With so many firms operating in and around the city, narrowing the field can be challenging. Some
firms specialise in large corporate structures, others focus on local owner managed businesses, and
a few manage to combine technical expertise with genuinely personal service.
The accountants below stand out not because they are the biggest, but because they consistently
deliver value, clarity, and trust to their clients.
Here are the top 10 accountants in Cambridge, starting with the firm that sets the benchmark for
service and results.
- GMS Business Accountants (Graham)
GMS Business Accountants Cambridge
GMS Business Accountants, led by Graham, has built a reputation in Cambridge for doing exactly
what business owners want from their accountant. Clear advice, fast responses, and practical
guidance that actually helps businesses move forward.
The firm works closely with startups, limited companies, sole traders, and growing SMEs. Services
cover everything from company formation and bookkeeping to VAT, payroll, management accounts,
and tax planning. What truly differentiates GMS is the proactive nature of their advice. Clients are
not simply told what has already happened. They are shown how to improve profitability, manage
cash flow, and plan ahead with confidence.
GMS places strong emphasis on relationships. Clients deal directly with their accountant and receive advice tailored to their specific situation, not generic guidance. That combination of technical
competence, commercial awareness, and personal service makes GMS Business Accountants the
standout choice in Cambridge. - Peters Elworthy and Moore (PEM)
LinkedIn
Peters Elworthy and Moore, commonly known as PEM, is one of the most established and
recognised accountancy firms in Cambridge. With deep roots in the local business community, the
firm advises a broad range of clients including owner managed businesses, charities, education
institutions, and private individuals with complex financial affairs.
PEM is particularly well regarded for its audit, tax advisory, and corporate finance capabilities. The
firm’s size and structure allow it to handle more technical and regulated work, making it a strong choice for organisations that require formal reporting, governance support, or specialist tax planning backed by a large professional team. - Ensors Accountants
LinkedIn
Ensors is a respected regional accountancy firm with a solid presence in Cambridge and across East Anglia. The firm supports businesses at various stages of growth, from established SMEs to larger owner managed companies that require more structured financial oversight.
Clients often choose Ensors for its breadth of services, which include accounts, tax, audit, and
business advisory work. Ensors combines regional knowledge with the systems and processes of a
larger firm, appealing to businesses that are scaling and need reliable, well organised financial
support without moving to a national provider. - Price Bailey
LinkedIn
Price Bailey has a strong reputation in Cambridge, particularly within the technology, life sciences,
and innovation sectors. The firm works closely with fast growing companies, startups, and
international businesses that are drawn to Cambridge’s science and research ecosystem.
Beyond core accounting and tax services, Price Bailey offers specialist expertise in areas such as R
and D tax credits, corporate finance, share schemes, and international structuring. Their sector
focused approach makes them a popular choice for ambitious businesses looking for advisers who
understand both numbers and growth strategy. - Birketts
LinkedIn
Birketts is best known as a full service legal firm, but it also provides accounting and tax related
services to businesses and individuals in Cambridge. This combined legal and financial capability is
particularly valuable where tax, corporate structuring, and regulatory issues overlap.
Clients who work with Birketts often value the joined up approach, especially for complex matters
such as transactions, restructuring, or long term estate and tax planning. The firm is well suited to
organisations and individuals who require coordinated advice across multiple professional
disciplines. - Staffords
Staffords is a Cambridge based accountancy firm with a strong focus on owner managed businesses and private clients. The firm has built its reputation on personal service, accessibility, and clear communication, which appeals to clients who want a close working relationship with their
accountant.
Staffords provides support across accounts, tax compliance, and advisory services, with an emphasis on tax efficiency and long term planning. It is a good fit for businesses that value consistency and direct access to experienced professionals rather than dealing with large teams. - MA Partners
LinkedIn
MA Partners is a well established regional firm serving Cambridge and the surrounding areas. The firm works with a wide range of clients including SMEs, family owned businesses, and agricultural enterprises, offering a combination of traditional accounting and forward looking advisory services.
Cambridge clients benefit from MA Partners’ emphasis on long term relationships and practical advice. The firm is often chosen by businesses that want dependable support, continuity, and guidance that aligns with both commercial goals and personal financial planning. - HaysMac
LinkedIn
HaysMac is a national accountancy firm with clients in Cambridge, particularly within technology,
media, and professional services. The firm is known for its modern outlook and its ability to support
businesses operating in fast moving and competitive sectors.
In addition to audit and tax services, HaysMac provides strategic advisory support, helping
businesses manage growth, compliance, and organisational change. It is well suited to companies
that want a commercially minded adviser with national reach and sector specific expertise. - Grant Thornton
LinkedIn
Grant Thornton is a major national accountancy and advisory firm with a strong client base in and
around Cambridge. The firm typically works with larger SMEs, corporates, and organisations with
complex structures or international operations.
Grant Thornton offers extensive audit, tax, and advisory services, supported by significant resources and specialist teams. Businesses with ambitious growth plans or complex reporting requirements often choose Grant Thornton for its scale, consistency, and depth of expertise. - Azets
LinkedIn
Azets is a rapidly growing accounting and advisory group with offices across the UK and a growing
presence among Cambridge businesses. The firm is known for its digital first approach and
structured service delivery.
Cambridge clients often choose Azets for its use of modern accounting technology, clear reporting,
and wide service offering. Azets is particularly appealing to businesses that value efficiency, cloud
based systems, and access to a national support network while maintaining a local relationship.
Final Thoughts
Cambridge is home to a wide range of high quality accountancy firms, each offering different
strengths depending on business size, sector, and complexity. From national firms with extensive
resources to regional practices with deep technical expertise, there is no shortage of choice. The key
is finding an accountant who not only understands the rules, but understands your business.
For many owner managed businesses, startups, and growing companies, the value lies in clarity,
accessibility, and proactive advice. An accountant should help you plan ahead, avoid problems
before they arise, and make informed decisions with confidence. That is where the right relationship
makes a measurable difference.
While every firm on this list has earned its reputation, GMS Business Accountants stands out for its
hands on approach, clear communication, and strong focus on long term client success. For
businesses in Cambridge looking for an accountant who combines technical knowledge with
practical, real world guidance, the right choice can become one of the most valuable partnerships
you make.
Thinking of switching accountants or getting advice for the first time?
A good conversation is always the best starting point.
