Running a small business on Cape Cod can be rewarding and hectic.
Maybe you own a café that’s packed all summer and quiet in winter. Maybe you run a landscaping company or a retail shop that thrives on seasonal visitors. Or maybe you’re simply tired of wrestling with bookkeeping and tax deadlines on your own.
If you’re looking for top accounting firms on Cape Cod, you’ve come to the right place. Businesses on the Cape usually have unique cash-flow patterns, property-tax rules and state/local compliance requirements. The right accountant understands how these factors affect your business and can keep you ahead of the curve.
Below we’ve rounded up three local firms that could be a great fit if you’re looking for more support with your finances.
What to Look for in an Accountant on Cape Cod
Local Industry Knowledge
Many businesses on Cape Cod face big swings between summer and off-season; short-term rental and property taxes add another layer. Pick a firm that already works with businesses like yours, so they can anticipate issues instead of reacting to them.
Service Scope
Some accountants handle only tax returns. Others offer bookkeeping, payroll, CFO-level consulting or advice on structuring your business for growth. Make sure the scope matches what you actually need now and in the near future.
Understanding Of State And Local Rules
Massachusetts has its own rules on paid family leave, minimum wage and sick time. Cape towns also have local add-on room taxes for short-term rentals and special assessments on certain properties. A Cape-based accountant will already be familiar with these.
Transparent Pricing
Seasonal businesses especially benefit from clear, predictable pricing so you can budget without surprises. Ask up front about fees for payroll spikes or special filings.
Here Are Our Picks Of Top Accounting Firms On Cape Cod
1. Steven M. Ellard, CPA
Steven M. Ellard, CPA has been serving individuals and businesses on Cape Cod for more than 30 years. The firm focuses on accounting and tax services for local businesses, homeowners associations (HOAs) and healthcare professionals who want hands-on support without feeling like a number. Their team knows the region’s seasonal economy, property-tax nuances, and Massachusetts tax rules inside out.
At a glance:
- Simple packages that cover your full accounting & payroll needs
- Specializes in small businesses, restaurants, healthcare professionals and HOAs
- Decades of experience with local and state tax compliance
- Personalized, responsive service
2. Forvis Mazars, LLP – Brewster, MA Office
The Brewster office of Forvis Mazars gives local clients access to a national firm’s resources without losing a Cape Cod connection. According to their website, they provide audit, tax, and consulting services and highlight capabilities in healthcare, state and local tax planning and special reporting tools. This can be especially useful for medical practices, larger nonprofits, or property managers who need deeper compliance support.
At a glance:
- Audit, tax and consulting services with national-level resources
- Familiarity with healthcare and complex state/local tax issues
- Local office in Brewster provides personal contact
3. Sanders, Walsh & Eaton CPAs, LLC (SWE CPA)
With offices in Osterville, West Chatham, Sandwich and Dennis, SWE CPA is truly rooted on Cape Cod. They offer a full suite of services from tax preparation to audits, reviews, and bookkeeping. For small and mid-sized businesses looking for a reliable local team they can visit in person, SWE CPA is an approachable option.
At a glance:
- Multiple offices on Cape Cod for convenience
- Tax, audit and accounting services for small businesses and individuals
- No clearly advertised industry niche, so ask about experience in your sector
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right partner comes down to your goals and the level of support you need. Each of these firms understands the Cape Cod environment and can help you stay compliant and confident with your finances.
At Steven M. Ellard, CPA, our BOSS: Outsourced Accounting Services are designed to support small businesses with all your bookkeeping and accounting tasks. We provide 3 levels of support that scale with your business, each with transparent pricing.
If you’re looking for an accountant on the Cape, book a discovery call with our team.
We’d love to help!
Until next time.