), web and portfolio presence (15%), years of experience (15%), profile completeness (10%), and awards (up to 5 bonus points). There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 cpa in Columbia, SC?
As of 2026, Accounting Systems Incorporated holds the #1 ranking in Columbia with a Guide Score of 36/100. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many cpas are there in Columbia?
Our database currently tracks 36 active cpas in the Columbia, SC metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Columbia directory to see every listed business.
Can a cpa pay to be ranked higher?
No. Top CPAs does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a cpa in Columbia?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Columbia market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.