Singapore has a well-established accounting sector with firms ranging from the Big Four multinationals to mid-tier regional practices and boutique local firms. The most prominent names operating here include Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG, all of which have significant Singapore offices handling audit, tax, and advisory work for listed companies and MNCs. For small and medium enterprises, firms such as Crowe Singapore, RSM Singapore, BDO, and Baker Tilly are widely used.
Big Four and Mid-Tier Firms
The Big Four each maintain large teams in Singapore. Deloitte Singapore and PwC Singapore are among the larger practices, with PwC auditing a substantial portion of SGX-listed companies. EY and KPMG are similarly active across financial services, real estate, and technology sectors. These firms handle statutory audits, transfer pricing, GST advisory, and cross-border tax structuring.
Mid-tier firms fill the gap for businesses that need professional-grade work without Big Four fees. RSM Singapore, Crowe Singapore, and BDO Singapore each hold memberships in global networks, which matters for clients with regional operations requiring coordinated filings across multiple jurisdictions. Baker Tilly and Mazars also operate here with solid reputations in audit and corporate advisory.
Local and Boutique Accounting Firms
Hundreds of smaller public accounting firms are registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). Firms like Foo Kon Tan, Nexia Singapore, and RT LLP serve SMEs, family businesses, and startups. Many offer bundled packages covering company incorporation, bookkeeping, payroll, GST filing, and corporate secretarial work, which suits businesses that want a single provider handling their compliance obligations.
Fees vary considerably. Basic bookkeeping and annual return filing for a simple private limited company can start from around SGD 1,500 to SGD 3,000 per year at a smaller firm. Statutory audits for SMEs typically range from SGD 3,000 upwards depending on turnover and complexity.
What to Look for When Choosing a Firm
ACRA registration is a baseline requirement. For audit work specifically, the firm must hold a public accountant licence. It is worth checking whether the firm’s partners hold membership with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA). For businesses with cross-border activity, network membership (such as Baker Tilly International or Nexia International) gives access to affiliated firms in other countries.
Industry experience matters more than firm size for niche sectors. A firm that regularly handles fintech clients or F&B businesses will be more familiar with the relevant tax positions and regulatory nuances than a generalist practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Singapore companies need an audit?
No. Small companies that meet at least two of three criteria (annual revenue below SGD 10 million, total assets below SGD 10 million, or fewer than 50 employees) are exempt from statutory audit under the Companies Act. Exempt private companies with revenue under SGD 5 million also qualify. Companies outside these thresholds must appoint a registered public accountant to conduct the audit.
What is the difference between a public accountant and an accounting firm in Singapore?
A public accountant is an individual licensed by ACRA to sign off on statutory audits. An accounting firm may employ public accountants and offer a broader range of services including bookkeeping, tax filing, and corporate secretarial work. Not every accounting firm holds audit rights; smaller practices often focus on non-audit services only.
Can a foreign accounting firm operate in Singapore?
Yes, foreign firms can establish a presence in Singapore, but to conduct statutory audits they must register with ACRA and ensure that the signing partner holds a Singapore public accountant licence. The Big Four and most mid-tier international firms have done this through locally incorporated entities.
